Unit 2C: Challenge of Recource Management Flashcards
What are the three essential resources needed for basic human development?
Food, water, and energy.
What can malnourishment include?
Undernourishment, where people don’t get enough food of any kind.
How can malnourishment affect children’s development?
It can cause issues like iron deficiency and increase the likelihood of illness.
What is the impact of polluted water sources?
They can lead to water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
What role does water play in food production?
Water is needed to produce food, clothes, and many other products.
Why do higher income countries (HICs) depend on a stable supply of energy?
For industry, transport, and use in homes.
What are the consequences of electricity shortages in lower income countries (LICs)?
People may use alternative resources like burning wood or using kerosene stoves.
How does the global distribution of resources vary?
It is very uneven; some countries lack energy reserves or suitable environments for food production.
What do countries with limited resources often have to do?
Import resources or find technological solutions to produce more.
What factor greatly influences resource consumption in a country?
Wealth and resource availability.
How does food demand in the UK differ from before the 1960s?
There is now a greater demand for a wider range of products, including imported exotic foods.
What are seasonal products?
Foods that are only available during the months they grow.
What is agribusiness?
Large-scale, industrial farming where all processes are controlled by large firms.
What has happened to farm sizes in the UK since the 1960s?
Farm sizes have increased, with many small farms being taken over.
What is the trend regarding the use of chemicals in food production?
The amount of chemicals, such as artificial fertilizers and pesticides, has been increasing.
What is the term for the distance food is transported to the market?
Food miles.
What is a carbon footprint in relation to food?
The amount of greenhouse gas produced while growing, packing, and transporting food.
What is the relationship between imported foods and their carbon footprint?
Imported foods typically have a larger carbon footprint due to longer transportation distances.
Fill in the blank: People in _______ countries consume more food, water, and energy.
richer
True or False: The number of workers employed in agriculture in the UK has increased since the 1960s.
False
What areas of the UK have a water surplus?
The north and west of the UK
These areas experience high rainfall, resulting in a greater supply of water than demand.
What areas of the UK are considered to have a water deficit?
The south east and the Midlands
These regions have high population densities, leading to a greater demand for water than supply.
By how much has household water usage in the UK increased since 1975?
About 70%
This increase is partly due to more appliances that use significant amounts of water.
What is the predicted UK population by 2040?
Nearly 73 million
This represents an increase of over 6 million people.
What are some sources of water pollution in the UK?
- Nitrates and phosphates from crop fertilizers
- Pollutants from vehicles
- Chemical and oil spills from factories
These pollutants can affect both river water and groundwater quality.
What percentage of groundwater used for public supply in the UK is affected by pollution?
Nearly 50%
Many groundwater sources have either closed or required expensive treatment to ensure safety for use.
What are some strategies to manage water quality?
- Improving drainage systems
- Imposing regulations on fertilizers and pesticides
These strategies aim to enhance the quality of water resources.
What is groundwater?
Water found underground in cracks and pores in rock, and in soil.
What is one solution to the water supply and demand problem?
Transfer water from areas of surplus to areas of deficit
For example, Birmingham receives water from parts of Wales.
What are some issues that can arise from water transfer projects?
- High construction costs (e.g. £300 million for Birmingham Resilience Project)
- Disruption of wildlife, such as fish migration
- Political opposition to water transfer
These factors can complicate the implementation of water transfer solutions.
What energy sources has the UK traditionally relied on?
Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas)
In 1970, 91% of energy came from coal and oil.
What percentage of the UK’s energy was supplied by gas by 1980?
22%
This was due to the discovery of large gas reserves under the North Sea.
What is the trend regarding the UK’s energy sources?
A shift towards renewable energy sources
All coal-fired power stations in the UK are set to close by 2025.
What are the biggest sources of renewable energy in the UK?
- Wind
- Bioenergy
The use of solar and hydroelectric power has also increased.
What is happening to North Sea oil and gas reserves?
They are being swiftly used up and production has been declining since 2000.
What is the status of coal production in the UK?
Significantly decreased since the mid-20th century
The last deep coal mine in the UK closed in December 2015.
