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Study Diagram Q4A - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 4 - 2023
Question 4
Study Diagram Q4A. (a) Suggest reasons for the changes in energy consumption in developed countries. Diagram Q4B Photograph of an oil platform in the North Sea ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Study Diagram Q4A - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 4 - 2023
Step 1
Suggest reasons for the changes in energy consumption in developed countries.
Answer
The changes in energy consumption in developed countries could be attributed to several factors:
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Increased Population and Household Demand: As the population continues to grow, there is an increased demand for energy. More households require energy for heating, lighting, and appliances, leading to a rise in overall energy consumption.
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Economic Growth: Developed countries often experience economic growth that leads to greater industrial activity. Industries require significant energy to operate machinery and production processes, contributing to higher energy consumption levels.
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Technological Advancements: While advancements in technology could lead to more energy-efficient appliances and processes, the initial increase in consumption often outstrips savings due to the adoption of energy-intensive devices such as computers and tablets.
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Urbanization: Moving towards urban living results in denser populations that consume energy at higher rates. In urban areas, there is a greater demand for public transportation and infrastructure, further increasing energy requirements.
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Increased Standard of Living: With rising living standards, the demand for energy-consuming conveniences also rises, such as air conditioning, heating systems, and electronic devices, leading to greater per capita energy consumption.
These factors can be intertwined, and their cumulative effect results in the observable changes in energy consumption trends over the years.
Step 2
Comment on the effectiveness of oil, or any other non-renewable source of energy you have studied, in meeting the energy demands of a country.
Answer
Oil has been a significant source of energy for many countries due to its versatility and high energy content. However, its effectiveness varies by context:
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High Energy Output: Oil provides a substantial amount of energy, making it suitable for transportation and heavy industry, which depend on high energy yields.
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Infrastructure Dependency: The effectiveness of oil is closely tied to existing infrastructure. Countries with extensive oil refining and distribution systems can meet energy demands effectively.
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Environmental Concerns: While oil can meet immediate energy needs, its environmental impact poses threats, including air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This has led to a push for cleaner energy alternatives.
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Resource Depletion: As a non-renewable resource, reliance on oil is unsustainable in the long term. Countries that do not diversify their energy sources may face shortages as reserves deplete.
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Market Volatility: Oil markets are subject to fluctuations in price, which can affect energy reliability. Countries dependent on oil may face economic instability due to changes in global oil prices.
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Investment in Alternatives: Increasing investments in renewable energy sources are seen as essential for sustainable energy consumption in the future. Countries that effectively transition to a mix of energy sources can do so more sustainably.
In conclusion, while oil has been effective in meeting energy demands, its long-term viability is questioned, necessitating a shift towards more sustainable sources.