Global Community Test #1 Sections 3&4

What is solar energy?

This is when the sun’s energy provides heat, light, hot water, electricity, and even cooling for homes, businesses, and other industries.

Is solar energy a big part of the US’ energy supplying needs?

No, despite its potential, it only makes up 1%. But it is expected to increase.

What is wind energy?

Using the wind to pump water or grind grain, usually with small windmills.

What are large modem wind turbines use for?

To generate electricity, either for individual use or contribution to a utility power grid.

How do wind turbines make electricity.

They usually have two or three blades, and as the blades turn, the central shaft acts as a generator.

What is hydropower? What is significant about it?

Using water to generate electricity. It is the most common source of renewable energy in the US today.

What is hydropower also known as? What is the percentage of use in the US?

Also known as hydroelectricity. It makes up 7% of electricity.

What is Biomass power?

Power is obtained from energy in plants/plant materials like crops, grassy/woody plants, or even residues from agriculture and the organic component of municipal and industrial waste.

How common is biomass power?

It is the second most common source of renewable energy.

What is nearshoring?

A geographically driven strategy where a company relocates its manufacturing, sourcing, or services to a nearby/bordering country rather than a distant one.

What is the primary goal of nearshoring? What are the key benefits of it?

Primary Goal: to shorten the physical distance that goods must travel. Key Benefits: fast shipping times/low transit costs, matching similar time zones.

What is friend shoring?

A politically driven strategy where a company shifts its supply chain to countries it trusts as political/economic allies. Shared values and diplomatic strategies matter not distance.

What is reshoring?

Also known as inshoring/onshoring. When a business transfers operations back to its home country. Most happens when supply chains are disrupted by geopolitical events.

What are the positives of reshoring?

Reduces exposure to outside risk and can strengthen an economy by increasing the workforce.

What is offshoring?

When companies move to another country. This can reduce labor costs and increase proximity to raw materials. This is different from outsourcing.