Question detail
What is a potential environmental impact of solar energy production?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
National and global energy resources
Question
- A. Increased greenhouse gas emissions
- B. Land use changes affecting wildlife
- C. Water pollution from runoff
- D. Noise pollution from turbines
Answer
Land use changes affecting wildlife
Explanation
The installation of solar panels can lead to significant land use changes, which may disrupt local wildlife habitats.
Common mistake
Renewable energy is always pollution‑free
Students often think that renewable energy sources such as solar, wind or hydroelectricity produce no environmental impact, ignoring issues like land use, habitat disruption or resource extraction.
Explain that while renewables emit little or no greenhouse gases during operation, they can still cause environmental impacts—for example, large solar farms require land and materials, wind turbines can affect bird and bat populations, and hydroelectric dams can alter river ecosystems and displace communities. Emphasise that all energy resources have some environmental footprint, but renewables generally have lower long‑term impacts compared with fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
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