What process is being considered to add to the UK’s energy resources?
Fracking
This involves extracting shale gas from underground.
What do we need energy for?
To heat our homes, cook food, and drive cars.
What is a major economic issue related to extracting fossil fuels?
Extracting fossil fuels can be expensive and the cost of extraction increases as reserves are used up.
Why is North Sea oil considered expensive to produce?
It is especially expensive to produce, and if the price of oil on the world market drops, it may cost more to produce than it can be sold for.
What is the cost concern related to electricity from nuclear and renewable energy sources?
The cost to the consumer is relatively high.
What significant investment is needed for alternative energy sources?
Money is needed for research into alternative energy sources and for initial investments like the new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point, costing around £20.3 billion.
What current issue does the UK face regarding energy supply?
Domestic sources don’t currently provide enough energy to meet demand, requiring imports from other countries.
What greenhouse gas is released by burning fossil fuels?
CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
What environmental issue is associated with fracking?
Fracking may pollute groundwater and cause mini-earthquakes.
What can accidents in energy production lead to?
Accidents can leak toxic chemicals into water sources, soils, and the atmosphere.
How can renewable energy generators impact natural ecosystems?
They can damage ecosystems, as seen with large wind farms or the tidal power project planned for Fleetwood in Lancashire.
What is a common perception of power stations and wind farms?
They are often considered to be eyesores.
True or False: Exploiting energy sources only brings wealth without any problems.
False.
Fill in the blank: Exploiting energy sources causes _______ and environmental issues.
economic
What should learners be aware of regarding renewable energy sources?
Renewable energy sources aren’t a magic solution; there are issues with using them to supply energy too.
What is the global food supply situation?
The global food supply is uneven, with some areas lacking enough food.
Which regions produce a lot of food?
North America and East Asia produce a lot of food.
Which regions produce only small amounts of food?
Central America and Africa only produce small amounts of food.
What is food security?
Food security is when people can eat enough nutritious food to stay healthy and active.
What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity is when people can’t get enough food to stay healthy and active.
What are the two main reasons for the increase in global food consumption?
- Rising population
- Economic development
What is the expected global population by 2040?
The global population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2040.
How does economic development affect food consumption?
Economic development means countries are getting wealthier, leading to increased food consumption.
What does industrialisation of agriculture lead to?
Industrialisation of agriculture allows countries to produce more food at lower costs.
Fill in the blank: Food becomes _______ as production increases.
[cheaper]
True or False: Wealthy countries only eat what is seasonally available.
False
What is a characteristic of high-income countries (HICs) regarding food consumption?
HICs can afford to import a large variety of foods and consume a lot.
What is a characteristic of low-income countries (LICs) regarding food consumption?
LICs, such as Ethiopia, consume less food due to lower availability and affordability.
What happens as wealth increases in newly emerging economies (NEEs)?
NEEs, such as China, are consuming more food as their wealth increases.
What is the relationship between population growth and food demand?
More people and more money lead to more food required.
What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity occurs when there is not enough food being produced or when people are unable to access food supplies.
Name two reasons why food insecurity occurs.
- Not enough food is being produced
- People are unable to access food
What physical factors affect food supply?
- Unsuitable climates for farming
- Extreme weather events (e.g. floods, droughts)
- Water stress
- Pests and diseases
How does water stress impact food production?
Areas with low rainfall or little water for irrigation struggle to grow enough food.
What impact do pests have on food production?
Pests reduce yields by consuming crops, such as locust swarms eating vegetation.
What is undernutrition?
Undernutrition is when a person does not get enough nutrients to keep their body healthy.
What percentage of children under 5 are affected by stunted growth in sub-Saharan Africa?
Around 40% of children under 5.
What are the consequences of soil erosion?
Soil erosion can occur when agricultural practices like over-cultivation or overgrazing reduce plant cover, exposing soil to wind and rain.
True or False: Rising food prices can worsen food insecurity in low-income countries (LICs).
True
What can food shortages and rising food prices lead to?
- Riots
- Civil unrest
- Protests
What negative impact does conflict have on food security?
