Fossil Fuels
What are the three main types of fossil fuels used today?
Coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas.
What gas is primarily responsible for global warming from burning fossil fuels?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Which sector (transportation, electricity, industry, or residential) uses the most fossil fuel energy worldwide?
Electricity generation.
What element is commonly used as fuel in nuclear power plants?
Uranium-235.
What is energy efficiency?
Using less energy to perform the same task or achieve the same result.
What process forms fossil fuels over millions of years?
The decomposition of ancient plants and animals under heat and pressure.
How does mining coal affect ecosystems?
It destroys habitats, causes erosion, and leads to water pollution through acid mine drainage.
What countries currently consume the most total energy?
China, the United States, and India.
How does nuclear energy generate electricity?
By using nuclear fission to produce heat, which turns water into steam to spin turbines.
Give one example of improving energy efficiency in homes.
Using LED lights, Energy Star appliances, or better insulation.
Why is petroleum considered a versatile energy source?
It can be refined into fuels, plastics, and other products used worldwide.
What is one risk associated with oil drilling and transport?
Oil spills that harm marine and coastal ecosystems.
Why do developing countries’ energy demands tend to rise over time?
Industrialization, population growth, and improved living standards.
What is one advantage of nuclear energy compared to fossil fuels?
It produces large amounts of energy with no direct CO₂ emissions.
How do fuel-efficient vehicles help reduce fossil fuel dependence?
They use less gasoline, reducing overall demand and emissions.
What is one major drawback of relying heavily on fossil fuels?
They are nonrenewable and produce greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
Why is air pollution from fossil fuels a human health concern?
It can cause respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and premature death.
What happens to global CO₂ emissions as energy demand increases?
They rise unless cleaner energy sources are adopted.
What is one major challenge of nuclear waste?
It remains radioactive and hazardous for thousands of years.
What is a common government policy to encourage efficiency?
Tax credits or rebates for energy-efficient upgrades.
How does natural gas compare to coal and oil in terms of emissions?
It burns more cleanly, releasing less CO₂ and pollutants per unit of energy.
What is one major environmental challenge linked to fracking for natural gas?
Groundwater contamination and increased seismic activity.
How do energy subsidies affect fossil fuel use?
They make fossil fuels cheaper, encouraging continued dependence.
Name one historical nuclear disaster and its location.
Chernobyl (Ukraine) or Fukushima (Japan).
Why is improving energy efficiency an important part of sustainability?
It conserves resources, lowers emissions, and saves money long-term.