Energy, Resources and Environment

Energy, Resources and Environment

Energy Sources

This includes both traditional and renewable sources of energy.

Traditional sources

Typically refer to fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, which have been the primary sources of energy for industrialization and modern economies.

Renewable energy sources

Include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy, which are increasingly important due to their sustainability and lower environmental impact compared to fossil fuels.

Natural Resources

Refer to materials or substances that occur naturally in the environment and are used by humans for various purposes.

Fossil Fuels

These are natural fuels formed from the remains of living organisms that existed millions of years ago.

Coal

Formed from the remains of ancient plants that were buried and subjected to intense pressure and heat over millions of years. It is primarily used for electricity generation and industrial processes.

Oil (Petroleum)

Formed from the remains of marine organisms that were buried in sedimentary rocks and subjected to heat and pressure. Oil is refined into various products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, and is used in transportation, heating, and manufacturing.

Natural Gas

Composed mainly of methane and formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms buried deep underground. Natural gas is used for heating, electricity generation, and as fuel vehicles.

Solar energy

Captured through photovoltaic (PV) panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity, or through concentrating solar power (CSP) systems that use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area to generate heat.

Wind energy

Generated by wind turbines that convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical power, which can be used directly (e.g. for pumping water) or converted into electricity through a generator.

Hydropower

Generated from flowing water, typically in rivers or reservoirs, by capturing the energy of water flow or the gravitational potential energy of water stored at a height (e.g., in dams).

Biomass energy

Derived from organic materials such as wood, agricultural residues, and waste, which can be burned directly for heat or electricity generation, or converted into biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel for transportation.

Geothermal energy

Captured from heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface, accessed through wells that bring hot water or steam to the surface to generate electricity or provide direct heating.

Freshwater

Essential for drinking, agriculture, industry, and ecosystem health.

Surface Water

Rivers, lakes, and reservoirs used for irrigation, drinking water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation.

Groundwater

Water stored underground in aquifers, is crucial for drinking water supply and irrigation.

Iron

Essential for manufacturing steel, used in construction, machinery, and transportation.

Copper

Vital for electrical wiring, electronics, and plumbing.

Rare Earth Elements

Used in technologies such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and renewable energy equipment.

Timber

Used in construction, furniture manufacturing, and paper production.

Ecosystem Services

Forests provide habitats for wildlife, regulate water flow and quality, store carbon, and offer recreational opportunities.

Arable Land

Land suitable for crop production, essential for food security and economic development.

Crop Diversity

Various crops grown for food, feed, fiber, and biofuel production.

Fisheries

Wild fish stocks harvested for food and livelihoods.

Marine Ecosystems

Provide biodiversity, regulate climate, and support coastal communities.