Conflict can damage agricultural land, disrupt trade routes, and make it unsafe for people to access food.
Fill in the blank: Food insecurity is usually caused by a combination of _______.
[factors]
What is over-cultivation?
Over-cultivation is when crops are grown repeatedly without giving the soil time to recover its nutrients.
What role does technology play in food production?
Mechanization and new technologies can increase productivity and improve crop yields.
What is famine?
A serious lack of food across a large area, leading to starvation and death.
What are some impacts of food insecurity beyond hunger?
- Soil erosion
- Rising food prices
- Social unrest
What is the main goal of increasing food production?
To meet the growing global demand for food.
What are the three main types of irrigation?
- Gravity flow
- Sprinklers
- Drip systems
What is hydroponics?
A method of growing plants in a nutrient solution without soil.
What is aeroponics?
A method of growing plants suspended in air, with nutrients sprayed onto the roots.
What are the benefits of hydroponics and aeroponics?
- Less water required
- Reduced risk of disease and pests
- Higher crop yields
What does biotechnology involve?
Genetically engineering crops to improve production and resilience.
What are some advantages of genetically modified (GM) crops?
- Higher yields
- Resistance to drought, disease, or pests
- Higher nutritional values
What are some ethical concerns regarding GM crops?
- Reduced biodiversity
- Potential disruption of ecosystems
What is the New Green Revolution focused on?
Increasing yields using sustainable methods.
What are appropriate technologies in the context of food production?
Methods suited to local environments and the needs of people.
Give an example of an appropriate technology for irrigation in LICs.
Individual wells with easy to maintain mechanical pumps.
What is the climate like in Burkina Faso?
Hot and generally dry, with a short rainy season.
What is the Bagrè Dam?
A dam built in Burkina Faso to provide a reliable water supply for irrigation.
What are some advantages of the Bagrè Dam project?
- Reliable water supply to over 3300 hectares
- Created 1800 hectares of paddy fields
- Supplied 10% of Burkina Faso’s electricity
- Created more than 1500 jobs
What are some disadvantages of the Bagrè Dam project?
- Only 10% of targeted irrigated area achieved
- Poor maintenance of irrigation canals
- High water charges for farmers
- Displacement of people during construction
- Flooding issues in neighboring Ghana
Fill in the blank: The _______ aims to increase yields using sustainable methods.
New Green Revolution
True or False: Hydroponics and aeroponics require more water than traditional soil growing methods.
False
What is one significant result of the Bagrè Dam by 2012?
Produced over 12,500 tonnes of rice from 1800 hectares of paddy fields.
Fill in the blank: _______ is a method that allows plants to grow without soil by using a nutrient solution.
Hydroponics
What is a major challenge for farmers in Burkina Faso related to the Bagrè Dam project?
Only 22% of farmers live above the poverty threshold.
What are the two challenges in ensuring sustainable food supplies?
Growing enough food now to feed a rising population and ensuring that the environment isn’t damaged in the process
What is industrial agriculture?
Intensive, large-scale food production that has become more widespread since the 1940s
What percentage of the world’s fresh water supply does industrial agriculture use?
70%
What negative impact does industrial agriculture have on soil?
It can make soil less productive by permanently removing nutrients
What is organic farming?
Farming that uses natural processes to return nutrients to the soil and restricts artificial herbicides and pesticides
What techniques are used in organic farming to maintain soil health?
- Crop rotation
- Use of natural fertilizers (e.g., cow manure)
How does organic farming help biodiversity?
By reducing reliance on unsustainable resources and selling produce locally
What does permaculture aim to achieve?
Produce food in a way that recreates natural ecosystems to protect soil, insects, and wildlife
Name two methods used in permaculture.
- Mixed cropping
- Introduction of natural predators
What is urban farming?
Using empty land, rooftops, and balconies in towns to grow food and raise animals
What are the benefits of urban farming initiatives?
- Makes food locally available
- Reduces transport needs
- Improves food security
What is sustainable fishing?
Fishing that includes catch quotas and less harmful fishing methods
How can meat production be made more sustainable?
