2C - Resource Security Flashcards

Question

Advantages of HEP | 4

Answer 1

- Low operating costs - No waste or carbon dioxide emissions - Proven technology - Can top up supply in periods of peak demand

Answer 2

- Dams have high construction costs - Requires large amounts of land so causes conflict, for example, relocation of populations - Environmental impacts on drainage basin and microclimate effects

Answer 3

Global energy consumption varies, but is generally higher in northern hemisphere countries, which are more developed.

Answer 4

- Wealthy countries tend to consume lots of energy per person because they can afford to. - Poorer countries consume less energy per person as they are less able to afford it. - Some countries don't consume much energy per person, they consume a lot overall because they have large populations. - Some countries don't consume as much energy per person but consume a lot overall because they use energy for manufacturing.

Answer 5

Geology Climate Drainage

Answer 6

Geology affects fossil fuel supply Coal is a sedimentary rock - it forms when plant material undergoes specific geological processes such as burial and heating. Coal that has undergone the most change is the highest quality (anthracite), while coal that has been changed least is the lowest quality (lignite) Oil and natural gas need specific geological conditions in order to form and be stored Both gas and oil travel upwards through pores in rocks, until they meet a layer of impermeable rock and become trapped - they are found where impermeable 'cap' rock overlies permeable 'reservoir' rock Geology is also important for geothermal energy production - many geothermal power stations are located in places where the earth's crust is thin, so molten rock is closer to the surface.

Answer 7

Wind - Wind energy can only be generated in locations with an average annual wind speed above 5.5m/s. Very high winds can damage wind turbines, so most turbines stop working automatically if winds get above about 25 m/s. Hydroelectric power (HEP) - HEP relies on large flows of water to generate electricity. In areas with low rainfall or frequent droughts, it cannot produce reliable power. Solar - Solar power is generated using sunlight, so it is most effective in places with little cloud cover. Climate also affects the production of non-renewable sources. E.g. mines can become flooded and access roads impassable in areas with a very high rainfall, and offshore oil rigs can be damaged by storms.

Answer 8

The drainage network of a country (e.g. the number of rivers and the size and shape of drainage basins) affects the volume of energy that can be generated using hydroelectric power (HEP). HEP generation is most effective if there is a large volume of water flowing inconsistently down the river, and a large drop in elevation from the reservoir to the water outlet. It therefore works best in drainage basins with large rivers and fairly steep terrain. However, steep terrain it can make dam construction difficult or expensive.

Answer 9

Countries that produce lots of a particular type of energy might form alliances, e.g. OPEC is a group of countries that work together to influence the global supply and price of oil Because energy and resources are unevenly distributed across the world, conflict can arise between countries trying to obtain the resources they need The country's financial situation or existing conflicts with other countries can reduce its ability to trade energy.

Answer 10

Global energy use is increasing and fossil fuel reserves decreasing. Energy crisis: Many people believe we're coming to an 'energy crisis', so governments are very concerned about how to secure energy supplies for the future Political instability: Many of the largest reserves of oil and gas are in areas that are politically or economically unstable, e.g. Iran. This means that energy supplies to many countries are at risk of being disrupted Environment: As energy consumption increases, so does the impact of the energy use on the environment. International agreements, e.g. Kyoto Protocol, try to address these problems, but these can also lead to political conflict environmental protection clashes with other national interests, e.g. economic growth. Arctic: The Arctic also has large oil reserves, however this is unowned, so tensions are arising between nations attempting to claim areas of the Arctic as their own

Answer 11

Energy production and consumption are unevenly distributed - energy needs to be transferred between countries, increasing links between them

Answer 12

The country selling the energy will want to charge as much as possible, whereas the country buying will want to pay as little as possible influences the potential market for an energy resource + determines whether extracting the resource is economically viable.

