2. Module 1
Introduction, Environmental Aspects Of Energy-Ecology-Greenhouse Effect-Global
Warming
Pollution-Various Pollutants and their Harmful Effects-Green Power-The United
Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change (UNFCC)
Environment-Economy Energy and Sustainable development-Kyoto Protocol -
Classification of Energy Resources
Conventional Energy Resources -Availability and their limitations; Non-Conventional
Energy Resources –Classification, Advantages, Limitations
Comparison of Conventional and Non-Conventional Energy Resources; World
Energy Scenario; Indian Energy Scenario
3. INTRODUCTION
Environment is everything that is present in our surroundings – the place,
things and everything around us
Everything runs on energy - this includes our body to the buildings we
live, industries etc.
The word energy itself is derived from the Greek word en-ergon, which
means work’ or work content.
A systemic study of various forms of energy & energy transformations is
called energy science.
4. Environmental Aspects Of Energy
Every type of energy generation/utilization process affects the environment
to some extent either directly or indirectly.
The extent of degradation of environment depends mainly on the type of
primary energy source.
Thus, energy is generated and utilized at expense of adverse environmental
impacts.
The environmental problems directly related to energy production and
consumption include air pollution, climate change, water pollution,
thermal pollution, and solid waste disposal.
5. Ecology
Ecology is a branch of science, including human science, population,
community, ecosystem and biosphere.
Ecology is the study of organisms, the environment and how the
organisms interact with each other and their environment.
It is studied at various levels, such as organism, population, community,
biosphere and ecosystem.
6. Greenhouse Effect
A greenhouse is a house made of glass that can be used to grow plants. The sun’s
radiations warm the plants and the air inside the greenhouse. The heat trapped
inside can’t escape out and warms the greenhouse which is essential for the
growth of the plants. Same is the case in the earth’s atmosphere.
During the day the sun heats up the earth’s atmosphere. At night, when the earth
cools down the heat is radiated back into the atmosphere. During this process, the
heat is absorbed by the greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere. This is what
makes the surface of the earth warmer, that makes the survival of living beings on
earth possible.
Greenhouse effect is the process by which radiations from the sun are absorbed by
the greenhouse gases and not reflected back into space. This insulates the surface
of the earth and prevents it from freezing.”
7.
8. Have you seen a greenhouse?
Most greenhouses look like small glasshouses.
Green houses are used to grow plants, especially in the winter.
9. How do greenhouses work?
Greenhouses work by trapping heat from the sun.
The glass panels of the greenhouse let in light but keep heat from escaping.
This causes the greenhouse to heat up much like the inside of a car parked in
sunlight, and keeps the plants warm enough to live in the winter.
10. Greenhouse Effect
Without these gases, heat would escape back into space and Earth’s average
temperature would be about 60 º F colder.
Because of how they warm our world, these gases are referred to as greenhouse
gases.
11. Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases are the gases that absorb the infrared radiations and create a
greenhouse effect.
Major green house gases:
Water Vapor H2O
Carbon Dioxide CO2
Chlorofluorocarbons CFC’s
Methane (natural gas) CH4
Nitrous oxide NO2
Ozone (in the troposphere) O3
Water vapor and CO2 are the most abundant
12. Water Vapour
There is more water in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide so most of the
greenhouse heating of the Earth’s surface is due to water vapour.
The water vapour content in the atmosphere is constant which means it hasn’t
changed.
Water vapour is the biggest contributor to the “natural greenhouse effect”
Human activities have little impact on the level of water vapour.
13. Carbon Dioxide
Our atmosphere contains many natural gases other than ozone. One of these natural gases is carbon dioxide.
Our atmosphere needs a certain amount of this gas.
It is carbon dioxide that helps to keep the Earth warm.
This gas holds in just enough heat from the sun to keep animals and plants alive.
If it held in more heat than it does the climate on Earth would grow too hot for some kinds of life.
If it held in less heat, Earth’s climate would be too cold.
