CH 3: Global Action on Energy Conservation and Climate Change Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the Brundtland Commission definition of sustainable development?
Sustainable development is the kind of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Why has the Brundtland Commission’s definition of sustainability encouraged some governments to reduce their use of fossil fuels?
Some governments are now more aware of their responsibilities with regard to their current use of fossil fuels.
What are the 3 targets set by the EU in relation to the Brundtland Commission’s definition of sustainability?
- 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions.
- 20% increase in energy produced using renewable sources.
- 20% cut in energy consumption.
What are the Northern Ireland targets for 2020 aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency?
Northern Ireland’s target for 2020 aims to acquire 40% of electricity from alternative energy sources, reducing the dependency on coal, oil and gas.
How can the reduction of energy consumption be promoted at a national level?
- Energy performance certificates - can be found on electrical devices like fridge freezers and televisions as well as houses. This forces manufacturers and consumers to consider the electrical energy consumed per year and therefore the price of running the device or building.
- Taxation of cars and fuel duty - Heavily polluting cars are more heavily taxed which directs consumers towards smaller lower polluting cars. These cars have the added benefit of being more fuel efficient and can travel greater km per litre of fuel.
- Bans of low efficiency devices - The EU banned the sale of old, low efficiency, filament bulbs in September 2018. With some houses having significant numbers of light bulbs the energy savings over a year could reach hundreds of pounds. If all houses shift towards highly efficient light bulbs the effect will be a significant reduction of electricity requirements across the grid.
What does the term energy density mean?
Energy density is the amount of energy stored in a given system or region of space per unit volume or mass.
How do the different forms of energy vary in terms of Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions?
- Renewable energy - Most contribute none during their operation. Examples include wind turbines, solar PV / thermal and hydro. Biomass does emit CO2, but only that which is absorbed during the time it was growing and so is said to be carbon neutral.
- Fossil fuels - All emit harmful GHGs especially coal which is particularly polluting. These are leading to climate change and also air pollution which has adverse effects on humans’ health.
- Nuclear energy - During their operation they produce nearly zero GHG emissions. As such, they have become very lucrative where nations are trying to drive down carbon emissions to meet national targets.
How do the different forms of energy vary in terms of safety?
- Renewable energy - Overall these are very stable systems unless some major system failure occurs where the damage will be limited and localised.
- Fossil fuels - Power plants using fossil fuels are overall safe provided safety precautions are maintained. Any damage would be limited and localised.
- Nuclear energy - If a nuclear power plant does fail the results can be devastating where nuclear waste is thrown into the atmosphere and can be transported thousands of miles by the wind. There is potential for huge loss of life as well as serious long term health implications for people exposed to the waste.
How do the different forms of energy vary in terms of cost?
- Renewable energy- This depends on the size of system ranging from approximately £5,000 for a solar system on a roof to millions of pounds for offshore wind farms.
- Fossil fuel - Fossil fuel power plants are more expensive than renewable energy power plants (such as biomass).
- Nuclear energy - The costs to build these plants are extremely high. They also present great difficulty in successfully gaining planning permission. Additionally, these plants have vast decommissioning costs where the nuclear waste needs to be disposed of and stored safely. This is a significant issue for nuclear energy at present and into the future.
How do the different forms of energy vary in terms of health?
- Renewable energy - These have a generally limited impact on peoples’ health. Issues are usually addressed and mitigated in the planning stage such as shadow flicker and sound issues for wind turbines as will be made evident in the wind chapter.
- Fossil fuels - Dangerous gases and particulates are emitted into the atmosphere. This occurs particularly with coal, which is very polluting, and can cause long term respiratory problems and even death. The events of the great smog of 1952 in London, discussed in chapter two and current air pollution in cities highlight these dangers in modern times.
- Nuclear energy - There exists substantial and extremely hazardous waste which can be thrown off in the event of an explosion. This can cause death, cancers and birth defects. But even in the event of no explosion this waste must be stored for decades after the plant is shut down and decommissioned.
What is the energy density of a fossil fuel (coal)?
30 MJ/kg
What is the energy density of a renewable fuel (biomass)?
18 MJ/kg
What is the energy density of a nuclear fuel (uranium)?
83,000,000 MJ/kg
What could be used by a government to reduce the use of fossil fuels?
- Renewable energy sources need to be used for example renewable technologies such as wind farms and solar farms as these technologies can produce energy without using fossil fuels.
- Investment in nuclear power plants to replace fossil fuel power stations, therefore reducing the need for fossil fuels.
