1.3.2 Environmental Impact of Energy Use

• What does the environmental impact of energy use refer to?

  Effects on the environment
• Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants like SO₂
• The combustion of fossil fuels increases greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, causing global warming.
• What type of environmental impact can building energy infrastructure such as wind farms cause?

  Habitat destruction
• What are the three main types of fossil fuels?

  Coal, oil, natural gas
• Nuclear energy produces electricity without burning fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• What is the primary environmental concern associated with nuclear waste management?

  Radioactive contamination
• Nuclear accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima release significant radiation
• Nuclear power plants require substantial land area, but it is smaller than fossil fuel extraction sites.
• What pollutants from burning fossil fuels contribute to acid rain and smog?

  SO₂ and NOₓ
• Oil extraction can damage ecosystems
• Natural gas releases less carbon dioxide compared to coal and oil.
• Which fossil fuel has the highest greenhouse gas emissions?

  Coal
• Oil spills can pollute oceans and waterways, posing a risk to marine
• Nuclear reactors reduce greenhouse gas emissions because they do not burn fossil fuels.
• Match the environmental impact with its description:

  Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions ↔️ Low carbon energy production

  Nuclear Waste Management ↔️ Requires long-term storage of radioactive materials

  Risk of Accidents ↔️ Potential for catastrophic release of radiation

  Land Use ↔️ Smaller footprint compared to fossil fuels
• What is one positive effect of nuclear energy in terms of greenhouse gas emissions?

  Low carbon emissions
• The management of nuclear waste is a significant environmental challenge
• Nuclear energy has no accident risks.

  False
• How does nuclear energy reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

  By not burning fossil fuels
• Spent fuel rods from nuclear reactors require long-term storage
• What are two examples of major nuclear accidents mentioned in the study material?

  Chernobyl and Fukushima
• Nuclear power plants require less land area compared to fossil fuel extraction sites.
• Order the environmental impacts of renewable energy sources based on their positive and negative effects:

  1️⃣ Solar: Low carbon emissions, reduces pollution | Land use, manufacturing processes can be harmful

  2️⃣ Wind: Low carbon emissions, utilizes wind resources | Habitat disruption, noise pollution

  3️⃣ Hydroelectric: Low carbon emissions, provides water resources | Alters river ecosystems, displacement of communities
• Match the greenhouse gas with its global warming potential:

  $CO_{2}$ ↔️ 1

  Methane ↔️ 25

  Nitrous Oxide ↔️ 298

  Fluorinated Gases ↔️ 1,240-22,800
• What is the environmental impact of energy use defined as?

  Effects on the environment
• Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants like $SO_{2}$ and $NO_{x}$ that contribute to acid rain
• Fossil fuel combustion increases greenhouse gases, trapping heat in the atmosphere.
• Match the fossil fuel with its primary environmental impact:

  Coal ↔️ Highest greenhouse gas emissions

  Oil ↔️ Risk of spills contaminating oceans

  Natural Gas ↔️ Releases less CO₂ than coal
• What are the main environmental challenges associated with nuclear energy?

  Waste management and accidents
• Nuclear power plants have a smaller land footprint compared to fossil fuel extraction sites.
• Nuclear waste management ensures no direct emissions into air or water
• Match the renewable energy source with its primary negative effect:

  Solar ↔️ Harmful manufacturing processes

  Wind ↔️ Habitat disruption

  Hydroelectric ↔️ Alters river ecosystems
• What are four key greenhouse gases mentioned in the study material?

  $CO_{2}$, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, Fluorinated Gases
• Increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities intensify the greenhouse effect and cause climate change.
• What are three key pollutants released into the air from energy production?

  $SO_{2}$, $NO_{x}$, Particulate Matter
• UK and EU air quality standards for $SO_{2}$ and $NO_{x}$ are identical.
• Water pollution from energy extraction can result from wastewater discharge, spills, and leakage of chemicals
• What pollutants are released by coal mining that can degrade aquatic habitats?

  Acid mine drainage and heavy metals
• Fracking can lead to groundwater contamination and methane release into the atmosphere.