Carbon Dioxide is probably the most important of the greenhouse gases and is currently responsible for 60 %
of the ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’
Increased since industrial revolution
Combustion of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, petroleum)
For every kg of fossil fuel burned 3kg of CO2 released
Deforestation
Fewer forests = less absorption of CO2 from atmosphere
14. Methane
Although methane (CH4) persists in the atmosphere for far less time than carbon dioxide (about a
decade), it is much more potent in terms of the greenhouse effect.
In fact, pound for pound, its global warming impact is 25 times greater than that of carbon dioxide over
a 100-year period.
Globally it accounts for approximately 16 percent of human-generated greenhouse gas emissions.
Rice Paddies
Agriculture
Coal mines and natural gas
15. Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a powerful greenhouse gas:
It has a GWP 300 times that of carbon dioxide on a 100-year time scale, and it remains in the
atmosphere, on average, a little more than a century.
It accounts for about 6 percent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
Result of a natural process, in the nitrogen cycle
Enhanced by nitrogen containing fertilizers
Can last up to 100 years in atmosphere
Industrial Source
High temperature combustion of fossil fuels
16. Fluorinated Gases
Emitted from a variety of manufacturing and industrial processes, fluorinated gases
are man-made. There are four main categories: hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),
perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).
Sources
Foam
Cleaners
Aerosol sprays
Refrigeration and air conditioning coolants
17. What is global warming?
Global warming is a phenomenon of climate change characterized by a general
increase in average temperatures of the Earth, which modifies the weather
balances and ecosystems for a long time. It is directly linked to the increase of
greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, worsening the greenhouse effect.
18. Causes of global warming that are contributing to the
climate crisis
Man-made Causes of Global Warming
Deforestation
Plants are the main source of oxygen. They take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen thereby
maintaining environmental balance. Forests are being depleted for many domestic and commercial
purposes. This has led to an environmental imbalance, thereby giving rise to global warming.
Use of Vehicles
The use of vehicles, even for a very short distance results in various gaseous emissions. Vehicles
burn fossil fuels which emit a large amount of carbon dioxide and other toxins into the atmosphere
resulting in a temperature increase.
Chlorofluorocarbon
With the excessive use of air conditioners and refrigerators, humans have been adding CFCs into
the environment which affects the atmospheric ozone layer. The ozone layer protects the earth
surface from the harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. The CFCs have led to ozone layer
depletion making way for the ultraviolet rays, thereby increasing the temperature of the earth.
19. Industrial Development
With the advent of industrialization, the temperature of the earth has been
increasing rapidly. The harmful emissions from the factories add to the increasing
temperature of the earth.
Agriculture
Various farming activities produce carbon dioxide and methane gas. These add to
the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and increase the temperature of the earth.
Overpopulation
An increase in population means more people breathing. This leads to an
increase in the level of carbon dioxide, the primary gas causing global
warming, in the atmosphere.
20. Natural Causes of Global Warming
Volcanoes
Volcanoes are one of the largest natural contributors to global warming. The ash and smoke
emitted during volcanic eruptions goes out into the atmosphere and affects the climate.
Water Vapour
Water vapour is a kind of greenhouse gas. Due to the increase in the earth’s temperature, more
water gets evaporated from the water bodies and stays in the atmosphere adding to global
warming.
Melting Permafrost
Permafrost is frozen soil that has environmental gases trapped in it for several years and is
present below Earth’s surface. It is present in glaciers. As the permafrost melts, it releases the
gases back into the atmosphere, increasing Earth’s temperature.
Forest Blazes
Forest blazes or forest fires emit a large amount of carbon-containing smoke. These gases are
released into the atmosphere and increase the earth’s temperature resulting in global warming
21. The Effect of Global Warming
Rise in Temperature
Global warming has led to an incredible increase in earth’s temperature. Since 1880,
the earth’s temperature has increased by ~1 degrees. This has resulted in an increase in
the melting of glaciers, which have led to an increase in the sea level. This could have
devastating effects on coastal regions.
Threats to the Ecosystem
Global warming has affected the coral reefs that can lead to the loss of plant and
animal lives. Increase in global temperatures has made the fragility of coral reefs even
worse.
