Page 34 - Year 8

Geography: Energy: 7 of 7

Energy • Traditionally we get energy Global inequalities in the supply and consumption
from oil, coal and wood. of energy
• Many different sources are Energy
generated by changing • The richest 13% of people globally use 50% of the
technology. world’s energy.
• Used for electricity • The poorest 13% of people globally use 4% of the
production, heating, world’s energy.
transport and for water • Countries import and export energy.
supply (e.g. wells). • Some countries do not have their own sources of
• Supports industrialisation energy.
and development.

Changing demand for Energy in the UK creates opportunities and challenges What are Resources?

The changing UK Energy mix in 2015 : Key term Definition Fracking – Opportunities and
energy mix • Fossil fuels (65%) Coal 31%, Gas 25%, Nuclear 19%, Renewable Resources Materials that have value for Challenges
sources 22%. In 1970 91% from fossil fuels.
• The UK has invested in renewable energy e.g. solar energy and people. They may be needed for Opportunities Challenges
basic survival e.g. water, or
subsidies are given by the government. - Shale gas is - Contaminated
appreciated as something that readily water is pumped
improves quality of life e.g. available in UK. back into the
Decreasing • Reserves of North Sea oil and gas are declining. coffee. - Will act as a ground and can
domestic • EU regulations on gas emissions has led to a decrease in fossil bridging fuel until affect water
supply of oil, fuel use. Resource The control and monitoring of alternative supplies.
coal and gas. • Energy efficient appliances and industry mean less energy is used management resources so they don’t become technologies are - Fracking uses a
in homes and industry. developed. lot of energy.
depleted or exhausted.
Economic and • It is cheaper to import coal into the UK than to mine it. - Increased - 3% of gas
cost of fuel makes
extracted is lost to
environment • Nuclear Power Stations are being decommissioned and all Surplus When there is more of a fracking now atmosphere; this is
al issues current plants will close by 2023 – there are issues of resource than is needed to meet affordable. methane, a
linked to contamination and disposal of nuclear waste. demand. greenhouse gas.
energy use. • Economic issues – costs, jobs, set up costs, research, reliability.
• Environmental costs – ecosystems, waste, noise, emissions, Deficit When there is not enough of a
pollution, radiation leaks. resource to meet demand.