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7.1 Energy choices and security - Coggle Diagram
7.1 Energy choices and security
Energy Security and Insecurity
Definition of Energy Security: The uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.
Indicators of Energy Insecurity: Prices, political alliances, natural disasters, and technological dependencies.
Energy Insecurity: Factors leading to supply disruptions, such as political instability, economic dependency, and fluctuating global energy demand.
Energy Sources
Non-Renewable Resources:
Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas—dominant in many economies but environmentally detrimental (carbon emissions, pollution).
Nuclear Energy: Offers low carbon emissions and high energy output, but comes with concerns over waste disposal, risk of accidents, and security risks (e.g., nuclear weaponization).
Renewable Resources:
Solar Energy: Unlimited, sustainable, and low emissions, though dependent on sunlight availability and requires significant land and materials.
Wind Power: Clean and renewable, with limited pollution, but affected by geographical location and potential impact on landscapes and biodiversity.
Hydroelectric Power: Utilizes water cycles and provides steady output but can disrupt local ecosystems and lead to displacement.
Biofuels: Derived from organic materials and can be carbon-neutral, though they may compete with food production and contribute to deforestation.
Geothermal and Tidal Energy: Site-specific renewable sources that offer stable power generation but are geographically limited.
Energy Choice Influences
Political Factors: Energy policy, international agreements, and political stability affect choices (e.g., the Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol).
Environmental Factors: Climate change impact, carbon footprint, ecosystem preservation, and pollution reduction goals.
Economic Factors: Cost-benefit analysis, affordability, and economic growth influence decisions, as does the global supply-demand balance.
Technological Development: Advances in energy storage, efficiency, and alternative energy innovations (e.g., battery technology, smart grids).
Energy Distribution and Global Disparities
Global Energy Distribution: Uneven distribution of resources and consumption patterns—developed vs. developing nations.
Energy Poverty: Lack of access to modern energy services in some regions, impacting quality of life and economic development.
Energy Conflicts: Competition for resources (e.g., oil in the Middle East), geopolitical tensions, and energy-related conflicts.
Strategies for Energy Security
Diversification: Using a mix of energy sources to reduce dependency on a single source.
Transition to Renewable Energy: Shifting to sustainable energy sources to reduce environmental impacts and increase resilience.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation: Reducing waste and improving efficiency through technologies and behavioral changes.
Energy Independence: Nations aiming for self-sufficiency to avoid reliance on imports.
Risks and Challenges in Transitioning to Sustainable Energy
Investment and Infrastructure Needs: High costs for renewable energy infrastructure and grid adaptation.
Public Perception and Political Will: Public support and governmental policies are vital for transitioning energy systems.
Technological Constraints: Current limitations in energy storage and transportation for renewables.