Topic 2 - Counting the Cost of Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Question 1

What has been the trend of usage of fossil fuels in Western countries since the Industrial Revolution?

Answer 1

An alarming increase in fossil fuel consumption.

Question 2

Which type of fossil fuel represented nearly all usage from the 1800’s-1920?

Answer 2

Coal

Question 3

What were some uses of coal from the 1800’s-1920?

Answer 3

Heating of homes;
Electricity production;
Steel production.

Question 4

What are some disadvantages of using coal?

Answer 4

It is the most polluting fossil fuel;
It has adverse effects on health, e.g. asthma and links to cancer.

Question 5

List the four global emerging economies (listed in the specification).

Answer 5

Brazil, Russia, India, China. (BRIC)

Question 6

What impact do these emerging economies have on fossil fuel usage?

Answer 6

These nations will need increased infrastructure, technology, pharmaceuticals/health care, energy and also commodities.

Question 7

What are the key points of fuel security?

Answer 7

Uninterrupted availability and an Affordable Price

Question 8

Which nations do not face the problems associated with energy security?

Answer 8

Those with large fossil fuel reserves.

Question 9

List three examples of how global demand for fossil fuels impacts geopolitics.

Answer 9

The installation of the Shah in Iran;
The Oil Crisis of the 1970s;
The conflict in Iraq

Question 10

What are some problems that occur from importing fuel?

Answer 10

Relations with foreign countries can take decades to build, but only minutes to shatter.

Supply lines (e.g rivers, oceans, large roads) may be vulnerable to disruption (such as the UK Oil tankers being seized in Iran in 2019).