Climate Change
Global warming has led to a change in climatic conditions. There are droughts at some
places and floods at some. This climatic imbalance is the result of global warming.
22. The Effect of Global Warming
Spread of Diseases
Global warming leads to a change in the patterns of heat and humidity. This has led to the
movement of mosquitoes that carry and spread diseases.
High Mortality Rates
Due to an increase in floods, tsunamis and other natural calamities, the average death toll
usually increases. Also, such events can bring about the spread of diseases that can hamper
human life.
Loss of Natural Habitat
A global shift in the climate leads to the loss of habitats of several plants and animals. In
this case, the animals need to migrate from their natural habitat and many of them even
become extinct. This is yet another major impact of global warming on biodiversity.
23.
24. TYPES OF POLLUTION
WATER POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION
LAND POLLUTION
NOISE POLLUTION
26. Water Pollution can be defined as alteration in physical, chemical, or
biological characteristics of water through natural or human activities and
making it unsuitable for its designated use.
Fresh Water present on the earth surface is put to many uses. It is used for
drinking, domestic and municipal
uses, agricultural, irrigation, industries, navigation, recreation. The used water
becomes contaminated and is called waste water.
27. SOURCES OF WATER POLLUTION
Most of Water Pollution is man made It may also occur naturally by addition of soil
particles through erosion animal wastes and leaching of minerals from rocks
The sources of water pollution can be classified as
Municipal Waste Water
Industrial Waste
Inorganic Pollutants
Organic Pollutants
Agricultural Wastes
Marine Pollution
Thermal pollution
29. INDUSTRIAL WASTE
The major source of water pollution is the waste water discharged from
industries and commercial bodies, these industries are
chemical, metallurgical, food processing industries, textile, paper industries.
They discharge several organic and inorganic pollutants. That prove highly
toxic to living beings.
30. They include fine particles of different metals, chlorides, sulphates, oxides of
iron, cadmium, acids and alkalies.
31. ORGANIC POLLUTANTS
They Include oils, fats, phenols, organic acids grease and several other organic
compounds.
32. AGRICULTURAL WASTES
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides have become essential for present day
high yielding crops.
Excess fertilizers may reach the ground water by leaching or may be mixed
with surface water of rivers, lakes and ponds by runoff and drainage.
33. MARINE POLLUTION
Ocean are the final sink of all natural and manmade pollutants. Rivers
discharge their pollutants into the sea. The sewage and garbage of costal cities
are also dumped into the sea. The other sources include, discharge of oils,
grease, detergents, and radioactive wastes from ships.
34. THERMAL POLLUTION
Thermal Pollution of water is caused by the rise in temperature of water. The
main source of thermal pollution are the thermal and nuclear power plants.
The power generating plants use water as coolants and release hot water into
the original source. Sudden rise in temperature kills fish and other aquatic
animals.
35. AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological
materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms,
or cause damage to the natural environment or built environment, into the
atmosphere.
A substance in the air that can cause harm to humans and the environment is
known as an air pollutant.
36. CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION
Carbon dioxide-this happens because of Deforestation and fossil fuel
burning.
Sulfur dioxide –Due to the burning of sulfur containing compounds of
fossil fuels.
Sulfur oxides- very dangerous to humans at a high concentration. Sulfur in
the atmosphere is responsible for acid rain.
37. CONSEQUENCES OF AIR POLLUTION
CO2 is a good transmitter of sunlight, but it also partially restricts infrared
radiation going back from the earth into space, which produces the so-
called greenhouse effect that prevents a drastic cooling of the Earth during
the night.
CO2 in atmosphere --> GLOBAL WARMING
38. LAND POLLUTION
Land pollution is the demolition of Earth's land surfaces often caused by
human activities and their misuse of land resources. It occurs when waste is
not disposed properly.
Urbanization and industrialization are major causes of land pollution.
Four Main causes of land pollution:
Construction
Agriculture
Domestic waste
Industrial Waste
39. CONSTRUCTION
Buildings take up resources and land, the trees are chopped down and used to
make buildings.
Takes away the places for animals and other organisms to live.
