Impacts of Energy Production (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Geography): Flashcards
Exam code: 0460 & 0976
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Define renewable energy.
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Cards in this collection (38)
Define renewable energy.
Renewable energy sources are infinite and will not run out, e.g. hydroelectric, wave/tidal, wind, solar, geothermal and biomass.
Define non-renewable energy.
Non-renewable energy sources are finite and will eventually run out; they include gas, oil, coal and nuclear.
Name three renewable energy sources other than solar and wind.
Any three of: hydroelectric, wave/tidal, geothermal, and biomass/waste.
Give two disadvantages of hydroelectric power.
Any two of: large areas of land are flooded behind the dam, the dam traps sediment affecting downstream ecosystems, visual pollution, it can prevent fish movement upstream, people may be relocated, and it is expensive to build and maintain.
Give two disadvantages of wind power.
Any two of: not reliable (only works in the right wind), visual pollution, noise pollution, many turbines needed (233 to match a coal-fired station), and it may affect or kill birds.
Although geothermal energy produces no CO2 gases, one disadvantage is that it emits ______ gases.
Although geothermal energy produces no CO2 gases, one disadvantage is that it emits sulphuric gases.
Why is gas considered the least harmful fossil fuel?
It is the least polluting of the fossil fuels, as well as being efficient, reliable and easy to transport by pipes.
Which gas released by burning coal leads to acid rain?
Sulphur dioxide (SO2), which leads to acid rain.
Give two advantages of using coal as an energy source.
Any two of: large world reserves, cheap, efficient, easy to produce energy from, and reliable.
Give two disadvantages of nuclear energy.
Any two of: radioactive nuclear waste that is expensive to dispose of, expensive power stations, risk of nuclear accidents (Chernobyl, Fukushima), and possible health impacts in surrounding areas.
A key advantage of nuclear energy is that only ______ amounts of uranium are needed, and it produces no greenhouse gas emissions.
A key advantage of nuclear energy is that only small amounts of uranium are needed, and it produces no greenhouse gas emissions.
True or False?
Once in place, all renewable energy sources produce no greenhouse gas emissions.
False.
This is true for most, but biomass/waste produces greenhouse gases; greenhouse gases may also be emitted in the production, construction and transport of equipment.
True or False?
Oil has large world reserves and carries no risk of spills.
False.
Oil has low world reserves and carries a risk of oil spills (e.g. Exxon Valdez).
What are the three main strategies to increase energy supplies?
Increase the use of renewable energy, continue to exploit fossil fuels, and further develop the use of nuclear fuel.
What do governments' choices of energy strategy depend on?
The resources and finances available to them.
Give two advantages of increasing the use of renewable energy.
Any two of: sustainability (it is infinite), environmental benefits (lower greenhouse gases), energy security (less reliance on imports), and job creation.
Give two disadvantages of increasing the use of renewable energy.
Any two of: unreliability requiring energy storage, high set-up costs, large land use disrupting habitats, and developing storage technology.
Give two advantages of continuing to exploit fossil fuels.
Any two of: existing infrastructure for extraction and distribution, high energy density, reliability, and economic importance.
A major disadvantage of fossil fuels is that they are a ______ resource and will eventually run out.
A major disadvantage of fossil fuels is that they are a finite resource and will eventually run out.
Why can exploiting fossil fuels lead to geopolitical tensions?
Fossil fuel resources can create or worsen international conflicts over access and control.
Give two advantages of further developing nuclear fuel.
Any two of: low greenhouse gas emissions once built, high energy output from little fuel, reliability, and energy security.
Why is public opposition a disadvantage of developing nuclear energy?
There is significant public fear about nuclear energy due to health risks and its links to cancer.
A disadvantage of nuclear power is that storing ______ waste is expensive and difficult, as it takes a long time to decay and become safe.
A disadvantage of nuclear power is that storing radioactive waste is expensive and difficult, as it takes a long time to decay and become safe.
Define sustainability.
Sustainability means meeting energy needs in a way that can continue long-term; it may be environmental, economic or social.
True or False?
Fossil fuels should always be dismissed as unsustainable because they produce the most greenhouse gases.
False.
In some countries they may be seen as more sustainable because they are a local resource used efficiently, the infrastructure is already in place, they contribute to the economy, and they do not need to be imported.
Where is Norway located?
Norway is located in northern Europe.
In Norway, ______ generates 90% of the country's electricity and accounts for 65% of energy use.
In Norway, hydropower generates 90% of the country's electricity and accounts for 65% of energy use.
What is Norway's role in the global energy market?
Norway is one of the world's largest energy exporters, holding 1% of world gas reserves and 0.3% of world oil reserves.
Give two environmental impacts of Norway's reliance on hydropower.
Any two of: flooding of large areas of land, barriers to fish migration, altered river flow rates, changed water temperature and sediment levels, and habitat destruction.
How did drought affect Norway's energy supply in 2022?
In 2022, drought conditions led to a decrease in energy supply and an increase in energy prices.
Give two environmental impacts of Norway's oil and gas extraction.
Any two of: increased risk of oil spills and leaks, underwater noise pollution affecting marine life, and greenhouse gas emissions from burning the fossil fuels.
Roughly how many hydropower plants are there in Norway?
Over 1500 hydropower plants.
How is Norway expanding its wind energy?
It has 53 wind farms (including the world's first floating wind farm), with plans for 36 additional onshore and offshore farms by 2030.
To encourage solar energy, homeowners in ______ receive a 30% subsidy for installing solar panels.
To encourage solar energy, homeowners in Oslo receive a 30% subsidy for installing solar panels.
How is Norway reducing its consumption of oil in transport?
By encouraging a move to electric cars; in 2021, 66% of all new car sales in Norway were electric.
Why is Norway expanding renewables beyond hydropower?
Because of the reliance on hydropower during the dry season, the environmental impact of large plants, and continually increasing demand.
True or False?
Norway's population is mainly rural.
False.
Norway's population is mainly urban, with 83% of people living in towns and cities.
What is Norway's level of development?
Norway is a High Income Country (HIC), with one of the highest energy demands in the world.
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