Natural Resources review

Many new technologies exist for extracting coal, and all of them manifest themselves differently upon the environment. Which technique is the most landscape altering manifestation of humanity's search for coal?

• drilling

• fracking

• mountain-topping

• offshore excavation

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When it comes to environmental issues, each individual on the planet is a part of the problem and can be a part of the solution.  Sustainability is possible when society, economy, and environment are in balance.  Which practice would not eventually contribute to sustainability?

• practicing water conservation by taking shorter showers and installing a low-flow shower head

• purchasing products made from ecologically friendly materials harvested in a sustainable manner 

• buying only local produce, or going a step farther and growing vegetables in a backyard garden 

• supporting companies that transport food products from foreign countries in order to keep food costs low

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A local environmentalist group in Small Town, Idaho, has asked the town mayor to look into building a solar panel complex to supply the town's energy needs. What should be the first thing the mayor should find out if the mayor is going to proceed in building this solar panel complex?

• How much will the solar panel complex cost?

• How much sun does the town get on an annual basis?

• How will this affect the mayor's re-election chances in the next election?

• How many people actually want the solar panel complex?

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Considering the various methods of generating electricity, which of the following has the least impact on global warming?

• coal-fired power plants

• natural gas combustion

• nuclear energy

• solar panels

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Deforestation has a significant impact on the environment. Which of the following activities contributes most to deforestation worldwide?

• urban expansion

• agricultural development

• logging for timber

• mining operations

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Which of the following is not considered a renewable source of energy?

• Wind power

• Solar energy

• Hydroelectric power

• Natural gas

Researchers are always looking for new energy resources to support our growing energy needs. In the ocean, wave power has been studied extensively. Which of the following accurately describes the benefits of this form of energy?

• This form of energy is renewable and can be used in place of dwindling fossil fuels.

• This form of energy is nonrenewable and readily available for use.

• This form of energy is renewable, inexpensive, and easily accessible to every country in the world.

• This form of energy is very inexpensive and nonrenewable.

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Over time, the environmental cost of using nonrenewable resources as a unit of fuel energy has decreased. Which behavioral change could have caused this decrease in cost?

• People have switched from polluting to nonpolluting types of energy.

• People have switched from nonrenewable to renewable forms of energy.

• People have reduced the use of nonrenewable resources.

• People have used more efficient technologies to extract nonrenewable resources.

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A remote village is located near the ocean and several rivers. The climate is usually partially cloudy with periodic winds. The village advisory committee is reviewing several alternative energy sources. Committee members want to select a source that produces very little pollution, reduces greenhouse gases, is renewable, and is cost-effective over time.  

Which energy source should they choose?

• coal

• hydroelectric

• nuclear

• solar

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Our oceans offer a variety of renewable and nonrenewable resources that we use for various purposes. One such resource is sea salt. Which statement best classifies sea salt and describes its costs and benefits?

• Sea salt is a renewable resource that is readily available, but production is not cost effective.

• Sea salt is a renewable resource that is processed with little energy input, but harvesting the salt disrupts coastal ecosystems.

• Sea salt is a nonrenewable resource that has a wide variety of uses, but harvesting from the ocean can disrupt coastal ecosystems.

• Sea salt is a nonrenewable resource that requires no processing, but at current rates, it will eventually become unsustainable.

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