sustainability basics
What are the three pillars of sustainability?
Environmental, economic and social sustainability.
What is renewable energy?
Energy generated from natural processes that are replenished relatively quickly, such as sunlight, wind and flowing water.
Where is the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme located?
In the Snowy Mountains of south-eastern Australia, primarily in NSW, with connections to Victoria.
What major environmental process was altered by the Snowy Scheme?
The natural flow regime of rivers was significantly altered through dams, water storage and diversion.
What is an environmental flow?
A deliberate release of water into a river or waterway to support ecological health.
What does intergenerational equity mean?
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Name FOUR types of renewable energy sources.
Solar, wind, hydroelectricity and geothermal.
Biomass is another valid example.
What are the TWO major purposes of the original Snowy Scheme?
Hydroelectricity generation and water diversion for irrigation. The Scheme diverts water inland towards the Murray and Murrumbidgee systems.
Which major river was particularly affected by reduced flows?
The Snowy River.
What strategy was introduced to improve the environmental sustainability of the Snowy Scheme by restoring water to the Snowy River?
Environmental flow releases, which return water to the Snowy River to improve river health, aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
What is the precautionary principle?
Where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for delaying preventative action.
Why is hydroelectricity considered renewable?
It uses the water cycle. Water is continually replenished through precipitation, allowing flowing or stored water to generate electricity repeatedly.
Between what years was the original Snowy Scheme constructed?
1949-1974.
Give TWO environmental impacts of altered river flows.
The NSW Government identifies significant impacts on aquatic biodiversity in the Snowy and montane rivers
Give ONE social benefit of the Snowy Scheme.
It contributes to Australia's electricity security and water security, while also supporting employment and regional economic activity.
What is meant by ecologically sustainable development?
Development that integrates environmental, economic and social considerations so that development can continue while maintaining ecological systems for present and future generations.
Give TWO advantages of renewable energy over fossil fuels.
How does a conventional hydroelectric power station generate electricity?
Stored or flowing water moves through turbines. The turbines drive generators, converting the water's potential/kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Why are environmental flows important?
They attempt to restore aspects of the river's natural flow regime, improving river health, sediment transport and aquatic habitat.
Why could the Snowy Scheme be considered partially sustainable rather than completely sustainable?
It generates renewable electricity and supports water security, contributing to economic and social sustainability. However, its alteration of natural river systems created significant environmental impacts. Subsequent environmental flows and regulation have attempted to improve ecological sustainability.
Why can sustainability be considered a geographical concept?
Because it examines interactions between people, places and environments and how human activities can be managed across different spatial and temporal scales.
What is one major limitation of renewable energy such as solar and wind?
Intermittency. Generation depends on environmental conditions, such as sunlight and wind, so energy storage or dispatchable generation is needed to maintain reliability.
What is the significance of Snowy Hydro to Australia's renewable energy system?
It provides large-scale, dispatchable renewable generation and storage that can help balance intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar. Snowy Hydro currently operates 16 power stations with more than 5,500 MW of generating capacity.
What was one major consequence of the original Scheme that demonstrates the conflict between economic development and environmental sustainability?
Water was diverted away from the Snowy River system for electricity generation and irrigation, substantially reducing natural flows and damaging riverine ecosystems. This created a conflict between economic benefits, water security and environmental protection
Who are the key stakeholders involved in managing the sustainability of the Snowy Scheme?
Snowy Hydro, Australian, NSW and Victorian governments, environmental agencies, farmers and local communities.