Environmental Science Study Guide: Energy & Natural Resources

Oil and Coal

What is the most commonly used energy source worldwide?

Coal, oil, natural gas, uranium

Name one non-renewable energy source.

Solar, wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal

Name one renewable energy source

Fossil fuels

Which type of energy is most responsible for greenhouse gas emissions?

China

What country consumes the most total energy?

Kuwait

What country consumes the most energy per capita?

Because wind is naturally replenished and doesn't run out

Why is wind energy considered renewable?

Air pollution, CO, emissions, mining impacts, acid rain

Name one disadvantage of using coal for energy.

Disruption of river ecosystems and fish migration

What is one environmental concern with hydroelectric dams?

Inconsistent sunlight, high installation cost

Why is solar energy not used everywhere?

Geothermal

Which renewable energy source relies on Earth's internal heat?

Agriculture/irrigation

What is the main use of freshwater by humans globally?

About 3%

What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?

About 1%

What percentage of freshwater is easily accessible to humans?

Using resources in a way that preserves them for the future

What does "sustainable resource use" mean?

Deforestation, overgrazing, poor farming practices

Name one human activity that causes land degradation.

Large amount of energy using small amount of nature resource

Causes radioactive waste which can affect surrounding ecosystems

What is an advantage of Nuclear Energy and what is the major drawback

Nuclear Energy

Which energy source has radioactive waste?

Produces less CO and air pollutants

What is one benefit of using natural gas over coal?

Biomass

Which renewable energy source is the only one that after installation is not zero emissions?

Decomposed remains of ancient plants and animals

What are fossil fuels made from?

No emissions, renewable, low operating cost

Name one advantage of using wind power.

Overgrazing or poor agricultural practices

What type of land use can lead to desertification?

Many areas lack infrastructure or have pollution issues

Why is access to clean water a global issue?

Can lead to deforestation, air pollution from burning

What is a downside to biomass energy?

Developed = higher per capita use, more electricity; Developing = more biomass

use, less infrastructure

How do developed and developing countries differ in energy use?

Rich countries like the U.S. and Germany use more energy per person and have better access to renewables. Poorer countries like India or Nigeria use less energy but rely more on coal or wood because renewables cost more and tech is limited. They also struggle with low funding, weak infrastructure, and unstable governments. For example, sub-Saharan Africa has lots of sun but not enough solar power systems.

Discuss how energy consumption patterns differ between developed and developing countries. What challenges do developing nations face in shifting toward renewable energy sources? Include examples of specific countries or regions.

Farming uses around 70% of freshwater, which can dry up rivers and underground water. It also pollutes water when chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides run off into lakes, causing too much algae to grow. To help, farmers can use drip irrigation to send water straight to plant roots.

Describe the impact of agriculture on water resources. In your response, address both quantity and quality issues and suggest one solution for each.