1.3.2 Environmental Impact of Energy Use

• What are energy resources used for?

  Generate electricity or power
• Renewable energy resources are depleted by use

  False
• Non-renewable energy resources are finite and will eventually run out if used excessively
• Order the environmental effects of burning fossil fuels:

  1️⃣ Climate change

  2️⃣ Air pollution

  3️⃣ Water pollution
• Burning fossil fuels contributes to air pollution by releasing pollutants such as SO2, NOx, and particulate
• What percentage of the global energy mix is attributed to nuclear energy?

  10%
• Fossil fuels contribute 80% to the global energy mix.
• Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass.
• Air pollution is caused by emissions such as SO2, NOx, and particulate matter.
• Addressing the environmental effects of fossil fuels requires a shift to renewable energy sources.


  True
• Match the greenhouse gas with its contribution to global warming:

  Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ↔️ 76%

  Methane (CH4) ↔️ 16%

  Nitrous Oxide (N2O) ↔️ 6%
• The greenhouse effect is a natural process necessary for life on Earth.

  True
• One environmental impact of nuclear energy is the disposal of radioactive waste.
• Renewable energy sources generally have a smaller environmental footprint than fossil fuels.

  True
• Renewable energy resources can be replenished naturally.
• What is the primary effect of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment?

  Climate change
• The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps Earth warm enough to support life.


  True
• Energy resources are sources of energy that can be used to generate electricity or power
• Give an example of a non-renewable energy resource.

  Fossil fuels
• Nuclear energy is a renewable energy source.

  False
• Which greenhouse gas is emitted by burning fossil fuels?

  Carbon dioxide
• Oil spills from fossil fuel use contaminate waterways.

  True
• Fossil fuels contribute 80% to the global energy mix and release carbon
• There is a growing global shift towards renewable energy sources.


  True
• Nuclear energy generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases during operation.

  True
• What is the primary environmental concern associated with burning fossil fuels?

  Greenhouse gas emissions
• What are the main causes of water pollution from fossil fuels?

  Coal mining runoff and oil spills
• Steps in the greenhouse effect process:

  1️⃣ Certain gases trap heat

  2️⃣ Planet remains warm

  3️⃣ Increased greenhouse gas concentrations

  4️⃣ Climate change occurs
• Increased greenhouse gas concentrations lead to global warming.
• What is the primary advantage of nuclear energy compared to fossil fuels?

  Low-carbon emissions
• Match the energy source with its environmental impact:

  Nuclear ↔️ Radioactive waste disposal

  Renewable ↔️ Minimal greenhouse gas emissions

  Fossil Fuels ↔️ Significant greenhouse gas emissions
• What are examples of non-renewable energy resources?

  Fossil fuels and nuclear fuels
• Air pollution from fossil fuels contributes to acid rain due to pollutants like SO2
• What is the primary source of methane (CH4), a major greenhouse gas?

  Agriculture
• Renewable energy sources have no environmental drawbacks.

  False
• What is one mitigation strategy for reducing bird and bat deaths from wind turbines?

  Optimize turbine placement
• Habitat disruption caused by hydroelectric dams can be minimized by implementing fish passages
• What is one environmental benefit of conserving energy?

  Decreased air pollution
• Order the following sustainable energy policies from most to least effective:

  1️⃣ Carbon pricing

  2️⃣ Renewable energy subsidies

  3️⃣ Energy efficiency standards

  4️⃣ Public awareness campaigns
• Nuclear energy is considered a low-carbon energy source but has concerns related to radioactive waste