7. Climate Change and Energy Production

What is the relationship between energy choices and climate change?

Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) release CO₂ and other GHGs, contributing to global warming. Switching to renewable energy reduces emissions and mitigates climate change.

What are the characteristics of fossil fuels as energy sources?

• Non-renewable

• High energy output

• Widely used globally

• Emit greenhouse gases

• Can cause environmental damage (e.g. oil spills, mining)

What are the environmental impacts of fossil fuel use?

• Air pollution (CO₂, SO₂, NOₓ)

• Climate change

• Habitat destruction

• Oil spills and groundwater contamination

• Acid rain

What are the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power?

Advantages: low emissions, high energy output
Disadvantages: radioactive waste, risk of accidents (e.g. Chernobyl), high costs

What are examples of renewable energy sources and their pros and cons?

• Solar: clean, but weather-dependent

• Wind: renewable, but intermittent

• Hydro: reliable, can damage ecosystems

• Geothermal: sustainable, location-limited

• Biomass: uses waste, may emit CO₂

What factors influence a society’s energy choices?

• Availability of resources

• Technological development

• Cultural and political context

• Environmental awareness

• Economic cost and subsidies

How does energy security relate to energy choices?

Countries prioritize energy independence to avoid reliance on imports, influencing investment in local fossil fuels, renewables, or nuclear.

What is the concept of energy efficiency and how can it reduce climate impacts?

Energy efficiency means using less energy for the same output. It lowers emissions, reduces demand on resources, and saves money (e.g. LED lighting, insulation).

How can a country transition to a more sustainable energy future?

• Invest in renewables

• Subsidize green tech

• Encourage energy conservation

• Implement carbon pricing

• Promote public transport and electric vehicles

What is decarbonization and why is it important?

Decarbonization is the process of reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon capture. It's essential for meeting climate goals.

What is the role of individual action in addressing climate change?

Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint through lifestyle changes: eating less meat, using public transport, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable policies.

How do carbon taxes and carbon trading work?

• Carbon taxes: charge polluters for CO₂ emissions

• Carbon trading: sets a cap on emissions and allows companies to buy/sell allowances
  Both aim to incentivize emission reductions

What are the impacts of climate change on human societies?

• Increased extreme weather events

• Food and water insecurity

• Climate refugees

• Economic disruption

• Health risks (heatwaves, diseases)

What are positive and negative feedback loops in the context of climate change?

• Positive: amplifies change (e.g. melting ice lowers albedo → more warming)

• Negative: resists change (e.g. more cloud cover reflects sunlight → less warming)

How does climate change affect the spread of disease?

Warmer temperatures can expand the range of disease vectors like mosquitoes, increasing the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue.

What is climate justice?

Climate justice recognizes that climate change impacts and responsibilities are not equal. It advocates for fair policies that consider developing countries, indigenous people, and vulnerable populations.