The environmental impacts of energy production, transport and usage at local and global scales. Flashcards
What are the Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Energy Production?
Releases CO₂ and greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming and climate change.
Causes air pollution, including sulfur dioxide, leading to acid rain.
Leads to habitat destruction from mining and drilling activities.
What Are the Local Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Transport?
Oil spills and gas leaks contaminate water and soil.
Air pollution from vehicle emissions.
Noise pollution from transport operations
What Are the Global Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Usage?
Releases CO₂, intensifying climate change.
Causes rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
Leads to rising sea levels from ice melt.
Contributes to ocean acidification, harming marine life.
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Nuclear Energy Production?
Low greenhouse gas emissions, but generates radioactive waste that remains hazardous for thousands of years.
Nuclear accidents (e.g., Chernobyl, Fukushima) can cause long-term radiation contamination of air, soil, and water.
What Are the Local Environmental Impacts of Nuclear Power Plants?
Thermal pollution occurs when water used for cooling is released back into rivers, harming aquatic ecosystems.
In the event of an accident, radiation contamination can affect the surrounding area, causing long-term environmental and health issues.
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Solar Energy Production?
Manufacturing solar panels requires energy and materials, leading to impacts like mining for metals (silicon, cadmium, copper).
Large-scale solar farms can affect local ecosystems and habitats.
What Are the Local Environmental Impacts of Wind Energy?
Minimal environmental impact overall, but large wind farms can affect local wildlife, particularly bird and bat populations.
Visual and noise pollution may be a concern for nearby communities.
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Hydroelectric Energy?
Habitat destruction from damming rivers and flooding large areas, leading to the loss of ecosystems and displacement of communities.
Alters water quality and fish migration patterns, negatively affecting aquatic life.
What Are the Global Environmental Impacts of Biomass Energy Production?
Can lead to deforestation if forests are cleared for fuel crops.
Burning biomass releases CO₂, though it’s considered carbon-neutral if sourced sustainably.
Still contributes to air pollution and particulate matter.
How Does the Transport of Renewable Energy (e.g., Biomass or Hydropower) Impact the Environment?
Emissions from trucks, ships, or pipelines during transportation.
Large-scale transport of biofuels can cause habitat disruption and increase carbon footprints if not properly managed.
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Electric Vehicle (EV) Usage?
Reduce air pollution and GHG emissions compared to conventional vehicles.
Battery production (especially lithium-ion) can lead to mining impacts, energy-intensive processes, and hazardous waste disposal.
If electricity comes from fossil fuels, the environmental benefits are reduced.
What Are the Local Environmental Impacts of Energy Usage in Homes and Industries?
Local air pollution and the creation of heat islands in urban areas due to increased energy consumption for cooling.
Waste generation from energy use.
Industrial processes can cause water and soil contamination, especially when powered by fossil fuels.
How Does the Usage of Energy in Transportation Affect the Environment?
Air pollution from fossil fuels, including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change.
Traffic congestion increases fuel consumption and emissions.
Road construction can disrupt ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
What Are the Global Environmental Impacts of Energy Usage on Climate Change?
Contributes to global warming, leading to rising sea levels and extreme weather events (heatwaves, storms).
Disrupts ecosystems.
Greenhouse gas emissions from energy use are the primary driver of climate change.
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Energy Efficiency Measures (e.g., LED lighting, insulation)?
Reduce energy demand and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The production and installation of energy-efficient technologies may have a minor environmental impact.
Generally lead to long-term reductions in energy consumption, air pollution, and resource depletion.
