Non-Renewable Advantages and Disadvantages

Question 1

What are the advantages to using sources like coal, oil and natural gas?

Answer 1

It is widely available and infrastructure (e.g. pipes, power networks) is established and it can produce large amounts of energy.

Question 2

What are the disadvantages to using these sources?

Answer 2

They are finite and contribute to global warming as it emits carbon dioxide and extraction harms the environment.

Question 3

What are the advantages to using nuclear energy?

Answer 3

It produces large amounts of energy from small amounts of fuel and no greenhouse gas emissions during energy production.

Question 4

What are the disadvantages?

Answer 4

There is a risk of accidents (nuclear meltdowns), radioactive waste is hazardous and difficult to store and it is expensive to build and decommission nuclear plants.

Question 5

What are the advantages to using shale gas and oil?

Answer 5

They are abundant in some regions and can provide a temporary supply of energy.

Question 6

What are the disadvantages?

Answer 6

It requires fracking, which can cause small earthquakes and water contamination and it still emits greenhouse gases.