The Impact of Burning Fossil Fuels and Alternative Energy Sources (Leaving Cert Geography): Revision Notes

The impact of burning fossil fuels and alternative energy sources

Introduction to Fossil Fuels

• Fossil Fuels: Non-renewable energy sources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years.
  • Examples: Coal, oil, natural gas.
• Global Use: Provide over 80% of the world's energy needs.
• Impacts: While crucial for economic development, their extraction and burning have significant environmental and social consequences.

Renewable Resources:

• Resources that can be replenished naturally within a short time.

• Examples: Wind, solar, hydroelectric power, biomass. Non-Renewable Resources:

• Finite resources that take millions of years to form.

• Examples: Coal, oil, natural gas, peat. Importance in the Economy:

• Resources drive energy production, industrial development, and economic growth.

• Transitioning to renewables is vital for sustainability.

Impact of Burning Fossil Fuels

Climate Change

• Fossil fuels release large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane when burned, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
• Global Warming: Increased temperatures, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels.
• Extreme Weather Events: More frequent hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves.

Air Pollution

• Combustion releases pollutants like sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter.
  • Linked to respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and premature deaths.
• Acid rain forms when sulphur dioxide mixes with water vapour, damaging forests, water bodies, and buildings.

Habitat Destruction

• Mining for coal and drilling for oil and gas destroy ecosystems, disrupt wildlife, and pollute water sources.
  • Example: Peat excavation in the Mayo Gas Terminal project caused habitat destruction and risked landslides.

Economic and Social Costs

• High dependence on fossil fuels creates price volatility and economic vulnerabilities.
• Health costs due to pollution burden national healthcare systems.

Irish Case Study: The Corrib Gas Terminal

Overview

• Located 70 km off the Mayo coast, the Corrib Gas Field is a key energy source for Ireland, meeting 60% of its gas needs.
• Developed by a consortium led by Shell, with a €900 million investment in an onshore processing terminal.

Impacts

1. Environmental:

• Peatland excavation risked landslides and destroyed habitats.
• Protests raised concerns over the high-pressure gas pipeline's proximity to homes (70m away).

2. Economic:

• Reduced Ireland's dependence on imported gas.
• Created 500 temporary jobs during construction and 50 permanent jobs.

Conflict:

• Locals opposed the pipeline's safety risks and the perceived prioritisation of foreign corporations over national interests.

Alternative Energy Sources

Renewable Energy

1. Wind Power:

• Ireland is harnessing its wind potential through onshore and offshore wind farms.
• Example: Arklow Bank Wind Park.

2. Solar Energy:

• Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, with increasing adoption in homes and businesses.

3. Hydropower:

• Utilises water to generate electricity. While limited in Ireland, it's significant globally.

4. Biomass:

• Organic materials (e.g., wood, agricultural waste) burned to produce energy.

Advantages of Renewables:

• Sustainable and inexhaustible.
• Produce little to no greenhouse gases.
• Reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Challenges:

• High initial investment for infrastructure.
• Dependence on weather conditions (e.g., sunlight, wind).

International Case Study: Deforestation and Fossil Fuels in the Amazon

Overview

• The Amazon rainforest is a critical carbon sink, absorbing vast amounts of CO₂.
• Advance Brazil Plan (2001): A $40 billion development initiative involving roads, hydroelectric dams, and resource extraction.

Impact:

1. Deforestation:

• 42% of the region is projected to be deforested in 20 years, reducing the Amazon's carbon absorption ability.

2. Global Warming:

• Loss of trees increases CO₂ levels, accelerating climate change.

Conflict:

• Balancing economic development (e.g., energy and mining) with environmental conservation remains a major challenge.

Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Economy

Global Agreements

• Paris Agreement (2015): Countries pledged to limit global temperature increases to below 2°C by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Government Initiatives

1. Ireland's Climate Action Plan:

• Increase renewable energy to 80% of electricity generation by 2030.
• Phase out coal-fired power plants.

2. Carbon Tax:

• Introduced to discourage fossil fuel use and fund green initiatives.

Comparison of Fossil Fuels and Alternatives

Aspect	Renewable Resources	Non-Renewable Resources
Environmental Impact	Low emissions; sustainable	High CO₂ emissions; finite
Availability	Unlimited	Depleting; uneven global distribution
Cost	High initial investment, low operational cost	Initially cheaper, but rising with scarcity
Examples	Wind, solar, hydroelectric	Coal, oil, natural gas