- Feeding animals locally sourced food
- Ensuring all edible parts are eaten
- Adding seaweed to cattle feed
What is the impact of importing food on sustainability?
It adds food miles and increases the food’s carbon footprint
What is the significance of eating seasonally?
It reduces the amount of food that needs to be imported
What percentage of food produced globally is lost or wasted?
One third
What are two schemes that encourage reducing food waste?
- Think.Eat.Save
- Love Food Hate Waste
What agroforestry techniques are used in Mali?
- Planting staple crops like maize among trees
- Using nitrogen-fixing plants
What is one benefit of the agroforestry system in Mali?
Increases maize yield while protecting the soil
True or False: Consumers’ food choices do not affect the sustainability of food supplies.
False
Fill in the blank: Organic farmers are encouraged to sell their produce __________.
close to where it is produced
What is water insecurity?
Not having enough clean water
Water insecurity occurs when there is insufficient access to clean water for drinking, agriculture, or energy.
What is a water surplus?
Having excess water
A water surplus indicates that there is enough water to meet the needs of all users, including industry, agriculture, and personal health.
What is a water deficit?
Having too little water
A water deficit leads to water insecurity, as there is not enough clean water available for essential needs.
What factors influence water security?
- Amount of water available
- Number of people using the water
- Access to water
Access can be limited in poverty-stricken areas, affecting overall water security.
What happens when demand for water exceeds supply?
Places experience water stress
Water stress occurs when water is insufficient for needs or is of inadequate quality.
What are the global patterns of water security and insecurity based on?
Varying rainfall and population density
Areas with low rainfall and high population density, such as Libya and Mexico, tend to experience water insecurity.
What two main factors are causing rising global water demand?
- Rising population
- Economic development
As the population grows and countries develop, the demand for water increases significantly.
How does industrialization affect water use?
It increases water consumption for manufacturing
Developed countries produce more goods, which requires more water for industrial processes.
What percentage of freshwater resources is used annually for energy production?
Over 50 billion m³
This figure highlights the substantial amount of freshwater needed for energy-related activities.
How does rising living standards impact water use?
More people can afford water-intensive appliances
As countries develop, wealthier individuals tend to use more water for conveniences like flushing toilets and dishwashers.
Fill in the blank: Water security depends on the _______.
[amount of water available, number of people using the water, access to water]
True or False: Areas with high rainfall and low population density generally experience water insecurity.
False
Such areas are more likely to have water security.
What is water insecurity?
Water insecurity refers to the lack of reliable access to sufficient clean water.
What climate factor affects water availability?
Climate affects water availability by influencing rainfall and evaporation rates.
What is over-abstraction?
Over-abstraction is when more water is used from natural sources than is replaced.
List three causes of over-abstraction.
- Population growth and economic development
- Improvements in sanitation and hygiene
- High demand from businesses
How does poverty contribute to water insecurity?
People who cannot afford to pay for water must find unsafe alternative sources.
What are two impacts of water insecurity?
- Pollution and disease
- Reduced food production
True or False: Water pollution is a major problem in rapidly industrializing countries.
True
What is the role of dams and reservoirs in increasing water supply?
Dams and reservoirs store water to provide a reliable source throughout the year.
What is water diversion?
Water diversion is the process of raising a river’s water level to redirect it to a chosen location.
Fill in the blank: Desalination removes the _______ from seawater so it can be used.
salt
What are the two main processes of desalination?
- Heating seawater until it evaporates
- Passing seawater through a membrane
What major drawback is associated with desalination?
Desalination is expensive due to the energy required for the processes.
Give an example of a place that relies heavily on desalination.
Dubai relies on desalination for 98.8% of its water supply.
What is a potential environmental issue caused by water transfer schemes?
Water transfer can lead to massive environmental, social, and economic problems.
What is a consequence of building a storage dam?
It can lead to the flooding of agricultural land and settlements.
What factors can prevent the implementation of a water supply strategy?
Economic, social, or environmental costs can prevent strategy implementation.
What is a common use for diversion dams?
Diversion dams are used for irrigation and hydroelectric power production.
