ESS Topic 7

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Questions and Answers

Energy security is about securing enough energy for the needs of a country, and it is often a concern for governments.

True

What are the main aspects of the risk associated with importing energy?

The economics of globalization can make it cheaper to import energy than to produce it internally. (correct)

Technological developments like finding new/alternative energy sources must be considered. (correct)

The availability of supply domestically, or the possibility to import it from other countries, are key. (correct)

Price fluctuation and political changes can be risky for governments. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of using coal as an energy source?

It can lead to acid deposition.

It releases carbon dioxide.

It is expensive to mine and convert to energy. (correct)

It is non-renewable.

What is a main concern regarding the use of oil as an energy source?

Oil releases large amounts of greenhouse gases when burned. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using natural gas as an energy source?

It is cleaner than coal. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using nuclear power as an energy source?

Nuclear power is relatively cheap to produce and maintain. Signup and view all the answers

Hydroelectric power (HEP) is a renewable energy source, but it can be expensive to build and maintain.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using biomass as an energy source?

Biomass comes from sustainable sources. Signup and view all the answers

Wood is a renewable energy source as long as trees are sustainably harvested.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are two main disadvantages of using solar energy from photovoltaic cells as an energy source?

Expensive manufacturing costs and it only works in sunny areas. Signup and view all the answers

Concentrated solar power (CSP) plants are much cheaper to build and maintain than photovoltaic cells, but they are only feasible in sunny areas.

True Signup and view all the answers

Solar passive energy systems rely on capturing and storing heat from the sun, and while they are often inexpensive to install, they require specific design features and are less efficient than other alternatives.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using wind energy as a renewable resource?

Little maintenance is required. Signup and view all the answers

Tidal power is a renewable energy source that can be used almost anywhere in the world and has very little environmental impact.

False Signup and view all the answers

Wave energy, a renewable source of energy, is less efficient than tidal energy and only works in areas with large waves, making it more limited in application.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of geothermal energy as an energy source?

It is a very sustainable energy source. Signup and view all the answers

Weather is the average weather pattern over many years, while climate is the daily conditions of the atmosphere over a short period of time.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of climate change?

Constant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Signup and view all the answers

What does Global Warming Potential (GWP) measure?

The relative ability of a greenhouse gas to trap heat compared to carbon dioxide. Signup and view all the answers

Which greenhouse gas is most responsible for trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere?

Water vapor. Signup and view all the answers

The debate surrounding climate change focuses solely on the causes, with no discussion about the potential impacts or solutions.

False Signup and view all the answers

Climate change can only occur as a direct result of changes solar radiation, with no other contributing factors.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a main consequence of rising sea levels due to climate change?

Loss of coastal habitats and displacement of populations. Signup and view all the answers

Melting glaciers are a positive consequence of climate change, as they provide freshwater for downstream communities and create new land for development.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are two potential impacts of climate change on weather patterns?

More frequent extreme weather events like heat waves and hurricanes. Signup and view all the answers

How can climate change impact food production?

It can make droughts and heat waves more likely, harming crops and livestock. Signup and view all the answers

Increased temperatures due to climate change have a positive impact on biodiversity, as it promotes the spread of species into new habitats.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are two main ways that climate change can impact water supplies?

Extreme weather events like floods can contaminate water sources. Signup and view all the answers

Climate change is only a threat to human health through exposure to extreme weather events and impacts on food security.

False Signup and view all the answers

Climate change is unlikely to impact human migration patterns, as people are generally adaptable and can adjust to changing conditions.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mitigation strategy for climate change?

Creating protective barriers against rising sea levels. Signup and view all the answers

Adaptation strategies are designed to prevent climate change by addressing the root causes of the problem, while mitigation strategies focus on managing the impacts of climate change.

False Signup and view all the answers

Switching from coal to natural gas for electricity generation is considered a mitigation strategy, as it reduces carbon emissions.

True Signup and view all the answers

The implementation of carbon capture and storage technology, which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it underground, is an adaptation strategy.

