6.1.9

Issues with Sources of Energy

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Environmental & Economic Issues with Sources of Energy

Almost all fuels, or sources or energy, come with associated environmental problems.

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Economic issues

  • Some people forecast that the world will run out of oil by 2030 and other fossil fuels after 2050. Even if we don't run out of oil, we will be forced to extract oil from more difficult places on Earth and this will become more expensive.
  • Although solar and wind power are more environmentally friendly, they are impractical. The UK is not very sunny and wind turbines do nothing if it isn't very windy and have to be switched off if it is too windy!
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Environmental issues

  • Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, which contribute to the greenhouse effect.
  • Fracking for natural gas on land (as Cuadrilla Resources is doing in Blackpool) can cause micro-earthquakes under people's houses.
  • Nuclear power is probably the safest fuel, but the Chernobyl nuclear disaster showed that an explosion at a nuclear power plant can be very serious.
  • Wind turbines and hydroelectric power (dams and rivers) can harm or destroy wildlife's natural habitat.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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