topic 9 - consuming energy resources (changing attitudes) Flashcards
business as usual
everything carries on as normal. We go on getting most of our energy from fossil fuels and don’t increase the use of renewable energy sources
move to sustainability
reduce amount of fossil fuels we use and increase use of renewable energy
what are consumers’ views on energy futures
consumers want secure energy supplies that won’t be disrupted in the future
when fossil fuels start to run out, energy security will decrease, increasing the risk of energy shortages
consumers also want cheap power - sustainable energy requires investment, which can increase the price
do consumers prefer business as usual or moving to sustainability
business as usual as it provides a cheap, secure supply of energy. However, as fossil fuels run out, and environmental awareness increases, some consumers are beginning to favour a move to sustainability
describe the involvement of TNCs like Shell in the energy sector
TNCs like Shell are heavily involved in extracting and refining fossil fuels, investing significant amounts of money into the energy sector
what power and wealth do TNCs gain from controlling oil reserves?
Controlling oil reserves gives TNCs significant power and wealth, but they may face financial losses if there is a shift towards renewable energy sources.
How do TNCs’ costs and gains differ between sustainable energy and fossil fuels?
Investing in sustainable energy requires more money than fossil fuels, leading to higher costs and potentially lower gains for TNCs, which may influence their preference for the business as usual
do TNCs not involved in the fossil fuel industry prefer business as usual or moving to sustainability
TNCs not involved in the fossil fuel industry may also favour business as usual as sustainable energy is more expensive and would be likely to increase their energy costs
define the government’s interest in securing future energy supplies
Governments aim to secure future energy supplies, recognising that while fossil fuels are currently cheap and reliable, a more sustainable approach is necessary in the long term
Do developed countries’ governments face pressure from consumers regarding environmental protection
Yes, developed countries’ governments’ are increasingly pressured by consumers to protect the environment, leading to a growing interest in transitioning to more sustainable energy sources.
the role of climate scientists in studying climate change.
Climate scientists study climate and how human activities are affecting it, predicting potential temperature increases and other consequences.
what do climate scientists want to reduce?
reliance on fossil fuels to lessen the consequences of climate change, e.g. serious temperature increases and rising sea levels
what is the goal of environmental groups like Greenpeace concerning fossil fuels?
environmental groups aim to stop people from relying on fossil fuels for energy due to the environmental damage caused by their extraction and use
How do environmental groups propose to lessen the consequences of climate change?
Environmental groups advocate for reducing the use of fossil fuels and switching to renewable energy sources in line with the move to sustainability scenario
Define IPCC and its role in climate change scenarios.
The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) predicts potential climate change scenarios, such as temperature increases, based on different emission levels and human activities.