What are aquifers?
Aquifers are underground water stores formed when water infiltrates permeable rock.
List two problems caused by water insecurity.
- Reduced industrial output
- Conflict over shared water resources
What is the main purpose of China’s water transfer scheme?
To balance the water supply between the wetter south and the drier north.
Which two cities in Northern China have populations over 10 million?
Beijing and Tianjin.
What led to water shortages in Northern China?
Over-reliance on groundwater to meet high water demand.
What is the South-North water transfer project?
A project to reroute water from the south to the north of China.
How much water will the South-North water transfer project supply annually?
44.8 billion m³.
When did the construction of the South-North water transfer project begin?
2002.
What are the three main routes of the South-North water transfer project?
- Eastern Route
- Central Route
- Western Route
What are some advantages of the water transfer scheme?
- Provides clean water to Beijing and Tianjin
- Supports industrial development in the north
- Supplies water for irrigation
- Helps prevent over-abstraction in the north
What are some disadvantages of the water transfer scheme?
- Flooding large areas destroys natural habitats
- Damages fragile ecosystems
- Increases water stress in the south
- Displacement of 345,000 people due to flooding
- High costs make water expensive and inaccessible to the poor
True or False: Massive engineering works are always the best solution to water insecurity.
False.
What is water conservation?
Using less water to ensure sustainable supply.
Fill in the blank: Water conservation includes fixing leaks in _______.
[reservoirs, pipes, and taps]
What is one method to save water in toilets?
Installing dual-flush toilets.
What is drip irrigation?
A method that directs water exactly where it is needed in farmland.
How can water meters help with water conservation?
They raise awareness of water usage and encourage reductions.
What is groundwater management?
Managing groundwater extraction and preventing pollution.
What is a requirement in the UK for groundwater extraction?
A license is needed to extract more than 20 m³ of water a day.
What is one way to prevent groundwater pollution?
Encouraging farmers to use fewer artificial fertilizers and pesticides.
What are international agreements needed for in terms of groundwater?
To manage shared groundwater resources between countries.
What does recycling water involve?
Treating used water to make it safe for reuse.
How much can recycled water increase water supplies in some US cities?
By 27%.
What are common uses for recycled water?
- Irrigation
- Industry
- Power plants
- Toilet flushing
What is the significance of the Guarani aquifer agreement?
It was signed by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay to manage shared water resources.
What is an example of a campaign aimed at reducing water waste?
Los Angeles ‘Save the Drop’ campaign.
What is ‘grey’ water?
‘Grey’ water is a type of recycled water that is usually reused immediately without being treated. It comes from washing machines, showers, or sinks, but does not include contaminated water from toilets.
List three uses of ‘grey’ water.
- Irrigating gardens or farmland
- Washing cars
- Flushing toilets
Is ‘grey’ water safe for drinking?
No, ‘grey’ water is not safe for washing hands or drinking.
How does ‘grey’ water help conserve energy?
Less energy is used treating water when ‘grey’ water is reused.
What is a disadvantage of household grey water systems?
They can be expensive to install.
What must be done quickly with ‘grey’ water to prevent issues?
‘Grey’ water must be reused quickly to stop bacteria from developing.
What geographical region is Kenya located in?
Kenya is located in East Africa.
What is a significant climate characteristic of Kenya?
Most rain falls in just a few downpours each year.
What challenge do rural communities in Kenya face regarding water access?
They often have to travel 6-9 hours for water that can be up to 10 km away.
What organization works to reduce water insecurity in Kenya?
Utooni Development Organisation (U.D.O.)
What solution has been implemented by U.D.O. to improve water access?
Installing sand dams in rural areas.
Describe the structure of a sand dam.
A low dam (about 1 m high) is built across the river.
What happens during the rainy season concerning sand dams?
Coarse material (e.g. sand) is trapped behind the dam as water flows.
How does sand help conserve water in sand dams?
The sand prevents the water from evaporating in the hot sun during the dry season.
How can water be extracted from a sand dam?
- Digging a well
- Piping water through the dam to a tap
- Digging holes and scooping it out
What are two advantages of sand dams?
