Week 5 Flashcards
(16 cards)
Energy Consumption and Transitions
Refers to how societies use energy and shift over time—from wood to coal, oil, and now renewables. Transitions aim to reduce fossil fuel use and emissions.
Coal, Oil, Natural Gas
Fossil fuels from ancient biomass.
- Coal: High emissions, used in electricity.
- Oil: Used in transport, plastics.
- Natural gas: Cleaner than coal, but still emits CO₂ and methane.
What Energy Sources Are Safest and Cleanest?
Wind and solar are among the cleanest and safest (low emissions, no fuel). Nuclear is low-emission but has safety and waste concerns. Fossil fuels are highest in deaths and pollution.
Energy Alternatives and Transition to Renewables
Includes solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and bioenergy. Transitioning requires infrastructure, storage, policy shifts, and public support.
What Is Mining?
The extraction of minerals and metals from the earth for economic use (e.g., for electronics, construction, energy technologies).
Commonly Extracted Minerals and Metals
Includes copper, gold, lithium, cobalt, iron, bauxite (aluminum), and rare earth elements—essential for clean tech and electronics.
Socio-Environmental Impacts of Mining
Includes deforestation, water pollution, habitat loss, carbon emissions, health risks, and displacement of communities.
Mining and Indigenous Communities
Mining often occurs on Indigenous lands without consent, disrupting cultures, damaging sacred sites, and threatening rights and health.
Mitigation Strategies (Mining)
Includes impact assessments, land restoration, waste management, community consultation, benefit-sharing, and stricter regulations.
Policy, Regulation & Governance (Mining & Energy)
Governments use laws, permits, taxes, and monitoring to regulate mining and energy. Effective governance requires transparency and enforcement.
Key International Organizations (Mining & Environment)
Include the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), International Energy Agency (IEA), and International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).
Mining and Impacts at Different Scales (Dr. Sonter)
Impacts range from local (habitat loss, pollution) to global (climate change, supply chains). Regional planning is key to reducing cumulative effects.
Artisanal vs. Corporate Mining (Dr. Sonter)
Artisanal (ASM): Small-scale, often informal or subsistence.
Corporate: Large-scale, capital-intensive. ASM can be more flexible but less regulated.
Illegal vs. Regulated Mining (Dr. Sonter)
Illegal: Unlicensed, often harmful to people and the environment.
Regulated: Legal operations under oversight, but still may have impacts.
Direct vs. Indirect Effects of Mining (Dr. Sonter)
Direct: Land use, pollution, deforestation at the site.
Indirect: Infrastructure development, migration, increased local demand on ecosystems.
Partnerships Between Mining Companies, Governments, NGOs
Can improve outcomes through shared goals—like environmental standards, community benefits, and monitoring—but require trust and accountability.