40. AGRICULTURE
As there are more and more people inhabiting the earth, food is in higher
demand and so forests are chopped down and turned into farmland
In addition, herbicides, pesticides, artificial fertilizers, animal manure are
washed into the soil and pollute it.
41. INDUSTRIAL WASTE
Plastics factories, chemical plants, oil refineries, nuclear waste disposal
activity, large animal farms, coal-fired power plants, metals
production factories and other heavy industry all contribute to land pollution.
42. NOISE POLLUTION
Noise pollution is excessive, displeasing human, animal, or machine-created
environmental noise that disrupts the activity or balance of human or animal
life.
Sound becomes undesirable when it disturbs the normal activities such as
working, sleeping, and during conversations.
World Health Organization stated that “Noise must be recognized as a major
threat to human well- being”
43. SOURCES OF NOISE POLLUTION
Transportation systems are the main source of noise pollution in urban areas.
Construction of buildings, highways, and streets cause a lot of noise, due
to the usage of air compressors, bulldozers, loaders, dump trucks, and
pavement breakers.
Industrial noise also adds to the already unfavorable state of noise pollution.
Loud speakers, plumbing, boilers, generators, air conditioners, fans, and
vacuum cleaners add to the existing noise pollution.
44. EFFECTS OF NOISE POLLUTION
There are direct links between noise and health. Also, noise pollution
adversely affects the lives of millions of people.
Noise pollution can damage physiological and psychological health.
High blood pressure, stress related illness, sleep disruption, hearing loss,
and productivity loss are the problems related to noise pollution.
It can also cause memory loss, severe depression, and panic attacks.
45. SOLUTIONS FOR NOISE POLLUTION
Planting bushes and trees in and around sound generating sources is an
effective solution for noise pollution.
Regular servicing and tuning of automobiles can effectively reduce the noise
pollution
Social awareness programs should be taken up to educate the public about the
causes and effects of noise pollution.
Workers should be provided with equipments such as ear plugs and earmuffs
for hearing protection.
46. Similar to automobiles, lubrication of the machinery and servicing should
be done to minimize noise generation.
Soundproof doors and windows can be installed to block unwanted noise
from outside.
Regulations should be imposed to restrict the usage of play loudspeakers in
crowded areas and public places.
Factories and industries should be located far from the residential areas.
47. WAYS TO STOP POLLUTION
We believe that it is the responsible thing to do to increase recycling.
It is just like doing laundry and separating blacks and colors.
The residents of the country should also try and do their part and put in at least
one day of litter picking up.
48. Green power
Green energy is any energy type that is generated from natural resources, such as
sunlight, wind or water..
Green energy sources are usually naturally replenished, as opposed to fossil fuel sources
like natural gas or coal, which can take millions of years to develop.
Green sources also often avoid mining or drilling operations that can be damaging to eco-
systems.
Green energy is important for the environment as it replaces the negative effects of fossil
fuels with more environmentally-friendly alternatives. Derived from natural resources,
green energy is also often renewable and clean, meaning that they emit no or few
greenhouse gases and are often readily available.
Even when the full life cycle of a green energy source is taken into consideration, they
release far less greenhouse gases than fossil fuels, as well as few or low levels of air
pollutants. This is not just good for the planet but is also better for the health of people
and animals that have to breathe the air.
It includes hydro, biogass,solar,wind ,geothermal etc
49. United Nations Framework Convention On
Climate Change (UNFCCC)
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been
the principle forum for cooperation among nations on greenhouse gas (GHG)-induced
climate change since its adoption in 1992.
Its objective is “to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a
level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, in a
time frame which allows ecosystems to adapt naturally and enables sustainable
development.”
50. UNFCCC
International treaty to address challenges of climate change
192 countries have ratified
Entered into force on 21 March 1994
The Convention:
Recognizes the global, shared problem
Provides a framework for discussion
Supports first steps: reporting, assessment, planning
Establishes principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities"
Covers mitigation & adaptation
51. What is the Kyoto Protocol?
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for
37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions .
The major distinction between the Protocol and the Convention is that
while the Convention encouraged industrialized countries to stabilize
GHG emissions, the Protocol commits them to do so.
