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Notes Chapter 11 Energy and Water - Coggle Diagram
Notes Chapter 11 Energy and Water
Should we reduce energy consumes?
Energy and water supplies are controversial subjects
The poorer countries need to use more energy to help them develop economically
Can the renewable green sources of energy replace coal and oil?
Some areas have high rainfall and surplus water, so water supply is not a problem
Areas like California in the USA have low rainfall which is not enough to supply the needs of its large population
Between the years 2000 and 2007, world energy consumption increased by about
5% a year, as the global economy grew
Until recently, MEDCs had a bigger share of world energy consumption than LEDCs. Most of the world's energy growth will occur in LEDCs where strong economic growth and growing populations increase the demand for energy
The benefits of higher energy consumption
The growth in energy consumption brings great benefits that improve people's lives. Some of
them are listed below, but you may be able to think of others
Electricity makes daily household tasks easier - it provides heat, in the evenings, television, computers. People do not have to collect fuel or use candles or lamps at night
Modern transport systems are based mainly on oil (petroleum) use. They allow people to travel widely for work or pleasure, and also allow goods to be moved over great distances easily and quickly
Industry requires energy to make it work. Without It the economy cannot grow, wealth cannot be increased and people's lives will not be improved
The problems of higher energy consumption
Many scientists worry that the use of fossil fuels is resulting in air pollution and an increased rate of global warming
The inter-dependence of countries on each other for energy supplies, e.g. of oil and gas, can lead to conflicts
There are concerns about the safety of nuclear power
There are concerns that we are using non-renewable energy sources too quickly, and that we will soon run out of supplies
Geothermal power
Geothermal energy is energy extracted from hot rocks or water beneath the Earth's surface.
Advantages of geothermal power
It is extremely cheap and reduces the dependence on fossil fuels
It does not produce greenhouse gases
The water is pumped back into the ground and re-used
Unlike other types of renewable energy, it can operate at any time of the day and year- and is not affected by the weather