Topic 9.2 - Impacts Of Energy Production

Question 1

What are some of the environmental impacts of extracting fossil fuels by mining?

Answer 1

• Surface mining strips away large areas of soil, rock, vegetation so miners can reach resources which can permanently scar the landscape
• Habitats destroyed to make way for mines
• Clearing forest affects the water cycle. Fewer trees to take up water from the ground means increased soil erosion
• Mining processes can release greenhouse gases

Question 2

What are the environmental impacts of extracting oil and gas by drilling into underground reservoirs?

Answer 2

• Onshore drilling requires land to be stripped of vegetation to make space for drills and roads
• Oil spills cause major damage to the environment especially out at sea
• Extracting natural gas from underground reservoirs can cause methane to leak into the atmosphere - global warming

Question 3

What are the environmental impacts of wind turbines?

Answer 3

• Large numbers of wind turbines are needed to produce significant amounts of electricity and need to be set up far appart so can take up lots of space
• Wind farms produce a constant humming sound (noise pollution)
• The spinning blades can kill or injure birds or bats

Question 4

What are the environmental impacts of solar energy?

Answer 4

• Some solar farms use ground and surface water to clean panels, so water shortage in arid areas disturbing ecosystems
• Heat reflected from mirrors can kill wildlife
• Built on ground can disturb and damage habittas

Question 5

What are the environmental impacts of HEP?

Answer 5

• Flood
• Build up of sediment in river can block sunlight so plants and algae die
• The river can be affected by changes to water flow