Topic 7.1 - Energy Source and Security Flashcards
How are fossil fuels formed?
Through natural processes such as anaerobic decomposition of buried dead organisms, contraining energy
What are some of the consecuences of fossil fuels being the main backbone of industrialisation?
Increase in greenhouse gases
Acid rain
Global climate change
What are some of the disadvantages of non-renewable resources?
They are drawn from finite resourcs that will eventually dwindle
They can become too expensive or environmentally damaging to retrieve
What is the key difference between fossil fuel usage and non-biomass renewable sources of energy
The latter do not directly emit greenhouse gases
What are the advantages of renewable energy sources?
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Decreases demand for fossil fuels
Sustainable; no depletion of natural capital
Is nuclear power renewable or non-renewable?
Renewable
What are the benefits of nuclear power?
It emits no greeenhouse gases, acidic gases or particulates linked to global warming or environmental degradation
What are the disadvantages of nuclear power?
Poses numerous threats to people
Environmental damage from uranium mining, processing and transport
THe risk of nuclear weapons prolifertation or sabotage
Radioactive nuclear waste is an unresolved problem
What is energy security?
The uninterrupted availiability of energy sources at an affordable price
What are some of the key aspects of energy security?
Timely investment to supply energy in line with economic developments and environmental needs
Access to cheap energy has become…
essential to the functioning of modern economies
Give a named example of a time when the uneven distribution of energy supplies among countries has led to vulnerabilities
January 2009 - Ukraine-Russia gas dispute which caused the largest national gas supply crisis in Europe’s history at the time
What is one threat to integrated electrical grids?
Blackouts can cascade and affect multiple economies simultaneously
What factors may affect a states choice of energy sources?
Available energy resources - domestic or international
Population size
Historical energy use
Needs of industry
Available technology - does it already exist?
Political direction - can lead to conflict over supplies or choice to use domestic supplies at increased prices to reduce risk
Economics - cheaper to import or produce
Why do MEDCs have higher demands than LEDCs?
They depend on energy for transport, heating, air conditioning, cooking and more
