The Environment

Question 1

What signs of global warming are being seen around the world?

Answer 1

Arctic ice and permafrost are disappearing
Antarctic ice sheets are melting into the oceans
Tropics are experiencing more frequent and destructive storms and floods
European glaciers are disappearing

Question 2

Why has global warming become more of a problem to society in recent years?

Answer 2

Due to the increased demand for energy, more fossil fuels are being burnt thus releasing phenomenal volumes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

Question 3

What are the problems involved with global warming?

Answer 3

Flooding
Drought
Can lead to improved growth of crops in some areas but is generally associated with food shortages
Rising sea levels
Unpredictable weather

Question 4

What substitutes do we have to fossil fuel plants?

Answer 4

Wind turbines
Tidal power
Solar plants
Nuclear plants

Question 5

What is CCS?

Answer 5

Carbon capture and storage; the process of capturing carbon dioxide from power stations and storing it away safely

Question 6

Where can carbon dioxide be stored?

Answer 6

In underground porous rock
In old oil fields and gas fields
In underground pipes
Can be reacted to form metal carbonates

Question 7

How does carbon dioxide help with the oil extraction industry?

Answer 7

The last 30% of oil from an oil field is difficult to extract but with the aid of waste carbon dioxide being pumped in helps to extract more oil

Question 8

What is the problem with converting carbon dioxide into carbonates?

Answer 8

The reaction is very slow

Would have to be very energy intensive to be worthwhile