1B3 Issues of Energy and Natural Resource Extraction

Question 1

Define:

Sustainable energy use

Answer 1

Using energy without depleting resources or harming the environment.

It focuses on using renewable resources and energy efficiency to reduce environmental impacts and ensure energy availability for future generations.

Question 2

True or False:

Sustainable energy relies on non-renewable sources.

Answer 2

False

Sustainable energy primarily relies on renewable resources like solar and wind, which regenerate naturally and do not deplete over time.

Question 3

Define:

energy efficiency

Answer 3

Using less energy to achieve the same result.

Improving energy efficiency means reducing the amount of energy needed for tasks, which saves resources and cuts emissions.

Question 4

What are resources that regenerate quickly?

Answer 4

Renewable resources

Examples include sunlight, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, biomass energy, and geothermal energy, which are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Question 5

What are examples of renewable energy sources?

Answer 5

• Solar energy
• Wind energy
• Hydroelectric energy
• Biomass energy
• Geothermal energy

Renewable energy sources regenerate naturally and are sustainable.

Question 6

What are examples of non-renewable energy sources?

Answer 6

• Coal
• Oil
• Natural gas
• Nuclear energy (uses finite uranium)

Non-renewable energy sources are finite and take millions of years to form.

Question 7

Fill in the blank:

________ energy comes from sources that regenerate on a human timescale.

Answer 7

Renewable

Solar, wind, and hydro are examples of renewable resources that can be replenished within our lifetime.

Question 8

Why is solar energy considered renewable?

Answer 8

It is replenished daily by the sun.

Solar energy harnesses sunlight, a resource that is continuously available and can be used without depleting it.

Question 9

True or False:

Wind energy is renewable because it is generated by ongoing natural processes.

Answer 9

True

Wind is replenished naturally, and wind energy can be harnessed without depleting the resource.

Question 10

What is a major advantage of wind energy?

Answer 10

It is clean and renewable.

Wind energy produces no emissions during operation and is a sustainable source of power.

Question 11

True or False:

Nuclear energy does not produce radioactive waste.

Answer 11

False

Radioactive waste can remains hazardous for thousands of years and requires careful management.

Question 12

What is a disadvantage of hydroelectric power?

Answer 12

It can disrupt ecosystems.

Dams and reservoirs for hydroelectric power can harm aquatic habitats and alter natural water flow patterns.

Question 13

True or False

Solar power does not generate pollutants.

Answer 13

True

Solar energy produces clean electricity without emitting harmful substances like CO₂.

Question 14

What is a major environmental concern with oil extraction?

Answer 14

It can cause spills and pollute ecosystems.

Oil drilling and transportation can lead to catastrophic spills, damaging marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Question 15

True or False:

Deforestation reduces the Earth’s ability to absorb CO₂.

Answer 15

True

Trees naturally absorb CO₂, a greenhouse gas. Deforestation eliminates this carbon sink, contributing to higher levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Question 16

What is a mineral from which metals are extracted?

Answer 16

Ore

Metals like iron, copper, and gold are obtained by mining ores, which contain these valuable elements in concentrated form.

Question 17

What is the process of clearing forests for agriculture or development?

Answer 17

Deforestation

Deforestation leads to biodiversity loss, increased carbon emissions, and disruptions to local climates. It also impacts the water cycle and soil quality.

Question 18

True or False:

Sustainable agriculture harms soil health.

Answer 18

False

Sustainable farming practices aim to preserve soil health through crop rotation, reduced chemical use, and conservation techniques.

Question 19

Fill in the blank:

The method of storing CO₂ to reduce climate change is called ______ __________.

Answer 19

carbon sequestration

Carbon sequestration involves capturing CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it in natural or artificial reservoirs, such as forests or underground rock formations.

Question 20

Fill in the blank:

Groundwater is primarily used for ________ and drinking.

Answer 20

irrigation

Groundwater is a vital resource for agriculture and drinking, especially in regions with limited surface water.

Question 21

What is a risk of over-extracting natural resources?

Answer 21

Depletion and environmental damage.

Over-extraction of resources like water, minerals, or fossil fuels can lead to scarcity and long-term ecosystem harm.

Question 22

True or False:

Mining can destroy habitats and pollute water.

Answer 22

True

Mining activities can lead to deforestation, water contamination, and the loss of biodiversity.

Question 23

What describes the growth of cities as people move from rural areas?

Answer 23

Urbanization

Urbanization leads to increased demand for housing, infrastructure, and resources, often at the expense of natural habitats.

Question 24

What refers as the deterioration of land quality due to human activities?

