Energy

Question 1

Where is energy consumption highest/lowest?

Answer 1

Highest in HICs (USA, Germany); lowest in LICs (Chad, Nepal).

Question 2

What causes energy supply inequality?

Answer 2

Physical factors (e.g., no fossil fuels), climate, technology gaps, political conflicts (e.g., Russia-Ukraine gas disputes).

Question 3

Why is global energy demand rising?

Answer 3

Economic growth, population increase, tech advancements (more devices/appliances).

Question 4

Impacts of energy insecurity?

Answer 4

Higher costs, unreliable supply (disrupts hospitals/transport), conflict risk (e.g., over oil).

Question 5

Case Study: Cerrejón Coal Mine, Colombia

Answer 5

• Pros: Jobs, income.<br></br>- Cons: Displaces Indigenous Wayuu, pollutes water/dust harms crops.

Question 6

Case Study: Wind Power in Norway

Answer 6

• Pros: Energy security (hydro + wind), low emissions.<br></br>- Cons: Protests over landscape damage, disrupts reindeer herding.

Question 7

Pros/Cons of Wind Energy

Answer 7

• ✅ No emissions, land dual-use.<br></br>- ❌ Visual pollution, intermittent.

Question 8

Pros/Cons of Solar Energy

Answer 8

• ✅ Infinite, low running costs.<br></br>- ❌ Weather-dependent, high upfront cost.

Question 9

Pros/Cons of Hydropower

Answer 9

• ✅ Reliable, flood control.<br></br>- ❌ Dam displacement, ecosystem harm.

Question 10

Pros/Cons of Fossil Fuels

Answer 10

• ✅ Reliable, existing infrastructure.<br></br>- ❌ CO₂ emissions, finite, air/water pollution.

Question 11

Pros/Cons of Nuclear Energy

Answer 11

• ✅ Low CO₂, high output.<br></br>- ❌ Radioactive waste, expensive (e.g., Hinkley Point £23B).

Question 12

How can energy supply be increased?

Answer 12

Diversify (renewables/nuclear), improve efficiency, international cooperation.

Question 13

What is carbon capture and storage (CCS)?

Answer 13

Traps CO₂ emissions from factories/power plants before release.

Question 14

How does energy insecurity affect food production?

Answer 14

Raises fuel costs → higher farm/transport prices → food price spikes.

Question 15

How does energy insecurity affect industry?

Answer 15

Disrupts production, raises costs, deters foreign investment.

Question 16

Case Study: Insolar, Rio de Janeiro

Answer 16

NGO installs solar panels in favelas; reduces illegal connections, cuts bills, creates jobs.

Question 17

Ways to reduce energy demand?

Answer 17

Home insulation, LED lights, efficient public transport, cycling/walking incentives.

Question 18

What is a smart grid?

Answer 18

Efficient energy distribution system that reduces waste (e.g., balances renewable supply).

Question 19

Why exploit difficult energy areas (e.g., Arctic)?

Answer 19

New reserves (e.g., oil) but risks spills, ecosystem damage, Indigenous displacement.

Question 20

What defines sustainable energy?

Answer 20

Meets current needs without harming future generations (renewables + conservation).