CARBON

Question 1

Acidification

Answer 1

The gradual reduction of pH of the oceans, due to dissolving carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere.

Question 2

Afforestation

Answer 2

Planting trees and vegetation in the aim of increasing forest cover

Question 3

Biofuel

Answer 3

Burning crops and vegetation for electricity and heat

Question 4

Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS)

Answer 4

The capture of carbon dioxide emissions directly from the
factory, pumped into disused mines rather than being released into the atmosphere.

Question 5

Carbon Fluxes

Answer 5

The movement of carbon between stores.

Question 6

Carbon Neutral

Answer 6

A process that has no net addition of carbon dioxide to the environment.

Question 7

Carbon Stores

Answer 7

Places where carbon accumulates for a period of time such as rocks and plant matter.

Question 8

Choke Points

Answer 8

Points in the logistics of energy and fuel that are prone to restriction.

Question 9

Combustion

Answer 9

The process of burning a substance, in the presence of oxygen, to release energy.

Question 10

Decomposition

Answer 10

The break down of matter, often by a decomposer which releases carbon dioxide through their own respiration.

Question 11

Energy Mix

Answer 11

The composition of a country’s energy sources.

Question 12

Energy Security

Answer 12

The ownership and full control of a country’s energy source, production and transportation.

Question 13

Energy Pathway

Answer 13

The movement of energy from its extraction or source, through pipes, freight logistics or cabling.

Question 14

Energy Players

Answer 14

Key companies and individuals who own, distribute and sell energy and energy sources.

Question 15

Enhanced Anthropogenic Climate Variability

Answer 15

The build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere caused by human activity, reducing the amount of solar radiation reflected into space.

Question 16

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Answer 16

The build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, reducing the amount of solar radiation reflected into space.

Question 17

Inorganic Carbon

Answer 17

Carbon stored in carbonated rocks.

Question 18

Non-Renewable

Answer 18

A source of energy that can only be used once to generate electricity or takes thousands of years to replace e.g. Fossil Fuels

Question 19

Nuclear Fusion

Answer 19

The process of joining atomic nuclei together, to produce energy.

Question 20

OPEC

Answer 20

Oil and Petroleum exporting countries. An organisation that supports and coordinates fossil fuel exporting countries.

Question 21

Organic Carbon

Answer 21

Carbon stored in plant material and living organisms.

Question 22

Outgassing

Answer 22

The release of dissolved carbon dioxide (e.g. at plate boundaries, warming the oceans).

Question 23

Photosynthesis

Answer 23

The process of converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. All plants and some organisms rely on this process to survive.

Question 24

Phytoplankton

Answer 24

Small organisms that rely on photosynthesis to survive, so intake carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Question 25

Primary Energy

Answer 25

The initial source of energy, as it is naturally found. This could be natural ores, water, crops or radioactive material.

Question 26

Renewable

Answer 26

Primary energy that can be re-used to produce electricity or has a short lifetime, therefore any used can be replaced quickly e.g. Hydroelectric, biomass, solar.

Question 27

Respiration

Answer 27

The process of converting glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide and energy. Some organisms rely on respiration to survive.

Question 28

Secondary Energy

Answer 28

The product of primary energy, mostly electricity.

Question 29

Sequestration

Answer 29

The transfer of carbon from the atmosphere to stores elsewhere - living biosphere, inorganic rocks, etc.

Question 30

Thermohaline Circulation

Answer 30

The movement of volumes of seawater from cold deep water to warm water surface water.

Question 31

Tipping Point

Answer 31

A critical threshold where any changes to a system after the tipping point are irreversible.

Question 32

Urbanisation

Answer 32

A permeable or porous rock which stores water

Question 33

Decoupling

Answer 33

This is where a country still grows it’s economy without damaging the environment. This is difficult for low income and industrial countries, but becomes significantly easier in the post industrial phase.