Answer 13

Development > environment: Many countries exploit energy resources in order to increase economic development but, exploitation can damage the environment. Exploitation abroad: Countries may want to exploit energy resources in another country (China developing oil reserves in Africa) or in the global commons. Global commons: In some cases, the global community may step in to prevent large-scale damage to fragile environments (Antarctica treaty bans development there). Future: As resources dwindle, pressure to exploit the new areas is increasing.

Answer 14

Countries with high energy consumption may pressure countries with large natural resources to develop and export them in order to meet their energy needs

Answer 15

Countries might avoid becoming dependent on countries that have an unstable government, as conflict can interrupt supply of energy resources.

Answer 16

Involved in all stages: Most energy TNCs are involved in all stages of oil and gas production, from the exploration of potential reserves, through refining crude oil to usable product, to selling it to consumers around the world. Power: Because of their wealth and control of valuable resources, Energy TNCs are very powerful and can influence the global economy, politics, and the environment State-owned: Some energy TNCs are partially or completely state-owned - Gazprom is partially owned by the Russian government. State-owned TNCs can exert global influence, such as shutting privately owned TNCs out of energy markets or assist in building global alliances.

Answer 17

Tech: As reserves of oil and gas begin to diminish, new reserves and technologies are being developed to support further resource exploitation. Exploitation faster then discovery: Currently new reserves are being discovered at a lower rate than they are being exploited. Environment: Environmental groups suggest that fossil fuel exploration should stop immediately and renewable energy used instead

Answer 18

Fracking is a new source of energy that involves exploiting natural gas found in shale reserves across the world. Water, chemicals and sand are pumped into the ground to break up the shale, access the hydrocarbons and force them to the surface. Horizontal drilling helps to remove the gas reserves

Answer 19

Less polluting than coal or oil Could provide boost to the economy In the UK, the Royal Academy of Engineers believe we can make fracking safe

Answer 20

Wastewater needs treating due to chemical contents May pollute groundwater aquifers. In the USA the water has become flammable due to pollution by fracking Earthquakes of low magnitude may occur, though they are not usually strong enough to pose a risk to humans. They may damage fracking infrastructure, causing further leakages The IPCC suggest it would be irresponsible to use shale gas

Answer 21

Shifting a countries' energy mix away from low efficiency sources such as coal, to more efficient resources such as nuclear power. Additionally, energy consumption may be managed by the inclusion of subsidies from governments that provide financial aid to economic sectors (or renewable technologies) to make them more affordable and encourage their use Businesses receive incentives for improving their environmental credibility - As a result, more businesses are investing in green technology to save their business money

Answer 22

These are the resources and thought to exist, but haven't been sampled (based on knowledge of local geology)

Answer 23

These are resources that have been identified but haven't been measured (Due to limited samples of local geology)

Answer 24

The size of the reserve has been partly measured, and the measurements have been used to estimate the actual extent.

Answer 25

The size of the reserve has been measured and is known accurately.

Answer 26

Exploration Exploitation Depletion Development (sometimes goes back to exploitation) Exhaustion

Answer 27

Exploration Locating a potential new resource and evaluating whether it is viable to extract, e.g. by sampling and surveying the local area

Answer 28

Exploitation Extracting the resource, preparing it for use, and transporting it to where it will be used

Answer 29

Depletion The resource begins to run out

Answer 30

Development As yields decrease, new methods of extraction may be developed to prolong the life of the resource

Answer 31

Exhaustion Eventually, the resource becomes so limited that it is not physically possible or economically viable to extract any more

Answer 32

Using less of each resource Increasing rates of reuse or recycling to minimise the amount of new materials that are needed Finding new reserves or new ways of extracting resources - This often happens as technology advances Finding alternatives to each resource

Answer 33

Can't be used more quickly than they are renewed, or in greater quantities than are available.