Answer 24

Land degradation

Practices like overgrazing, deforestation, and poor agricultural methods can degrade soil quality and make land less productive.

Question 25

# Fill in the blank: **Deforestation** leads to \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ loss and increases CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Answer 25

habitat ## Footnote Deforestation destroys habitats, reduces biodiversity, and contributes to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Question 26

What is the **uncontrolled** **expansion** of urban areas into surrounding rural land called?

Answer 26

Urban sprawl ## Footnote This expansion increases pollution, energy use, and reduces the natural landscape available for wildlife.

Question 27

# True or False: Sustainable agriculture **improves** soil fertility over time.

Answer 27

True ## Footnote Practices like crop rotation, reduced pesticide use, and organic farming help preserve soil health and support long-term farming productivity.

Question 28

What process involves **evaluating** the total cost of a product from its creation to disposal?

Answer 28

Lifecycle cost analysis ## Footnote Lifecycle cost analysis includes all costs associated with a product, such as production, usage, and disposal, to assess its environmental and financial impact.

Question 29

# True or False: Lifecycle cost analysis only considers the **upfront cost** of a product.

Answer 29

False ## Footnote It includes the costs of production, maintenance, energy use, and disposal, giving a more comprehensive view of a product's total impact.

Question 30

What is the **purpose** of lifecycle cost analysis in sustainability?

Answer 30

To **assess** the full environmental and economic impact of products.

Question 31

# Fill in the blank: The **goal** of sustainable energy is to \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ the environmental impact.

Answer 31

reduce ## Footnote Sustainable energy practices aim to minimize pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by using clean, renewable sources.

Question 32

# True or False: Sustainable energy can include a **mix** of renewable and non-renewable resources.

Answer 32

True ## Footnote While sustainable energy prioritizes renewables, it may still rely on non-renewable resources in certain cases, like natural gas for backup power.

Question 33

What is the main advantage of **energy storage** in sustainable systems?

Answer 33

It holds **excess energy** for later use. ## Footnote Energy storage systems, like batteries, can store power generated from renewable sources (e.g., solar or wind) for use during non-productive times.

Question 34

What is the **main source** of geothermal energy?

Answer 34

**Heat** from the Earth's core. ## Footnote Geothermal energy is harnessed by tapping into the heat stored beneath the Earth's surface to generate electricity or for heating.

Question 35

# Fill in the blank: Solar panels **convert** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ energy into electricity.

Answer 35

solar ## Footnote Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it directly into electricity, making it a clean, renewable energy source.

Question 36

What type of **resource** is coal?

Answer 36

Non-renewable ## Footnote Coal takes millions of years to form and cannot regenerate on a human timescale, making it a nonrenewable resource.

Question 37

# True or False: **Hydroelectric energy** is a non-renewable resource.

Answer 37

False ## Footnote Hydroelectric energy is renewable, as it uses the movement of water to generate power, and water is a constantly replenished resource.

Question 38

What is a potential environmental **concern** with biomass energy?

Answer 38

It can contribute to **deforestation** if not managed sustainably. ## Footnote While biomass can be a renewable energy source, overharvesting materials like wood or agricultural residues can lead to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.

Question 39

What is a **major advantage** of geothermal energy?

Answer 39

It provides continuous, reliable power. ## Footnote Geothermal energy is available 24/7, as it relies on the Earth’s internal heat, unlike solar or wind, which are weather-dependent.

Question 40

# True or False: Fossil fuels are **considered** renewable resources.

Answer 40

False ## Footnote Fossil fuels, like coal and oil, are finite resources that take millions of years to form, making them nonrenewable.

Question 41

# True or False Solar energy is **reliable** 24/7 without the need for storage.

Answer 41

False ## Footnote Solar energy generation is *affected* by the availability of sunlight, making it less reliable without energy storage or backup systems.

Question 42

What is an **advantage** of wind energy over fossil fuels?

Answer 42

It **does not** produce greenhouse gases. ## Footnote Wind energy generates electricity without releasing CO₂ or other pollutants, unlike fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.

Question 43

# Fill in the blank: Geothermal energy is **limited** by \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ availability.

Answer 43

location ## Footnote Geothermal energy is most effective in regions with significant tectonic activity, like Iceland or parts of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Question 44

What is the main environmental **concern** with oil extraction?

Answer 44

It can **cause** oil spills. ## Footnote Oil spills can devastate marine ecosystems and coastlines, harming wildlife and polluting water resources.

Question 45

How does **over-extraction** of groundwater affect the environment?

