Energy geography sits at the centre of debates about climate change, national security and sustainable development, and this deck of 20 flashcards covers the full picture. You'll start with the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources and the t...
Energy geography sits at the centre of debates about climate change, national security and sustainable development, and this deck of 20 flashcards covers the full picture. You'll start with the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources and the three main fossil fuels, then explore each major renewable source — solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal and biomass — along with the trade-offs of nuclear power and controversial extraction methods like fracking. The deck also covers energy security, the concept of an energy mix, and the ongoing global energy transition, before finishing with sustainability concepts including carbon footprints, the three pillars of sustainability, energy poverty, and the Paris Agreement. Suited to A-Level and AP Human/Environmental Geography, this deck equips you to discuss both the science of energy generation and the policy debates surrounding it.
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Flip through all 20 cards in interactive study mode.
Renewable sources naturally replenish over short timescales (solar, wind, hydro). Non-renewable sources exist in finite supply and take millions of years to form (coal, oil, natural gas).
Coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas — all formed from the remains of ancient organisms under heat and pressure over millions of years.
A technique injecting high-pressure fluid into rock formations to release trapped oil or natural gas, controversial due to water use and seismic/environmental concerns.
A nation's ability to reliably access sufficient, affordable energy resources to meet its needs without excessive dependence on external suppliers.
The combination of different energy sources (fossil fuels, nuclear, renewables) that a country or region relies on to meet its total energy demand.
Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity, or concentrated solar power uses mirrors to focus sunlight to generate heat that drives turbines.
Wind turns turbine blades connected to a generator, converting kinetic wind energy into electrical energy.
Electricity generated by using flowing or falling water (often via a dam) to spin turbines connected to generators.
Energy harnessed from heat stored beneath the Earth's surface, used directly for heating or to generate electricity via steam-driven turbines.
Energy derived from organic materials (wood, crop waste, animal manure) burned or converted into biofuels.
Advantages: low carbon emissions, high energy density. Disadvantages: radioactive waste disposal, high construction costs, and risk of catastrophic accidents.
The point at which global oil extraction reaches its maximum rate, after which production is expected to gradually decline.
The shift from a society's dependence on fossil fuels toward a greater reliance on renewable and low-carbon energy sources.
The total amount of greenhouse gases (usually expressed as CO2 equivalent) produced directly or indirectly by an individual, organisation, or activity.
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Report definition).
Environmental, economic, and social sustainability — balancing ecological health, economic viability and social equity.
The lack of access to reliable, affordable modern energy services, affecting health, education and economic opportunity in many developing regions.
Fossil fuel reserves or infrastructure that may become economically unviable or unusable before the end of their expected life, due to climate policy or market shifts.
An electricity network using digital technology to monitor and manage the flow of electricity efficiently, better integrating variable renewable sources.
A 2015 international treaty under the UN aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with countries setting voluntary emissions reduction targets.
