ESS Topic 7

Is the use of fossil fuels expected to increase or decrease in the future?

Their use is expected to increase in the short-term in order to meet global energy demand, but in the far future then it will decrease, as either fossil fuel supplies will be exhausted or humans will successfully secure alternative energy uses.

Evaluate the use of fossil fuels in society.

Fossil fuels have been a major source of energy for society for centuries. They are used to power transportation, generate electricity, and heat homes and buildings. However, the use of fossil fuels has negative impacts on the environment, including air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change. Additionally, fossil fuels are a finite resource, meaning they will eventually run out. As a result, there is a growing push towards renewable energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Overall, while fossil fuels have played an important role in society, their continued use poses significant challenges and risks.

State 7 factors that influence the energy choices adopted by a society?

1. Availability

2. Technology

3. Environmental value systems

4. Climate

5. Geographical position

6. Culture

7. Level of development

Outline the general advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy.

Advantages:

• Do not release greenhouse gases or cause acid rain​

• They are renewable so will not run out.​

• Stable energy prices.​

• Fewer adverse health effects.​

Disadvantages:

• High initial cost.​

• Can be unpredictable – reliant on natural resources such as sun or rain. ​

• The efficiency of renewable technologies is not that high compared with traditional energy conversion devices. ​

• The manufacturing and disposal of devices can be a source of pollution.  ​

Compare and contrast the energy choices of two countries:

Sweden (Renewable)

• Energy use in Sweden is largely based on renewable energy.

• Thanks to cutting-edge technology and a wealth of natural assets, Sweden is in the front line as the world embarks on a shift to more sustainable energy systems. ​

• Few countries consume more energy per capita than Sweden, yet Swedish carbon emissions are low compared with those of other countries.

• According to the latest statistics from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the average Swede releases 4.25 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per year into the atmosphere, compared with the EU average of 6.91 tonnes and the US average of 16.15 tonnes.

• Sweden has found a way to reduce emissions while the economy is growing.

China (Non-Renewable)

• Largest producer and consumer of goal globally.

• China emits 25% of global greenhouse gases and contains 18.47% of the global population.

• The industry faces problems such as pollution caused by underground fires, the distance between mines and markets, and competition with renewable sources.

• China has made huge investments into renewable energy – 0.9% of GDP since 2015.

• China’s 13th 5-year plan involved commitment to renewable non-fossil fuel energy, aiming to produce 20% of energy from these sources by 2030.

Outline the main consequences of anthropogenic climate change on the planet.

• More frequent wildfires

• More severe weather events - droughts, storms.

• Rising sea levels due to melting glaciers.

• Shifting of biomes and crop-growing areas.

State the difference between climate and weather.

**Weather:** the conditions of the atmosphere over a short period of time that dictate temperature or precipitation for that given period.

**Climate:** the long term pattern of weather determined by how the atmosphere behaves over long periods of time.

Describe the effect of ocean circulatory systems on the weather and climate.

The oceanic conveyer belt transfers energy around and links the world’s oceans. It transfers warm water and precipitation from the equator towards the poles and cold water from the poles back to the tropics. Thus, ocean currents regulate global climate, helping to counteract the uneven distribution of solar radiation reaching Earth's surface.

Describe an example of positive feedback associated with climate change.

1. Global warming causes rising temperatures.

2. Rising temperatures causes the melting of permafrost.

3. Permafrost stores methane, a greenhouse gas.

4. The release of this greenhouse gas perpetuates the greenhouse effect.

5. This reinforces the rise in temperature.

Describe an example of a negative feedback loop associated with climate change.

1. Rising temperatures intensify the Earth’s water cycle, causing more evaporation and precipitation.

2. Increased precipitation in polar areas leads to increased snow cover.

3. The surface of snow and ice is very reflective, so the albedo effect is increased.

4. Increased reflectivity reduces the amount of solar radiation received, and so lowers temperatures.

Define mitigation and adaptation as it pertains to climate change.

**Mitigation:** reduces the causes of climate change by regulating human activity that impacts global warming.

**Adaptation:** manages the impacts of climate change by adjusting human activity to the current and future effects of climate change.

Outline two contrasting perceptions of global warming.

**1st perspective:** Scientific data proves that the climate is warming, and that levels of CO2 and greenhouse gases are increasing. Human activities are known to increase carbon dioxide levels, and these are known to affect global temperatures. Therefore, human activity is the reason for climate change - the rapid increase in carbon dioxide levels supports this link.

**2nd perspective:** natural fluctuations occur, so changes in climate could still be a short-term trend - the only technologically verifiable data has been collected from a short period of time. Climate change has changed in the past - in part due to natural fluctuations such as Milankovitch cycles (variations in Earth’s orbit around the sun and the orientation of the poles towards or away from the sun. Current CO2 levels and global temperature fluctuations are moderate compared with geologic history; therefore it is not conclusive that humans cause climate change.

Describe the main mitigation strategies to reduce the use of greenhouse gases.

• Reduction of energy consumption through public transport and energy conservation measures.

• Using less chemical fertilisers in agriculture to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen and methane.

• Using alternative to fossil fuels - more wind and solar energy.

Describe two examples of adaptation strategies used by societies.

• Managing water supplies - desalinisation plants to enhance water security.

• Reduce risk from rising sea levels - construction of sea walls, restoration of coastal mangrove forests, which traps sediment and offers storm protection.

• Changing agricultural systems - using genetic modification to form drought-resistance crops.

What is involved in the content of a NAPA?

A NAPA is a national adaptation programme of action. It involves a list of ranked priority adaptation activities and projects.