Geo: Natural Resources Notes portion

What defines renewable energy?

Energy that can be replenished fairly easily within a human lifespan.

What are the most common sources of renewable energy?

Solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, tidal, and geothermal.

Is nuclear energy considered renewable?

No, nuclear energy is not renewable; it is an alternative energy source.

What are the challenges faced by renewable energy sources?

Low efficiencies, high capital costs, and intermittency.

What characterizes non-renewable energy?

Energy that cannot be replenished or takes millions of years to form.

What are the primary types of non-renewable energy?

Coal, oil, and natural gas.

How are fossil fuels formed?

From plants during the carboniferous period, under specific conditions of temperature and time.

What is the primary source of coal?

Ferns, grass, and trees that have hardened from pressure and heat.

What is the source of oil?

Zooplankton and algae that have undergone decomposition under heat and pressure.

What is the environmental impact of fossil fuels?

They are the largest emitters of carbon dioxide and cause environmental and human health issues.

What percentage of the world's surface freshwater does Canada hold?

20% of the world's surface freshwater.

What is Canada's daily water usage per person?

About 223 liters of water per person.

What percentage of Canada's land is covered by forests?

35% of Canada's land is covered by forests.

What is Canada's rank in global timber production?

Fourth in timber production globally.

What is the deforestation rate in Canada?

Less than 0.02% annually.

What is a growing environmental concern in Canada?

Increasing wildfire risk due to rising temperatures and prolonged dry conditions.

What is Canada's rank in global oil production?

5th largest oil producer with 168 billion barrels of proven oil reserves.

What are the major oil reserves in Canada?

Canada has the 3rd largest oil reserves, primarily in oil sands.

What is Canada's rank in natural gas production?

5th in natural gas production and 4th in exports.

What issues are driving the push for less reliance on fossil fuels?

Climate change, oil spills, land rights, and environmental issues.

What are the available renewable energy sources in Canada?

Hydro, wind, biomass, solar, geothermal, and tidal.

What percentage of Canada's energy supply is provided by renewables?

Nearly 20%.

Which renewable energy source is the top producer in Canada?

Hydro power, generating almost 60% of its electricity.

What is Canada's rank in global hydroelectric production?

Canada is the 2nd largest hydroelectric producer globally.

What are the second and third largest renewable energy sources in Canada?

Wind (3.5%) and biomass (1.4%).

Which renewable energy sources are the fastest-growing in Canada?

Wind and solar.

What percentage of Canada's electricity is generated by nuclear power?

15%.

What is Canada's global ranking in nuclear energy production?

6th largest nuclear energy producer.

Which provinces in Canada have nuclear power plants?

Ontario and New Brunswick.

What is a key environmental benefit of nuclear power?

It does not emit greenhouse gases.

What is the policy regarding the use of uranium in Canada?

Canada's uranium is only used for peaceful purposes under its non-proliferation policy.

How many minerals and metals does Canada produce from its mines?

60 minerals and metals from nearly 200 mines and 6,500 quarries.

What was the economic value of Canada's mineral production in 2021?

$55.5 billion.

What mineral does Canada lead the world in producing?

Potash, primarily from Saskatchewan.