Comp 3 - Topic 9 Flashcards
(36 cards)
Define renewable energy
It is renewable if it can be replenished on a very short timescale, they’re known as flow resources as the planet has endless amounts of them
Define non renewable enrgy
They cant be replenished quickly, they take millions of years to form. This means that they cant run out
Define recyclable energy
Sources are made from waste products or whose waste products can generate more electricity
What impacts does mining have on the environment?
- Surface mining can permanently scar the landscape
- habitats can be destroyed
- clearing forests affects the water cycle as there is less interception
- mining releases greenhouse gases
What are the impacts of drilling on the environment?
- onshore drilling requires lots of space and access roads.
- oil spills can cause major damage to the environment
- extracting natural gases can cause some to leak into the atmosphere
What are the impacts of wind energy on the environment?
- They take up a lot of space
- they cause noise pollution
- they can kill birds n’ stuff
What are the impacts of solar energy on the environment?
- Some solar farms use water to clean leading to a lack of water in the ecosystem.
- the heat reflected of mirrors can cause death to birds
- solar panels cause lots of pollution during production
How do HEP cause damage to the environment?
- floods land around it
- the river which the damn is built on is affected
- a build up in sediment behind the damn can block sunlight causing algae and animals to die
How does technology affect access to energy?
Some countries are unable to exploit their energy resources as the technology required is unavailable or too expensive.
How does geology affect a countries access to energy
Fossil fuels are found in sedimentary where impermeable rocks have trapped oil and gas in permeable rocks below. Countries without this wont have access to fossil fuels
How does accessibility affect a countries access to energy?
Some fuel is inaccessible, other resources are in restricted areas
How does climate affect a countries access to energy?
Solar panels require sun so are more useful in aunny areas
How does landscape affect a countries access to energy?
Wind turbines are best in windy areas, high up along the coast
Why do developed countries consume more energy and why do developing use less?
1) because they can afford it
2) economic development increases wealth so people can buy more things which use energy e.g cars and kitchen appliances.
3) developing countries consume less energy because they cant afford it
4) the majority of people in developing countries are poor and therefor cant afford to buy electrical appliances
5) industrialisation means more energy is consumed
What dies oil production rely on?
Infrastructure- a country needs the correct equipment and technology
Domestic demand- saudi arabia relies on oil to meet its own energy needs
Shrinking reserves- oil production in some places are slowing due to declining reserves
What 4 factors affect oil prices?
Conflicts- can disrupt oil production which leads to a decrease in production and therefore an increase in price
Diplomatic relations- oil prices may vary because of tensions between oil producing countries
Recessions- lower the demand for oil because industrial activities and economic growth slow down causing prices to fall
Economic booms- oil prices increase during periods of rapid economic growth because of increased consumption and demand
What are the economic benefits of exploiting oil and gas reserves? And the environmental problems which come as a result of this?
1) Countries with oil and gas reserves can save money by reducing energy imports
2) these countries can make money from exporting energy
3) they create jobs in te area
1) land has to be cleared for roads and pipes
2) oil leaks in the sea
3) vibrations from drills in sea can affect whales and dolphins echolocation
4) opening up areas of forest to roads increase air and ground pollution from vehicles
What is an unconventional energy reserve?
They are exploited using more expensive methods that need specialist technology to extract it
How does fracking negatively affect the environment?
1) The chemicals used in fracking liquid as well as the shale itself can pollute groundwater and drinking water.
2) land has to be cleared to build drilling pads which disrupts the environment and damages ecosystems
How does surface mining negatively affect the environment?
- vast amounts of space are needed
- processing tar sands produces liquids full of chemicals which can pollute the environment
What is energy conservation and energy efficiency?
Energy conservation- changing our behaviours in relation to energy
Energy efficiency- using energy efficient lightbulbs
How can energy be reduced in the home? And in transport?
1) insulation reduces energy needed to heat homes
2) modern boilers are more efficient and use less energy
3) solar panels can be fitted to roofs of homes
1) electric and hybrid vehicles
2) regenerative breaking, where energy lost to breaking is reused
3) engine manufactures are making more efficient engines
4) improving public transport
What are the advantages of reducing the use of fossil fuels?
- Reducing carbon footprint
1) burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, a persons carbon footprint is the sum of greenhouse gases which they contribute to produce directly or indirectly by reducing things which use energy they can reduce carbon footprint. - Improving energy security
2) it means having a reliable, uninterrupted and affordable supply of energy and switching to renewable energy - Diversifying the energy mix
3) reduce reliance on fossil fuels, having a diverse mix reduces a countries reliance on fossil fuels. Incorporation renewables into the stream of energy will allow non renewables to last longer.
What are the costs and benefits of biofuels?
- Sources have to managed so that they don’t run out, growing biofuel crops reduces the space for food crops. Growing crops for biofuels is causing deforestation.
- But biofuels cause less pollution when they are burned, some biofuels are made from waste products and therefore reducing bio waste
