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?
Fossil fuel energy production (coal, oil, gas) releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs), contributing to global warming and climate change. It also results in air pollution (e.g., sulfur dioxide), acid rain, and habitat destruction from mining or drilling activities.
What Are the Local Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Transport?
Fossil fuel transport (via pipelines, trucks, or ships) can lead to oil spills or gas leaks, causing water and soil contamination. It can also contribute to air pollution from vehicle emissions and noise pollution in surrounding areas.
What Are the Global Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Usage?
The combustion of fossil fuels releases significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. This leads to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. It also contributes to acidification of oceans, impacting marine life.
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Nuclear Energy Production?
Nuclear energy has low direct greenhouse gas emissions, but it produces radioactive waste that remains hazardous for thousands of years. Nuclear accidents (e.g., Chernobyl, Fukushima) can have long-lasting environmental impacts, including radiation contamination of air, soil, and water.
What Are the Local Environmental Impacts of Nuclear Power Plants?
Local impacts include thermal pollution, where water used for cooling is released back into rivers, harming aquatic ecosystems. In case of an accident, radiation can contaminate the surrounding area, leading to long-term environmental and health issues
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Solar Energy Production?
Solar energy is relatively environmentally friendly. However, the manufacturing of solar panels requires energy and materials, which can create environmental impacts, such as mining for metals like silicon, cadmium, and copper. Large-scale solar farms can also impact local ecosystems and habitats.
What Are the Local Environmental Impacts of Wind Energy?
Wind energy is a clean source of power with minimal environmental impact. However, large wind farms can affect local wildlife, especially bird and bat populations. Wind turbines can also cause visual and noise pollution for nearby communities.
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Hydroelectric Energy?
Hydroelectric power can cause significant habitat destruction due to damming rivers and flooding large areas of land. This leads to the loss of ecosystems and can displace local communities. It can also alter water quality and fish migration patterns, affecting aquatic life.
What Are the Global Environmental Impacts of Biomass Energy Production?
Biomass energy production can contribute to deforestation if forests are cleared to grow crops for fuel. The burning of biomass releases CO2, although it is considered carbon-neutral if the biomass comes from sustainably managed sources. However, it still contributes to air pollution and particulate matter.
How Does the Transport of Renewable Energy (e.g., Biomass or Hydropower) Impact the Environment?
ransporting biomass and hydropower involves emissions from trucks, ships, or pipelines. In addition, large-scale transportation of biofuels can result in habitat disruption and increased carbon footprints if not properly managed.
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Electric Vehicle (EV) Usage?
EVs reduce air pollution and GHG emissions compared to conventional vehicles. However, the production of batteries (especially lithium-ion) can have significant environmental impacts due to mining, energy-intensive processes, and hazardous waste disposal. Additionally, if the electricity used is from fossil fuels, the benefits are reduced.
What Are the Local Environmental Impacts of Energy Usage in Homes and Industries?
Energy usage in homes and industries leads to local air pollution, heat islands in urban areas (due to increased energy consumption for cooling), and waste generation. Industrial processes also result in water and soil contamination, especially when powered by fossil fuels.
How Does the Usage of Energy in Transportation Affect the Environment?
The use of energy in transportation, especially fossil fuels, leads to air pollution (nitrogen oxides, particulate matter) and greenhouse gas emissions. Traffic congestion increases fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, road construction can disrupt ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
What Are the Global Environmental Impacts of Energy Usage on Climate Change?
The global environmental impacts of energy usage, particularly fossil fuels, contribute to global warming, leading to rising sea levels, extreme weather events (heatwaves, storms), and disruptions in ecosystems. Greenhouse gas emissions from energy usage are the primary driver of climate change.
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Energy Efficiency Measures (e.g., LED lighting, insulation)?
Energy efficiency measures reduce energy demand and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The production and installation of energy-efficient technologies may have a minor environmental impact, but they generally lead to long-term reductions in energy consumption, air pollution, and resource depletion.
