Adeline S2 Geo term1 exam

What kind of crises can relying on imported fossil fuels cause?

Economic crises.

Why might a country suffer great economic losses if they rely on imported fossil fuels?

When there is a shortage of fuel supply or a sharp increase in fuel prices.

Which region is known as the major oil-exporting region in the world?

The Middle East.

What kind of conflicts arise when countries fight over energy resources?

Political conflicts or territorial disputes.

Where are intense conflicts over rich oil and natural gas reserves currently taking place?

The Arctic region.

Which three bordering countries have claimed sovereignty over the Arctic region for energy access?

Russia, Canada, and Denmark.

What type of energy source is becoming more important globally?

Renewable energy.

How has the share of renewable energy in global consumption changed over the past few decades?

It has been increasing.

What was the most consumed type of renewable energy globally in 2019?

Hydro-electric power (HEP).

Why is the consumption of renewable energy uneven across the world?

Due to differences in the level of economic development and the availability of energy resources.

Which major region is the biggest consumer of renewable energy?

The Asia-Pacific Region.

Why does the oil-rich Middle East not rely much on renewable energy?

It is an oil-rich region that does not have to rely on renewable energy resources.

How is electricity generated from solar energy?

Sunlight is converted into electricity using solar panels.

Why is solar energy considered a "sustainable supply"?

Sunlight can be obtained and used indefinitely.

Is solar energy production clean?

Yes, very little greenhouse gas or pollutants are produced during the actual electricity generation.

What advantage of solar energy helps lower the cost of operations?

Low running cost, due to low labour requirements.

Name a major disadvantage of solar energy related to weather.

It is weather-dependent (electricity generation is low on cloudy and rainy days).

What type of pollution is caused by the making of solar panels?

Water and land pollution (due to production of greenhouse gases and heavy metals).

Why is it difficult to develop large solar power plants in big cities?

They are space-consuming, and land supply is limited.

What is the main financial problem associated with solar energy development?

High development cost, as research requires huge capital inputs and solar panels are costly.

How is Hydro-electric power (HEP) generated?

From the energy produced by the fall of water, which turns turbines.

Why is HEP considered a clean energy source?

HEP generation releases no greenhouse gases or air pollutants.

Why is HEP considered a sustainable supply?

Water resources are replenished through the water cycle.

What is the high energy efficiency of HEP?

About 80% of water power can be converted into electric power.

Why is HEP production "site-specific"?

HEP stations and dams must be built in geologically stable areas with large river flow.

When does HEP supply become unstable?

In times of drought, because electricity production is affected by the amount of river flow.

What is a major impact of building HEP stations on people in upper-course regions?

Local people are displaced because river valleys are flooded.

How do dams impact the lower-course regions regarding nutrients?

Dams trap water and nutrients.

What effect does the dam's impact on nutrients have on farmlands downstream?

Soil fertility is impaired, which may reduce the productivity of farmlands.

Which country is the largest producer of HEP in the world?

China.

What landforms in China make it ideal for HEP development?

Great differences in water levels, especially in the southern and western regions.

How is wind power generated?

Air movements turn the blades of wind turbines in onshore or offshore wind farms.

What environmental benefit does wind power offer concerning global warming?

It helps relieve global warming because no carbon dioxide is produced during generation.

Why is wind power called "space-efficient" on land?

The land under wind turbines can still be used for different activities.

Name a drawback of wind turbines that affects humans nearby.

Noise pollution (wind turbines and power generators are noisy).

What specific harm can moving wind turbine blades cause?

Injury to birds.

Why is wind power supply considered unreliable?

Power generation is affected by wind direction and wind speed.

Why is building offshore wind farms especially expensive?

They require extensive power grids to transmit electricity over long distances.

What three things must sustainable energy policies balance?

The needs of the economy, society, and environment.

What key aspect of sustainable energy policy focuses on ensuring a stable and sufficient energy supply?

Security.

What key aspect focuses on providing affordable energy prices and protecting equal energy access?

Equity.

What key aspect focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving ecosystems?

Sustainability.

What is Hong Kong's main challenge regarding energy?

A lack of energy resources, requiring Hong Kong to import fossil fuels.

What two types of fuels is Hong Kong increasing the use of for electricity generation?

Natural gas and non-fossil fuels.

What is "waste-to-energy"?

A form of electricity produced from landfill gas and the heat from sludge treatment.

What happens to the sludge at the Sludge Treatment Facility in Tuen Mun to generate electricity?

It is burnt at a high temperature, and the heat produced is used for electricity generation.

Name one measure Hong Kong has adopted regarding new buildings.

All new buildings are required by law to meet energy efficiency standards.

What suggested measure involves recycling cooking oil from restaurants?

Expanding the use of waste-to-energy by recycling used cooking oil to produce biodiesel.

What is one simple energy-saving habit you can practice using natural sources?

Open the windows and make use of natural light and wind.

What is an energy-saving activity organized by green groups that involves turning off power?

‘Earth Hour’ or ‘No Air Con Night’.