Unit 5: Energy Resources and the Environment
Every energy resource we use has an effect on the environment. This unit compares renewable and non-renewable resources and looks at how our energy choices affect the planet.
01 Renewable vs. non-renewable
| Renewable | Non-renewable |
|---|---|
| Solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, geothermal, biomass — naturally replaced, will not run out | Coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear fuel — take millions of years to form, will eventually run out |
02 Fossil fuels and carbon dioxide
Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) releases energy, but also releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere. CO₂ is a greenhouse gas: it traps heat from the Sun, which contributes to global warming and climate change.
03 Comparing resources
No energy resource is perfect. When comparing resources, physicists consider: reliability (does it work all the time, or only when the sun shines / wind blows?), cost to build and run, environmental impact, and how much energy is produced.
Example: Wind power produces no CO₂ while running, but turbines are unreliable when there is no wind, and building them affects local land and wildlife.
V Key vocabulary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Renewable resource | An energy resource that is naturally replaced and will not run out. |
| Fossil fuel | A non-renewable fuel formed from ancient living things (coal, oil, gas). |
| Greenhouse gas | A gas, such as CO₂, that traps heat in the atmosphere. |
| Sustainable | Able to continue for a long time without running out or causing lasting harm. |
? Quick check
Try to answer before you tap. Answers are hidden underneath.
Classify these as renewable or non-renewable: coal, wind, natural gas, solar.
Renewable: wind, solar. Non-renewable: coal, natural gas.
Why does burning fossil fuels contribute to climate change?
It releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, which traps extra heat in the atmosphere and raises global temperatures.
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of solar power.
Advantage: produces no CO₂ while generating electricity. Disadvantage: unreliable at night or on cloudy days, and needs a large area of panels.