Part 1 Flashcards
What services can the environment provide?
- The ability to provide resources
- The ability to absorb wastes
- Other: such as shelter
What are the environmental impacts of the energy sector?
- GHG emissions
- Other emissions (particulates, sulphur dixoide, radioactive waste)
- Wildlife
- Resource use
What is fuel poverty?
The government defines a household in England as fuel poor:
-if it has required fuel cost that are above average
-and were the household to spend that amount, they would be left with a residual income below the official poverty line.
This is the low income high cost (LIHC) definition of fuel poverty.
What happened in the fuel protest in 2000?
The government increase fuel duty, and in protest refineries were blockaded. This caused 75% of petrol stations to close, the NHS on red alert, supermarkets to run out of food and school closures.
After a decline in public support the protest was called off, but the government did announce a freeze on fuel duty,
Give 2 examples of blackouts.
- New York Blackout, 2003
High temps caused the wires to sag and hit trees. While a software bug meant the operator was unaware that the system was overloaded. - European Blackout, 2006
Part of the German power network was disconnected to allow a ship to pass. The operator didn’t alert the neighbouring operator so the imbalance of power caused the line to trip. Resulting in a blackout which cascaded over Europe.
What are the ways in which consumers can reduce their energy bills?
- Use less energy
- Improve efficiency of appliances
- Generate their own electricty
What does SAP stand for?
Standard assessment procedure - this is how the government assess and compares energy and environmental performance in buildings.
What are the consequences of globalisation?
- Increased trade in goods between countries
- Increased foreign investment
- Possibly reduced national control over resources
What would the benefits of the Green Economy be?
- More socially inclusive
- Reduced environmental impact
- While maintaining the economy and current lifestyles
Which countries are the top emitters of cumulative CO2 emissions?
- USA 2. China 3. Germany 4. UK 5. India
What is the electrification rate in developing countries?
79%, the lowest rate is sub-Saharan Africa (35%)
There is disparity between urban and rural rates and even those with access to electricity may experience unreliable supply.
Which country has the highest CO2 emissions? And which has the highest per capita emissions?
China has the highest total emission, while Qatar has the highest per capita emissions.
How can countries be classified?
Advanced economies, in transition, less developed and least developed.
Assumes all countries aspire to the Western capitalist model.
Where will the biggest impacts of climate change be felt?
Developing countries will face the most severe impacts, especially in the short term. Their ability to adapt is also limited due to a lack of funding and skills.
What issues are facing developing countries, in relation to energy?
Energy is linked to economic growth and access to energy enhances the life of citizen.
Countries need to be able to finance the construction of infrastructure and they need institutions to deliver policy. Finally citizens need to be able to afford it.
