Energy and the environment

Topics

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Sample objectives

What this unit covers

• Fossil fuel formation: Students should be able to explain how coal, oil, and gas are formed.
• Energy resources and the generation of electricity: Students should be able to categorize energy resources into renewable and non-renewable types, including fossil fuels, nuclear power, biofuels, geothermal power, hydro-electric power, tidal power, wave power, solar power, and wind power. They should explain how each energy resource is utilized for electricity generation and discuss the environmental, economic, and social pros and cons associated with each resource.
• Energy demand: Students should be able to identify and explain the various factors that influence energy demand, including domestic, industrial, and transport needs, as well as the impact of personal and national wealth and climate conditions.
• Conservation and management of energy resources: Students should be able to outline and clarify methods for the effective management of energy resources, including: strategies to decrease usage like utilizing insulation, switching off electrical appliances, and employing energy-efficient devices and vehicles; harnessing energy from waste cooking oil; optimizing current energy sources; educating the public on energy conservation; implementing transport policies; and advancing research and development of new energy resources.
• Impact of oil pollution: Students should be able to explain the reasons behind oil pollution and its effects on the environment. This includes understanding the sources such as offshore oil drilling, pipelines, and shipping, as well as the consequences for ecosystems including birds, marine mammals, coral reefs, and beaches.
• Management of oil pollution: Students should be able to discuss methods for preventing oil spills, including the MARPOL convention and the use of double-hulled oil tankers. They should also be able to discuss techniques for reducing the effects of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystems, such as using booms, detergent sprays, and skimmers. Additionally, students should study a specific case of an oil pollution incident and its management.