False Signup and view all the answers

Building seawalls and storm surge barriers are considered mitigation strategies, as they prevent rising sea levels and erosion.

False Signup and view all the answers

Diversifying tourist attractions and promoting sustainable tourism are considered mitigation strategies for climate change.

False Signup and view all the answers

Increased rainwater harvesting and water reuse are examples of mitigation strategies that aim to reduce the impact of climate change on water resources.

False Signup and view all the answers

The use of drought-resistant crops and soil conservation techniques are considered mitigation strategies for climate change, as they address the root causes of climate change.

False Signup and view all the answers

Relocating populations away from vulnerable coastal areas is an example of a mitigation strategy.

False Signup and view all the answers

Why are mitigation strategies often challenging to implement?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Energy Choices and Security

Society uses a variety of renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
Energy security is the ability to get enough affordable and reliable energy.
Governments consider national security when choosing energy sources.
Price fluctuations and political risks influence energy choices.
Diversifying energy sources reduces risk.
Energy choices depend on supply availability, technology, and cost.
Cultural factors affect energy source preferences.
Sustainability is important, considering the environmental impact of energy production.

Evaluating Energy Sources

Coal: Formed from fossilized plants, plentiful supply, easy transportation and relatively cheap to mine. However, it is non-renewable, releases greenhouse gasses and sulfur dioxide which contributes to air pollution and acid rain.
Oil: Formed from fossilized plants and microorganisms, high energy density, relatively cheap to mine. Non-renewable source and releases significant greenhouse gasses and causes water pollution.
Natural Gas: Contains hydrocarbons, high energy density and cleaner than coal and oil, relatively cheap. A non-renewable resource and releases carbon dioxide when burned.
Nuclear Power: Nuclear reactors split uranium, high energy output from small amount of fuel, but expensive to build and maintain. Risks include radioactive waste and threat of terrorism involved.

Renewable Energy Sources

Hydroelectric Power (HEP): Uses the movement of water to generate electricity, high-quality energy with little maintenance, but expensive to build, affects local hydrology and may cause flooding issues.
Biomass: Uses decaying organic matter to produce energy. Cheap and readily available, renewable, but releases greenhouse gasses when burned.
Wood: Acquired from trees, a cheap source of energy but non-renewable if trees are not replanted.
Solar Energy (Photovoltaic Cells): Converts solar energy into electricity, infinite energy supply, safe to use, needs maintenance and works only in sunny regions.
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): Focuses sunlight on a point to heat a fluid, then uses it to generate electricity, minimal costs if properly designed, renewable, but specific technology is needed and limited supply to many regions.
Wind: Wind turbines use wind to generate electricity. Clean energy source with little maintenance, but only works in windy regions and creates visual and noise pollution.
Tidal: Uses the movement of seawater to generate electricity, can be sustainable, but costly to construct and suitable only in estuaries.
Wave: Uses the movement of seawater to compress trapped air and generate electricity, renewable, but only suitable in coastal areas.
Geothermal: Heats water from Earth's core using steam to generate electricity, infinite energy supply, but expensive to set up and suitable only in areas of volcanic activity.

Impacts of Climate Change

Oceans: Sea levels rise due to thermal expansion of water and melting ice caps.
Polar Ice Caps: Melting of ice caps increases sea levels and threatens coastal communities.
Glaciers: Glaciers are melting, threatening freshwater supplies and causing flooding and landslides.
Weather Patterns: Climate change causes extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, floods, storms, and rising sea levels.
Food Production: Changes in temperature affect crop yields and livestock production leading to food scarcity.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Climate change threatens biodiversity and ecosystems as species struggle to adapt to changing conditions.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Mitigation: Strategies to reduce the causes of climate change (preventative measures).
Adaptation: Strategies to manage the impacts of climate change (reactive measures).
Energy Supply: Improve energy efficiency, switch to renewable sources, and reduce fossil fuel subsidies.
Transportation: Utilize fuel-efficient vehicles, public transportation, and biofuels.
Buildings: Optimize lighting, use energy-efficient appliances, and improve building insulation.
Industry: Reduce emissions, use more efficient equipment, and invest in clean technologies.
Agriculture: Improve land management, promote agroforestry, and restore degraded lands.
Forestry: Afforestation and reforestation to increase carbon sequestration.