Answer 34

An Environmental Impact Assessment Undertaken before a new development is started. Used to assess the potential environmental effects of the development, as well as related social, economic, and cultural impacts Used when planning a new resource development Widely used in developed countries, but are often used less strictly in developing countries - can lead to the developments going ahead with little or no consideration of their possible impacts

Answer 35

1. Assessing potential impacts (damage to habitats, pollution, health impacts, etc.) 2. Identifying how any negative impacts can be managed or reduced 3. Looking at alternatives to see whether there are less damaging options 4. Making a decision about whether the project can go ahead, and under what conditions 5. Monitoring the development to assess whether the impacts are in line with those predicted

Answer 36

Some countries have lots of water: Brazil - annual rainfall is high Canada, New Zealand - annual rainfall is high, and low or moderate temperatures limit evaporation Australia - wealthy enough to invest in schemes to increase water supply, e.g. desalination Water availability is much lower in other areas: Egypt - arid climate and inadequate water treatment facilities Jordan - arid climate + over abstraction of water upstream

Answer 37

Some countries have high demand for water: US, Argentina - lots of farming, mining, and industry, which use lots of water Australia - high domestic use, and lots of farming Other countries use much less water: Angola, Papua New Guinea - poor water infrastructure, high prices Mongolia - limited industry, farming is herding of nomadic livestock - doesn't use much water

Answer 38

Population Growth: More people means more water needed for drinking, washing, etc. The growing population also means that demand for food, electricity and other goods increases - producing these uses water. Economic Development: As countries develop, energy use increases and manufacturing grows - use lots of water. As people's wealth increases, they can afford more water intensive appliances.

Answer 39

If demand for water exceeds supply Or If water is not of high enough quality to use Significant water stress is most likely in areas with high population density and unreliable or low water supplies

Answer 40

Ensures adequate supply in countries with low water supply

Answer 41

Can be a trade of physical supplies: Singapore has very limited natural water reserves so ensures adequate water supply by importing around half of the water it needs from Malaysia Water Transfer: Moving water from areas where there is plenty to areas where there is not enough, e.g. Spain transfers large amounts of water from the Tagus River Basin to areas in the dry south-east Rights to extract water can be bought and sold

Answer 42

Poorer countries in dry areas struggle to afford to import enough water to build desalination plants, meaning they can't obtain enough water to meet demand Changes upstream can have major impacts downstream: Over-abstraction can result in low flows downstream, industry can cause pollution, farming can increase soil erosion and suspend sediment concentration. Many rivers cross international boundaries: River Nile flows through 9 countries Can give upstream countries power over downstream countries which can cause disputes Climate change: Reducing water availability in some already water-stressed countries - there are disagreements on how to resolve climate change - the US pulled out of the Paris Agreement in 2017

Answer 43

Water Diversion and Transfer Water Catchment Water storage Desalination

Answer 44

Water diversion involves changing the course of a river so it flows to a different area - in 1960s, rivers flowing into the Aral Sea were diverted to irrigate desert crops - now the sea is 10% of its original size Water transfer schemes involve moving water from areas of surplus to areas of shortage - usually done through pipes, tunnels, canals, and aqueducts. Most of Birmingham's water supply comes from the Elan Valley in mid-Wales Water transfer has the potential to increase water in the receiving area, but also increase water stress for the are that the water is diverted away from Infrastructure needed is expensive to construct and maintain

Answer 45

Means collecting water for use Rainwater harvesting is an example of a water catchment scheme - rainfall is intercepted before it reaches the ground, and stored in tanks In Bermuda, every house is built with a stepped roof Wetland restoration improves the supply and quality of the water by filtering it Afforestation can have similar benefits and helps create wildlife habitats Farmers shifting to arable farming to reduce runoff and increase infiltration Potentially the most sustainable method of increasing water supply as it aims to restore the natural environment through the process of rewilding.

