Title:

Energy

Publish Date:

May 2011

ISBN:

978 1 86168 589 6

Covering Ages:

11 to 14 years

Issue Description

The world is facing an energy crisis. As the finite supply of fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil upon which we depend dwindle – indeed, some scientists predict that oil could run out within the next 45 years - humanity must look to renewable sources of energy to generate power. But how efficient and sustainable are alternative energy sources such as wind, wave and solar power? And is it safe to continue using nuclear power? Can we as individuals make a difference? This book looks at our current use of energy and at what the future is likely to hold.
The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.

Price:

£5.95

Quantity:

Key Facts

• Fossil fuels provide most of the world’s energy. We rely on them, and many developing countries want to use more. They took millions of years to form. But humans will have taken just a few hundred years to use them up. (page 1)
  
  
• Nuclear power does not burn its fuel, so it emits very little carbon dioxide. But nuclear power does produce dangerous radioactive waste. This remains toxic for thousands of years. (page 2)
  
  
• Some scientists believe that oil could run out in the next 45 years, but not if the need to combat climate change slows the pace at which we use it. Others say there are plenty more fossil fuels if we need them – we just haven’t found them yet. (page 5)
  
  
• In 2009, for the second year running, more wind power was installed than any other power-generating technology, accounting for 39% of total new installations. (page 7)
  
  
• According to a 2007 survey, 71% of EU citizens support wind energy, while gas is supported by 42%, coal by 26% and nuclear power by just 20%. (page 9)
  
  
• The Climate Change Act 2008 includes a legally binding target of at least an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, to be achieved through action in the UK and abroad, and a reduction in emissions of at least 34% by 2020 (against a 1990 baseline). (page 12)
  
  
• Renewable energy could supply 97% of the European Union’s electricity by 2050, according to a study. (page 17)
  
  
• The EU wants at least ten per cent of transport fuels to come from renewable sources within the next ten years. (page 21)
  
  
• Figures suggests that one in six households were fuel poor during 2008, a year which saw energy bills shoot up by 45 per cent. (page 23)

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Table of Contents

Chapter One: Renewable Energy

Renewable energy, Fossil fuels – key points, Energy trends, Wind energy, Microgeneration, Solar water heating, Activities.

Chapter Two: Energy in the Future

2050: 97% of EU electricity from renewable energy, UK’s largest coal-fired power station could switch to biomass within ten years, Biofuel plans ‘will make 100 million hungry’, Fuel poverty doubles in five years, Fuel of the future: the new power generation, Activities.

Key Facts

Glossary

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