Adaptation Strategies

Water: Increased rainwater harvesting, water reuse, desalination, and drought-resistant crops.
Agriculture: Drought-resistant crops, better farming techniques that reduce soil erosion. - Infrastructure: Building seawalls and sea level and storm surge barriers.
Human Health: Vaccination programs for diseases, improving water sanitation, and public health measures. - Tourism: Diversifying tourist attractions to reduce reliance on climate sensitive areas.

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ESS Topic 7

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Podcast

Questions and Answers

Energy security is about securing enough energy for the needs of a country, and it is often a concern for governments.

What are the main aspects of the risk associated with importing energy?

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of using coal as an energy source?

What is a main concern regarding the use of oil as an energy source?

What is the primary advantage of using natural gas as an energy source?

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using nuclear power as an energy source?

Hydroelectric power (HEP) is a renewable energy source, but it can be expensive to build and maintain.

What is the main advantage of using biomass as an energy source?

Wood is a renewable energy source as long as trees are sustainably harvested.

What are two main disadvantages of using solar energy from photovoltaic cells as an energy source?

Concentrated solar power (CSP) plants are much cheaper to build and maintain than photovoltaic cells, but they are only feasible in sunny areas.

Solar passive energy systems rely on capturing and storing heat from the sun, and while they are often inexpensive to install, they require specific design features and are less efficient than other alternatives.

What is the main advantage of using wind energy as a renewable resource?

Tidal power is a renewable energy source that can be used almost anywhere in the world and has very little environmental impact.

Wave energy, a renewable source of energy, is less efficient than tidal energy and only works in areas with large waves, making it more limited in application.

What is the primary advantage of geothermal energy as an energy source?

Weather is the average weather pattern over many years, while climate is the daily conditions of the atmosphere over a short period of time.

Which of the following is NOT a cause of climate change?

What does Global Warming Potential (GWP) measure?

Which greenhouse gas is most responsible for trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere?

The debate surrounding climate change focuses solely on the causes, with no discussion about the potential impacts or solutions.

Climate change can only occur as a direct result of changes solar radiation, with no other contributing factors.

What is a main consequence of rising sea levels due to climate change?

Melting glaciers are a positive consequence of climate change, as they provide freshwater for downstream communities and create new land for development.

What are two potential impacts of climate change on weather patterns?

How can climate change impact food production?

Increased temperatures due to climate change have a positive impact on biodiversity, as it promotes the spread of species into new habitats.

What are two main ways that climate change can impact water supplies?

Climate change is only a threat to human health through exposure to extreme weather events and impacts on food security.

Climate change is unlikely to impact human migration patterns, as people are generally adaptable and can adjust to changing conditions.

Which of the following is NOT a mitigation strategy for climate change?

Adaptation strategies are designed to prevent climate change by addressing the root causes of the problem, while mitigation strategies focus on managing the impacts of climate change.

Switching from coal to natural gas for electricity generation is considered a mitigation strategy, as it reduces carbon emissions.

The implementation of carbon capture and storage technology, which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it underground, is an adaptation strategy.

Building seawalls and storm surge barriers are considered mitigation strategies, as they prevent rising sea levels and erosion.

Diversifying tourist attractions and promoting sustainable tourism are considered mitigation strategies for climate change.

Increased rainwater harvesting and water reuse are examples of mitigation strategies that aim to reduce the impact of climate change on water resources.

The use of drought-resistant crops and soil conservation techniques are considered mitigation strategies for climate change, as they address the root causes of climate change.

Relocating populations away from vulnerable coastal areas is an example of a mitigation strategy.

Why are mitigation strategies often challenging to implement?

Study Notes

Energy Choices and Security

Evaluating Energy Sources

Renewable Energy Sources

Impacts of Climate Change

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Adaptation Strategies

Studying That Suits You

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