Answer 46

Water can be stored during times of surplus Building a dam across a river valley traps water, creating a reservoir. This is filled during periods of extended rainfall and released in drier periods, Reservoirs can increase water security, but they can also flood agricultural land and drown settlements - causing conflict

Answer 47

Desalination is the removal of salt from seawater so that it can be used as a water source High energy demand, but is viable in desert countries where other options don't exist Expensive due to the advanced technology involved Causes environmental damage if it sucks up marine life and may pollute other groundwater Could be made more sustainable if renewables were used to power the plants

Answer 48

Take showers instead of baths Water efficient appliances - shower heads, washing machines, dishwashers Adding a displacement bag to the cistern on your toilet or buying a water-efficient toilet Water meter can be fitted which charges users for the exact amount of water they use - encourages people to use less water. Fix leaks Wastewater reuse

Answer 49

Farmers can install drip pipes that direct water to exactly where it's needed, and collect storm water for irrigation Farmers can change their practices by watering crops early in the morning to reduce water loss through evaporation Genetically Modified Crops - Crops which are tolerant of dry and saline conditions Plasticulture - Plastics are used to help reduce water usage by 50-70%. Also using micro-irrigation can help increase crop productivity by 30-100%

Answer 50

Recycling and 'Greywater' Virtual Water Trade Groundwater Management

Answer 51

Greywater recycling is the process of reusing water from washing machines, showers, and sinks, that may be dirty, but is clean enough to be used for irrigating plants in gardens. Greywater may be cleaned for reuse as water in washing machines and toilets, but this is expensive, so most users are industrial who have more money and/or larger water demand.

Answer 52

Virtual water trade refers to the process of trading items that have a water footprint. Western countries import significant amounts of cotton. Due to the high water footprint of cotton, this places stress on water resources in the LIC countries it grows in. In countries where water scarcity exists, water intensive products are imported to preserve domestic supplies. LIC countries suffering from water shortages such as India, are ironically exporting the greatest amount of water intensive products

Answer 53

The amount extracted can be monitored to ensure it is not extracted faster than it is naturally replaced. Laws can be passed to prevent over-extraction Farmers can be encouraged to apply less agricultural fertiliser and pesticides to farmland Companies that leak or dump toxic waste can be fined Aquifers can be artificially recharged

Answer 54

Home design Industrial and commercial energy saving International agreements Sustainable transport strategies

Answer 55

Using recycled building materials Fitting larger windows (improved daylighting) Improve thermal efficiency of walls, windows, and roof Using low carbon tech - solar panels, biomass boilers, wind turbines Energy-efficient appliances Draught proofing

Answer 56

Non-profit organisation whose main aim is to help the business community move towards a low carbon economy Helps large companies create climate change strategies Gives smaller companies free energy audits and no-interest loans for energy-efficient equipment Encourages consumers to install heat recovery systems that collect and reuse heat

Answer 57

A highly efficient process that captures and utilises the heat that is a by-product of the electricity generation process. By generating heat and power simultaneously, CHP can reduce carbon emissions by up to 30% CHP systems are highly efficient, making use of the heat that would otherwise be wasted when generating electrical or mechanical power. This allows heat requirements to be met that would otherwise require additional fuel to be burnt.

Answer 58

Government incentives e.g. subsidising the installation of solar panels Use of media and other campaigns to raise awareness - may be government-led or run by NGOs Pricing strategies - reducing prices of renewables and increasing those of fossil fuels Agreements like the Paris Agreement which reduce the usage of fossil fuels

Answer 59

Schemes and campaigns to discourage car travel or reduce congestion Methods and designs Technology

Answer 60

Planning homes, services, and workplaces in close proximity to reduce travel Campaigns to encourage taking public transport/walking/cycling Campaigns and incentives to encourage car sharing Park and ride schemes Toll roads Congestion charge Government policy/legislation - road tax based on emissions Encouraging the use of cleaner fuels

Answer 61

Using more renewable fuels e.g. bioethanol Aerodynamic designs reduces fuel consumption

Answer 62

Engine design: more efficient fuel usage with lower emissions Ignition control: reduces wastage Hybrid cars: using electric power = more sustainable

2C - Resource Security Flashcards

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