- They are cheap to build and use local materials
- They require minimal maintenance
What can be done to increase the storage capacity of sand dams?
The height of the dam can be raised each year to trap more sand and more water.
What benefit does the Kya Kimew dam provide to the community?
It has helped reduce the distance traveled each day by up to 9 km.
Fill in the blank: An example of a sustainable water supply scheme is _______.
[an example of a local scheme that has increased sustainable supplies of water in an LIC or NEE]
What does energy security mean?
Having a reliable, uninterrupted and affordable supply of energy.
What factors does a country’s energy security depend on?
- Supplies available (produced or imported)
- Size of the population
- Amount of energy a typical person uses.
What is an energy surplus?
When a country produces more energy than its population requires.
What does an energy surplus provide to a country?
Energy security.
What is an energy deficit?
Having less energy than required.
What can an energy deficit cause?
Energy insecurity.
Is global energy production evenly distributed?
No, it is unevenly distributed.
Which countries are known for having large oil reserves?
- Iran
- Saudi Arabia.
Which countries are known for having large coal reserves?
- China
- Australia.
Which countries are known for having large oil and gas reserves?
- UK
- Russia.
What are some reasons that countries may produce little energy?
- Few resources to exploit
- Poverty
- Political instability.
Which country has few resources to exploit?
Ireland.
Which country is politically unstable and has little money?
Sudan.
True or False: Energy insecurity is having a reliable source of energy.
False.
Fill in the blank: Energy _______ is not having a reliable source of energy.
insecurity
What is Energy Insecurity?
Energy Insecurity refers to the lack of reliable access to energy sources.
List three impacts of Energy Insecurity.
- Industrial output decline
- Higher consumer costs
- Environmental and economic costs
How can energy shortages affect industrial output?
Factories may produce less, relocate, reduce employee hours, or shut down.
What happens to prices when energy costs rise?
Higher costs are often passed on to consumers.
What is an example of a company affected by high energy costs?
Tata Steel had to shut down during peak hours due to high energy costs.
What environmental risks are associated with exploiting fossil fuel reserves?
Increased costs of energy production and potential environmental damage.
What is fracking, and what are its potential impacts?
Fracking is the process of extracting shale gas, which may cause earthquakes or contaminate water.
How does energy insecurity affect food production?
It limits agricultural machinery use and increases demand for biofuels.
Fill in the blank: Growing biofuel crops takes up _______ that could be used to grow food.
land
What is the predicted land requirement to meet the USA’s energy needs with biofuel?
168 million acres for sugarcane.
What is a potential consequence of energy demand exceeding supply?
Political instability and conflict may arise.
Give an example of a conflict over energy resources.
In 2012, Sudan and South Sudan conflicted over the Heglig oil field.
True or False: Energy insecurity can only be an impact and not a cause of political instability.
False
What is a significant benefit of renewable energy sources?
They will never run out and produce few or no waste products.
List three types of renewable energy sources.
- Solar
- Wind
- Biomass
What is the function of photovoltaic cells?
They generate electricity from sunlight.
What is a disadvantage of solar energy?
It depends on sunlight and can be expensive.
What is Hydroelectric Power (HEP)?
It is created from falling water and can be adjusted to match demand.
What is the largest HEP station in the world?
The Three Gorges Dam in China.
What is geothermal energy?
Energy produced by heat from the Earth’s crust.
Fill in the blank: Tidal energy uses _______ changes to generate electricity.
water level
What is a drawback of wind energy?
Wind is variable and cannot generate electricity all the time.
What is biomass energy?
Energy from burning wood, plants, or animal waste for power or biofuels.
What is a significant challenge in increasing renewable energy supply?
The need for technology and infrastructure to harness various energy types.
What are non-renewable energy sources?
Energy sources that will eventually run out, such as fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas, while nuclear energy relies on uranium.
How can fossil fuel supplies be increased?
By searching for new reserves and exploiting discovered reserves that have not yet been used.
This includes methods like fracking.
What is fracking?
A method of extracting shale gas by pumping liquid into shale rock at high pressure to release gas.
