Environmental Impact of Energy Sources

Which of the following reasons best explains why coal is considered a significant contributor to global environmental issues despite being the most abundant fossil fuel?

• Coal mining generates high economic returns in top-producing countries.

• Coal has a higher energy content compared to oil and natural gas.

• Combustion of coal produces large quantities of ash and greenhouse gases such as CO₂, NOx, and SO₂, contributing to global warming and urban air pollution.

• Coal is primarily used for industrial purposes rather than electricity generation.

Why is hydraulic fracking considered a controversial method of obtaining natural gas, even though it produces fewer harmful emissions compared to coal and oil?

• It reduces global oil reserves by using chemicals and water in extraction.

• The process has been linked to contamination of groundwater and an increase in seismic activity.

• Fracking exclusively takes place in regions with established energy infrastructure, limiting its expansion.

• Hydraulic fracking does not produce sufficient quantities of natural gas for global energy demands.

Which of the following factors differentiates the environmental impact of oil spills from natural gas leaks?

• Natural gas leaks are visible and easier to contain than oil spills.

• Oil spills severely impact marine ecosystems, while natural gas primarily contributes to atmospheric pollution.

• Oil spills are caused by pipeline failures, whereas natural gas leaks occur only during extraction.

• Both oil spills and natural gas leaks have similar long-term effects on terrestrial ecosystems.

What is the primary reason that natural gas is considered a "cleaner" fossil fuel compared to coal and oil?

• It is transported in pipelines, eliminating the risk of accidental spills.

• Natural gas has a higher hydrogen content, leading to lower carbon dioxide and sulphur emissions when combusted.

• Its extraction processes are entirely safe and do not impact ecosystems.

• It does not require extensive refinery processes before use.

Which of the following best explains the potential long-term societal impacts of continued dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation?

• Energy prices will decrease as extraction technologies become more advanced.

• Fossil fuel reserves are finite, and their depletion could lead to resource conflicts and economic instability.

• Renewable energy sources cannot replace fossil fuels due to their low energy content.

• The global reliance on fossil fuels will decrease biodiversity but have no significant economic effects.

Which of the following best explains why nuclear power is considered a "clean" energy source despite its association with catastrophic accidents?

• Nuclear reactors produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to coal and oil, reducing their impact on climate change.

• Nuclear power stations are designed to operate independently of natural disasters.

• The use of uranium as a fuel source ensures an infinite supply of energy.

• Nuclear energy requires minimal infrastructure compared to fossil fuel extraction.

Why do technocentric perspectives support continued investment in nuclear energy despite concerns over radioactive waste?

• They believe that the economic cost of nuclear accidents is minimal compared to the benefits of cheap energy.

• They argue that technological advancements will solve the problem of radioactive waste and improve reactor safety.

• They emphasize the potential for nuclear power to completely replace fossil fuels within a decade.

• They advocate for nuclear energy solely as a means of reducing military reliance on nuclear weapons.

Which factor presents the greatest environmental concern regarding the disposal of nuclear waste?

• The high financial cost of constructing storage facilities for radioactive materials.

• The possibility of human activities, such as terrorism, breaching secure containment areas.

• The use of underground storage that may result in contamination due to geological instability.

• The slow pace at which low-level radioactive waste decays compared to high-level waste.

Which of the following explains why offshore wind farms may be considered more effective than land-based wind farms, despite having unique environmental challenges?

• Offshore wind farms experience lower upfront costs due to simpler transportation logistics.

• Wind speeds at sea are generally higher and more consistent, leading to more efficient energy generation.

• Offshore wind farms avoid public opposition due to their proximity to major coastal cities.

• Turbines at sea do not require corrosion protection or monitoring for environmental impact.

Which of the following limitations of solar power could be mitigated through technological advancements in energy storage systems?

• Variations in sunlight intensity due to regional cloud cover.

• The inability to generate electricity at night, requiring stored energy for later use.

• The high production cost of photovoltaic cells.

• The seasonal variations in solar radiation depending on latitude.