Answer 45

It can **lead** to aquifer depletion. ## Footnote Over-extraction can cause wells to dry up, land subsidence, and long-term damage to water sources.

Question 46

# True or False: The **extraction** of minerals has no impact on the surrounding environment.

Answer 46

False ## Footnote Mining operations often *result* in soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity, affecting local ecosystems and communities.

Question 47

# True or False: **Urbanization** leads to increased energy consumption.

Answer 47

True ## Footnote As cities grow, energy demands rise due to population density, transportation, and industrial activity.

Question 48

# Fill in the blank: **Sustainable farming** practices help maintain \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ health.

Answer 48

soil ## Footnote Techniques like crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced pesticide use improve soil fertility and prevent degradation.

Question 49

How does **deforestation** contribute to global warming?

Answer 49

It **releases** **stored carbon** into the atmosphere. ## Footnote Trees store carbon dioxide, and when forests are cleared, the carbon is released, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Question 50

What are the two **main causes** of soil erosion?

Answer 50

1. Deforestation 2. Improper land use ## Footnote Removing vegetation exposes soil to wind and water, increasing erosion and reducing land fertility.

Question 51

# Fill in the blank: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ energy is produced by the **movement** of water.

Answer 51

Hydroelectric ## Footnote Hydroelectric power generates electricity by harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water to turn turbines.

Question 52

What is a major challenge in **transitioning** to renewable energy?

Answer 52

Intermittency of supply ## Footnote Renewable sources like wind and solar are not always available, requiring reliable energy storage solutions or backup power sources.

Question 53

What is the term for the environmental impact of **extracting** and **using** natural resources?

Answer 53

Ecological footprint ## Footnote The [**ecological footprint**](https://study.com/learn/lesson/what-is-an-ecological-footprint.html) measures the environmental damage caused by human activities, including resource extraction and energy consumption.

Question 54

Why is **over-reliance** on fossil fuels harmful?

Answer 54

It **leads** to environmental degradation. ## Footnote The extraction and burning of fossil fuels contribute to pollution, habitat destruction, and the worsening of climate change.

Question 55

# Define: Desertification

Answer 55

The process of land becoming desert-like due to factors like drought, deforestation, and inappropriate agricultural practices. ## Footnote It leads to the loss of arable land and threatens food security.

Question 56

What is the **process** of restoring damaged land to a more productive state?

Answer 56

Land reclamation ## Footnote Land reclamation is the process of improving and rehabilitating land that has been degraded, often through erosion or pollution.

Question 57

What is the **process** of breaking down organic waste into compost for agricultural use?

Answer 57

Composting ## Footnote Composting recycles organic waste, turning it into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to improve agricultural productivity.

Question 58

What is an **unintended** **consequence** of pesticide use in agriculture?

Answer 58

Soil and water contamination. ## Footnote Pesticides can seep into the soil and water, causing pollution and harming ecosystems.

Question 59

What **type** **of farming** uses natural methods to improve soil fertility without chemicals?

Answer 59

Organic farming ## Footnote Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, relying on crop rotation, composting, and natural pest control methods.

Question 60

What is a **consequence** of mining coal on the environment?

Answer 60

Air and water pollution ## Footnote Coal mining produces harmful emissions and runoff that pollute air and water, damaging ecosystems and human health.

Question 61

What is one **disadvantage** of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for natural gas?

Answer 61

Water contamination ## Footnote Fracking can lead to the contamination of groundwater with chemicals, posing risks to drinking water sources.

Question 62

What describes the **practice** of growing different types of crops in the same area to improve soil health?

Answer 62

Polyculture ## Footnote [Polyculture](https://homework.study.com/explanation/define-polyculture-and-summarize-its-benefits.html) reduces soil depletion, increases biodiversity, and helps prevent pests and diseases.

Question 63

# True or False: **Natural materials** used to make products are called raw materials.

Answer 63

True ## Footnote Raw materials are extracted from the Earth and processed to create finished products for consumers.

Question 64

What does **sustainability** aim to reduce?

Answer 64

Waste ## Footnote Sustainable practices aim to minimize waste generation, promoting recycling and efficient resource use.

Question 65

# Define: greenhouse effect

Answer 65

A process that **traps heat in Earth's atmosphere**, keeping the planet warm enough to support life. ## Footnote It involves greenhouse gases that trap infrared radiation, allowing life to thrive.

Question 66

How does **ozone layer depletion** affect the environment?

Answer 66

Increased **UV radiation** exposure. ## Footnote This can harm human health and disrupt ecosystems, especially marine life.