Many experts now believe that we must dramatically reduce our consumption of oil, gas and coal based energy. Yet access to energy underpins our modern way of life. How are we to meet our increasing energy requirements? Is renewable energy to answer? Chapter one of this book looks at the various types of renewable energy and how they might meet our needs. Chapter two explores ways that we can be more energy efficient in our homes.
The information comes from a wide variety of sources and includes government reports and statistics, newspaper reports, features, magazine articles and surveys, literature from lobby groups and charitable organisations.
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Energy Alternatives
The case for renewable energy, Fuel shares of total primary energy supply, Energy production and supply, Renewables explained, The balance of power, Producers of nuclear electricity, A future based on 100% renewable energy, Are we ready for when the oil runs out?, Renewable energy, Energy use in the UK, Lacking energy, 10 things you should know, Wind energy, Bioenergy, Nuclear power, The nuclear option, Nuclear energy, Energy, Renewable energy: the way forward, Renewable energy utilisation 2003.
Chapter Two: Energy Efficiency
Urban myths or simple truths?, 10 point energy plan, How green are you?, Home energy use, Save energy around the home, Public attitudes to energy and the environment, Knowledge of major factors contributing to climate change, In winter . . . , Main reasons for taking energy saving steps, Stamp duty cut urged for energy-saving homeowners, Electricity from renewable sources, Paid as you burn.
Key Facts
Additional Resources
Index
Acknowledgements
• Burning coal, oil and gas inevitably produces carbon dioxide gas, a gas which plays a major role in climate change. (p. 1)
• Renewable energy comes from sources that are continually replenished by energy from the sun - sometimes by the moon or by heat from within the earth. (p. 8)
• The development of onshore wind farms is continuing. Offshore wind farm technology is a new area where development is only beginning. (P. 12)
• Hydro installations can have a useful life of over 100 years – many such plants are in existence worldwide. (p. 14)
• Biomass was the first fuel that mankind learned to use for energy; the first fires of primitive man burning wood for warmth and cooking. (p. 18)
• Nuclear power stations currently produce about a quarter of Britain's electricity. Many are now too old to continue to operate efficiently and safely and are being closed down. (p. 20)
• Did you know that both wind and wave power could meet our electricity needs three times over? That solar power alone could produce two-thirds of it? That wind parks off the coast of East Anglia alone could replace all of our nuclear power stations? (p. 26)
• Around 33% of the heat lost in your home is through the walls, so insulating them can be the most cost-effective way to save energy in the home. (p. 30)
Energy Matters Study Guide
Each book in the Issues series has a study guide. These four-page guides provide a variety of discussion points and other activities to suit a wide range of ability levels and interests.
Publisher: Independence Educational Publishers
Price: £1.50
ISBN: 978 1 86168 323 6
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