3 - Renewable Energy and Conservation Flashcards
This deck covers the interconnectedness of science, engineering, and technology and their role in addressing environmental and societal challenges. It highlights the responsible use of natural resources, energy conservation, and the application of scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems, while considering ethical implications. (42 cards)
Define:
renewable energy
Energy from sources that replenish naturally, such as solar and wind.
Renewable energy sources are abundant, sustainable, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Identify:
What is a key benefit of using renewable energy resources?
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels.
Identify:
What are the 3 main types of natural resources?
- Renewable
- Non-renewable
- Perpetual (subset of renewable)
Renewable - Replenish naturally, such as water and forests.
Non-renewable - Limited and exhaustible, like minerals and fossil fuels.
Perpetual (subset of renewable) - Constant and inexhaustible, including wind and sunlight.
Perpetual resources, like wind and sunlight, are a subset of renewables, constantly available and unaffected by human use, unlike forests, which need active management.
True or False:
Fossil fuels are considered a renewable energy source.
False
Fossil fuels are nonrenewable and release large amounts of greenhouse gases when burned.
Explain:
Why are renewable energy sources preferred over fossil fuels?
They reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are sustainable.
Transitioning to renewable energy is critical for mitigating climate change and ensuring energy security.
Explain:
Why is transitioning to renewable energy challenging?
- High costs
- Tech limits
- Fossil fuel reliance
High costs: Significant upfront investment required.
Tech limits: Current technology may not meet all needs.
Fossil fuel reliance: Dependence on established energy sources.
Despite these challenges, advancements in technology and policy incentives are helping accelerate the shift to renewable energy.
Describe:
How is solar energy harnessed?
Using solar panels.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity or heat, making it a clean and renewable energy source.
Define:
geothermal energy
Heat from beneath the Earth’s surface used for power and heating.
This renewable energy source is reliable but requires specific geological conditions.
Explain:
Why is geothermal energy considered a reliable resource?
It provides consistent energy output regardless of weather conditions.
Geothermal energy taps into heat from beneath the Earth’s surface, offering a stable and sustainable power source.
Identify:
What type of energy is released from the nucleus of an atom through fission or fusion?
nuclear
Nuclear energy is a low-carbon option but raises concerns about radioactive waste and safety risks.
True or False:
Nuclear power plants emit large amounts of greenhouse gases.
False
Nuclear energy is one of the lowest-carbon-emitting energy sources, though its waste management is challenging.
Describe:
How does hydropower work?
By using flowing water to spin turbines to generate electricity.
Hydropower is renewable but can impact aquatic ecosystems and displace communities near dam sites.
Identify:
What type of energy comes from moving air and is captured using turbines?
wind
Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from wind into electricity, providing a clean and sustainable energy source.
Explain:
Why are fossil fuels widely used despite their environmental impact?
They are abundant, efficient, and cost-effective.
Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas but contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Identify:
What are externalities of fossil fuel use?
- Air pollution
- Climate change
- Health impacts
Fossil fuel combustion emits pollutants like CO2 and particulate matter, leading to environmental and health costs not reflected in their market price.
Identify:
What is the primary goal of environmental conservation?
To protect natural resources and ecosystems for future generations.
Resource management balances human needs with ecological health to preserve ecosystems.
Identify:
What are the three key pillars of resource conservation?
- reduce
- reuse
- recycle
These principles minimize waste and promote sustainable practices.
Explain:
Why is habitat conservation important for resource management?
To protect ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
Conservation reduces biodiversity loss, maintains ecosystem stability, and ensures resources remain viable.
Identify:
What is a common environmental impact of resource extraction?
habitat destruction
Mining activities can lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion.
Define:
carbon footprint
Greenhouse gas emissions caused by a person, group, or activity.
Measuring carbon footprints helps identify areas for emission reductions and guides sustainable practices.
Describe:
How does circular economy relate to resource management?
It manages resources via reuse, recycling, and waste reduction.
It reduces resource consumption, extends the lifecycle of materials, and supports sustainable development goals.
Describe:
sustainable agriculture
- Farming practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Focuses on producing food, fiber, and other agricultural products in ways that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible.
Sustainable agriculture enhances long-term productivity and minimizes environmental impacts.
Define:
sustainable resource use
Managing resources to meet present needs while preserving them for the future.
This principle underpins many environmental policies and conservation efforts.
Define:
resource scarcity
It is when demand exceeds supply due to various factors.
Resource scarcity can result from limited availability, economic constraints, or geopolitical issues.
Common examples include water shortages, energy crises, or mineral depletion.
