Topic 1 - Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Question 1

Define a Fossil Fuel

Answer 1

“Fuel consisting of the remains of organisms preserved in rocks in the Earth’s crust with high carbon and hydrogen content.”

Question 2

Define Renewable Energy

Answer 2

“A form of energy derived from natural sources that do not use up natural resources to harm the environment.”

Question 3

How long does it take Fossil Fuels to form?

Answer 3

Hundreds of millions of years.

Question 4

How long does it take a Renewable Energy source to replenish?

Answer 4

One human lifetime.

Question 5

What are the three main types of Fossil Fuels?

Answer 5

Coal, Crude Oil, and Natural Gas.

Question 6

What are the four main products of fossil fuels?

Answer 6

Plastic, Pharmaceutics, Transport, Fibres.

Question 7

How many more years was coal projected to last in 2016?

Answer 7

100~

Question 8

How many more years was natural gas projected to last in 2016?

Answer 8

50~

Question 9

How many more years was crude oil projected to last in 2016?

Answer 9

50~

Question 10

Why can some projections on the lifespan of Fossil Fuels be incorrect?

Answer 10

As although crude oil fields exist they may be unexploitable due to current engineering limitations

Question 11

What is the name of the global scientific panel that publishes data proving climate change is anthropogenic? State its abbreviation also.

Answer 11

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Question 12

What is Carbon Trading?

Answer 12

Carbon Trading is a method that aims to reduce the carbon emissions of a nation, by providing incentives for major polluting industries.

Question 13

How does Carbon Trading operate?

Answer 13

Based upon a permits/credits system established by the Kyoto Protocol, every nation is given a set number of permits, and if they go over their allocated permits, they must buy more from other nations (who can sell their unused permits for a profit), this acts a fine of sorts.

Question 14

List four advantages of Carbon Trading.

Answer 14

1. The scheme will reduce CO2 emissions, improving the environment.
2. It should provide a country with control over its levels of CO2 emissions.
3. Companies are provided with incentives to reduce their CO2 emissions as unused permits can be sold for a profit.
4. It allows for companies to enter a transition period which suits them.

Question 15

State four causes of climate change.

Answer 15

1. More volatile weather patterns. (Increased flooding, storms, forest fires.)
2. Sea temperatures have risen.
3. Polar ice caps are melting.
4. Sea levels are rising. (Mainly due to thermal expansion of water.)

Question 16

List two ways carbon trading can reduce worldwide emissions.

Answer 16

Carbon permits set amount, go over their set amount, pay a fine (in the form of buying more permits).

Under the set amount of permits, sell them to countries that go over. This incentive promotes reducing CO2 usage.

Question 17

List three ways as to why Carbon Trading is not always a success.

Answer 17

Small countries can be manipulated by larger ones to sell credits for cheap.

Some businesses may choose to just pay the fines and not reduce CO2 emissions.

Countries are independent in their evaluations as to how many credits they need, this may result in too many credits being gave.

Question 18

Why have fossil fuels been important in the development of modern society?

Answer 18

Fossil fuels are a source of fuel for transport/electricity generation.

Fossil fuels provide raw materials for plastic/pharmaceutical/fibre
production.