Global energy consumption is now vast and set to only increase. It is vital to virtually all aspects of modern life. But how did we get here?
Watch the Crash Course video below for an historical perspective.
Watch the Crash Course video below for an historical perspective.
World energy production and consumption is not equal (as you can see in the choropleth map below) and is sharply divided by the global gap in income and equality that is present in so much of geographical study.
But, as you can see in Figure 11.3, as LIC's and MIC's become more advanced and economically important, industrial and domestic energy consumption will increase, adding to the total global burden.
And that's where Climate Change and global energy futures collide. Watch the video below to get a better understanding of what this means for energy demand and the global energy mix as we move through the 21st Century.
A new way of looking at these sorts of problems is through the idea of a nexus, where food, water and energy come together to find total solutions to overlapping problems.
TASK 1
Look at the diagram above and watch the video below.
Using examples, explain the links between and the importance of thinking about energy using the FEW nexus.
Consider:
Write a paragraph that considers these ideas.
Look at the diagram above and watch the video below.
Using examples, explain the links between and the importance of thinking about energy using the FEW nexus.
Consider:
- Climate change
- Sustainability
- Scarce resources
- Vulnerable populations
- Increasing populations
Write a paragraph that considers these ideas.
TASK
Do some research on Switzerland using the link below to answer the discussion point. Make some comparisons over time and in type of fuel source used, particularly in electricity production. What are the trend? Are they environmentally positive or negative?
Do some research on Switzerland using the link below to answer the discussion point. Make some comparisons over time and in type of fuel source used, particularly in electricity production. What are the trend? Are they environmentally positive or negative?
Oil exploration, extraction, production, transportation and consumption has always resulted in ecological and environmental impacts, some minor, some gradual and some catastrophic.
The Exxon Valdez oil tanker spill was another catastrophic event that has had devastating and long lasting impacts.
TASK
Using the videos above, write a brief history of oil production and consumption.
Using the videos above, write a brief history of oil production and consumption.
Coal mining has been around for thousands of years and has seen many changes. Watch these video clips to gain a better idea about the workings and impacts of coal on human society and the environment.
TASK
Have a go at creating a Venn diagram that shows the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of energy production discussed. You will need to get creative with your design and pay attention to how it will fit together. To make this easier, not all advantages and disadvantages need to be used. Have a look at the one opposite to see how connections are made. Templates are available on Word and Powerpoint. Give it a go and see what you can come up with. |
TASK
Although you can see that Iceland uses geothermal energy effectively, you can also see that there are a number of problems and that this energy source is limited by geography.
Watch the video below and make a case for small scale, individual thermal energy systems. Think of the advantages and disadvantages and how they compare to the larger scale systems shown above, like that found in Iceland.
Although you can see that Iceland uses geothermal energy effectively, you can also see that there are a number of problems and that this energy source is limited by geography.
Watch the video below and make a case for small scale, individual thermal energy systems. Think of the advantages and disadvantages and how they compare to the larger scale systems shown above, like that found in Iceland.
TASK
Choose a location from google maps. Take a screen shot of its regional location. Using your locations geographical advantages and disadvantages, create and explain an energy mix for your locations energy needs.
This could be done done by explaining what energy types would work well and why, and what energy types would be too impractical or expensive. For example, Switzerland, as a mountainous and largely water abundant country, can more easily use hydro-electric power on a large scale. Iceland, as you have seen, also has hydro power potential, as well as thermal.
Any location will give you an opportunity to asses the pros and cons of specific energy types.
Choose a location from google maps. Take a screen shot of its regional location. Using your locations geographical advantages and disadvantages, create and explain an energy mix for your locations energy needs.
This could be done done by explaining what energy types would work well and why, and what energy types would be too impractical or expensive. For example, Switzerland, as a mountainous and largely water abundant country, can more easily use hydro-electric power on a large scale. Iceland, as you have seen, also has hydro power potential, as well as thermal.
Any location will give you an opportunity to asses the pros and cons of specific energy types.
TASK
Watch the video above and answer the following questions.
1. Why would we be "left in the dark" if fossil fuels were no longer used?
2. Give 2 reasons why countries with a high use of fossil fuels for power, such as Kuwait, do not use renewables?
3. Describe the distribution of the main users of nuclear energy.
4. Give 2 reasons why these countries have a high percentage of nuclear energy use?
5. Suggest one economic and one political reason why poorer countries, particularly those in Africa, have a high proportion of hydro electric power use.
6. Suggest at least 3 reasons why the United States, in spite of its vast natural and renewable resource potential, is still hugely reliant on fossil fuels for its energy needs.
Watch the video above and answer the following questions.
1. Why would we be "left in the dark" if fossil fuels were no longer used?
2. Give 2 reasons why countries with a high use of fossil fuels for power, such as Kuwait, do not use renewables?
3. Describe the distribution of the main users of nuclear energy.
4. Give 2 reasons why these countries have a high percentage of nuclear energy use?
5. Suggest one economic and one political reason why poorer countries, particularly those in Africa, have a high proportion of hydro electric power use.
6. Suggest at least 3 reasons why the United States, in spite of its vast natural and renewable resource potential, is still hugely reliant on fossil fuels for its energy needs.
TASK
Research one hydro electric dam scheme, or collection of schemes, as explained above.
Include dam site (map); advantages; disadvantages and impacts.
Impacts can be short and long term and could include political, economic, environmental and social factors.
The Mekong River below offers a huge amount of information and discussion.
Research one hydro electric dam scheme, or collection of schemes, as explained above.
Include dam site (map); advantages; disadvantages and impacts.
Impacts can be short and long term and could include political, economic, environmental and social factors.
The Mekong River below offers a huge amount of information and discussion.