Energy (briefly)

Question 1

Why is energy important?

Answer 1

most countries have a society that wouldn’t function without it, used in homes, transport, industry (jobs, wealth and economic development)

Question 2

What is the energy mix?

Answer 2

The mix of difference sources we get our electricity from (eg, renewables such as solar, tidal, geothermal or non-renewables such as burning coal, oil , gas or nuclear)

Question 3

Why is domestic use of coal, oil and gas use in the UK declining (slightly)

Answer 3

oil and gas from the North Sea are running out, the only coal left is expensive and unpopular due to the CO2 emissions

Question 4

What are the economic issues with energy exploitation?

Answer 4

Renewables are expensive to research and set up, North Sea is only financially worthwhile if oil prices stay high, cost of extraction is high and increases as reserves run out

Question 5

What are the environmental issues with energy exploitation?

Answer 5

CO2 emissions, damage to ecosystems, potential for accidents (nuclear) and leaks, fracking (extraction of gas from shale rocks by high-pressure water) can cause small earthquakes and gas leaks