This technique has been used in areas like Lancashire, UK.
What are some advantages of fracking?
- Large amounts of shale gas available
- Increases energy security
- Less polluting than coal
- Cheaper than some renewable sources
- Proven technology
It’s estimated that there is at least 5 trillion cubic meters of gas at fracking sites in Lancashire.
What are some disadvantages of fracking?
- Not sustainable
- Risks of groundwater pollution
- High water usage
- Can cause small earthquakes
- Public opposition
- May slow renewable energy investment
An earthquake of 1.5 magnitude was triggered by fracking in Lancashire.
What is sustainable energy?
Energy that meets current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs.
This is crucial as global energy demand increases.
What is a carbon footprint?
A measure of the amount of greenhouse gases produced by an individual’s activities, including direct and indirect emissions.
Direct emissions come from energy use, while indirect emissions come from the production of goods.
What are some ways to conserve energy in buildings?
- Insulation
- Modern boilers
- Solar panels
Well-designed buildings can significantly reduce energy consumption.
How can transportation be made more sustainable?
- Switching to electric vehicles
- Using biofuels
For example, buses in London use biofuel made from coffee beans.
How can energy demand be reduced?
- Incentives for energy efficiency
- Improved public transport
- Smart energy meters
Congestion charges can also encourage reduced driving in urban areas.
Fill in the blank: Sustainable energy provides energy today without preventing future generations from meeting their _______.
[energy needs]
True or False: Nuclear energy is a renewable energy source.
False
Nuclear energy relies on uranium, which is non-renewable.
What is one of the main concerns regarding the continued use of fossil fuels?
Their continued use contributes to global warming due to CO2 emissions.
Fossil fuels are a significant source of greenhouse gases.
What is the role of technology in increasing energy supplies from nuclear resources?
Technology developments can improve efficiency and allow extraction from previously inaccessible resources.
New breeder reactors can generate more fuel.
How does the UK’s energy security benefit from fracking?
Fracking increases the UK’s energy security as other fossil fuel supplies decline.
This is particularly relevant as global energy demands rise.
What is the benefit of using CFL light bulbs compared to incandescent light bulbs?
CFL light bulbs can last ten times longer and are up to four times more efficient than incandescent light bulbs.
Incandescent light bulbs have been banned in the EU since 2009.
How do hybrid cars, vans, and trains increase energy efficiency?
Hybrid vehicles combine diesel and electric power to increase efficiency, using electricity when possible and diesel when there are no overhead electric wires.
What is regenerative braking?
Regenerative braking allows vehicles and trains to store energy lost during braking for later use or to return it to the national grid.
What technology are power stations using to improve efficiency?
Power stations are using Combined Cycle Gas Turbine technology to recover energy that was previously lost as heat, generating up to 50% more electricity from the same amount of fuel.
What is the primary renewable energy source used in Bihar’s electricity generation scheme?
The scheme uses rice husks, a waste product from producing rice for food, as a renewable energy source.
What is the operational range of the electricity distribution system from rice husk power plants in Bihar?
The distribution system can supply electricity to homes within a 1.5 km range.
What was the success of the rice husk power plant scheme in Bihar by 2015?
By 2015, 84 rice husk power plants were operating in Bihar, supplying electricity to around 200,000 people.
What are some benefits of generating electricity from biomass in Bihar?
- Reduced need for diesel generators and kerosene lamps
- Reduced fossil fuel use
- Job creation for local people trained in management, operations, or maintenance.
What type of support does the government provide for biomass plants in Bihar?
The government offers financial support to help set up further biomass plants.
True or False: Most people in Bihar are connected to the electricity grid.
False
Fill in the blank: The scheme in Bihar began in _______.
2007
What is the advantage of producing electricity locally from rice husks?
Producing electricity locally is efficient as the rice husks don’t need to travel long distances and the electricity does not need to be transferred very far.
What is one example of a hybrid train’s operation?
Hybrid trains between London and the southwest use electricity when possible.
How do manufacturers respond to new laws and rising fuel costs?
Manufacturers are making more efficient engines.
