Issues with Sources of Energy
Geography: AQA GCSE, topic 6.1.9
Environmental & Economic Issues with Sources of Energy
Almost all fuels, or sources or energy, come with associated environmental problems.
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!
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.
Test yourself on Issues with Sources of Energy
What are the potential negative impacts of fracking on the environment?
What are the environmental issues surrounding exploitation of energy sources?
What is happening to the cost of fossil fuel extraction as resources get used up?