52. Principle Concepts of KP
Commitments: The heart of the Protocol lies in establishing commitments for the reduction of
greenhouse gases that are legally binding for Annex I countries, as well as general commitments for all
member countries.
Implementation: In order to meet the objectives of the Protocol, Annex I countries are required to
prepare policies and measures for the reduction of greenhouse gases in their respective countries.
In addition, they are required to increase the absorption of these gases and utilize all mechanisms
available, such as joint implementation, the clean development mechanism and emissions trading, in
order to be rewarded with credits that would allow more greenhouse gas emissions at home.
Minimizing Impacts on Developing Countries by establishing an adaptation fund for climate change.
Accounting, Reporting and Review in order to ensure the integrity of the Protocol.
Compliance: Establishing a Compliance Committee to enforce compliance with the commitments
under the Protocol.
53. The Kyoto Mechanism…
Under the Treaty, countries must meet their targets primarily through national
measures. However, the Kyoto Protocol offers them an additional means of
meeting their targets by way of three market-based mechanisms.
The Kyoto mechanisms are:
Emissions trading – known as “the carbon market"
Clean development mechanism (CDM)
Joint implementation (JI).
The mechanisms help stimulate green investment and help Parties meet their
emission targets in a cost-effective way.
56. Advantages and disadvantages of conventional
energy sources
Advantages:
Fully developed technology is available to harness this energy. Cost of generation has
been brought down to affordable levels. They can be easily transported to any place. Ideal
for small applications.
Disadvantages:
They are polluting because of their emissions. Their availability is reducing as
they are in limited quantity in nature and these sources are depleting at a fast
pace. They are leading to lot of ecological imbalances. They are usually far off
from the point of consumption
58. Solar power
Solar power is energy from the sun. "Solar" is the Latin word for "sun" and it's a
powerful source of energy. Without it, there will be no life. Solar energy is
considered as a serious source of energy for many years because of the vast
amounts of energy that is made freely available, if harnessed by modern
technology.
Solar cells are devices that convert light energy directly into electrical energy. In
these cells, there are semiconductors (silicon alloys and other materials). You
may have seen small solar cells on calculators or some mobile phones.
Solar panels do not generate electricity directly. Instead they heat up water
directly. A pump pushes cold water from a storage tank through pipes in the
solar panel. The water is heated by heat energy from the Sun and returns to the
tank. They are often located on the roofs of buildings where they can receive the
most sunlight.
59. Solar Energy
The two main benefits of using solar energy are
Systems do not produce air pollutants or carbon dioxide.
Systems on buildings have minimal impact on the environment.
The main limitations of solar energy are
The amount of sunlight that arrives at the earth's surface is not constant. The
amount of sunlight varies depending on location, time of day, season of the year,
and weather conditions.
The amount of sunlight reaching a square foot of the earth's surface is relatively
small, so a large surface area is necessary to absorb or collect a useful amount of
energy.
60. Wind Energy
Wind is caused by huge convection currents in the Earth's atmosphere, driven by heat
energy from the Sun. This means as long as the sun shines, there will be wind.
The moving air (wind) has huge amounts of kinetic energy, and this can be transferred
into electrical energy using wind turbines. The wind turns the blades, which spin a
shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity. The electricity is sent
through transmission and distribution lines to a substation, then on to homes, business
and schools
61.
62. Wind Energy
Wind turbines are mounted on a tower to capture the most energy. At 100
feet or more above ground, they can take advantage of faster and less
turbulent wind.
Wind turbines can be used to produce electricity for a single home or
building, or they can be connected to an electricity grid for more
widespread electricity distribution.
63. Wind Energy
Advantages of Wind Energy
Clean and renewable source of power
Cost effective
Rapid growth of industry, large potential
Disadvantages of Wind Energy
Wind reliability
Threat to wildlife
Noise and visual pollution
64. Tidal Energy
Tidal Stream Generator
Makes use of the kinetic energy of moving water to power turbines, in a
similar way to wind turbines that use wind to power turbines.
Tidal Barrage
Tidal barrages make use of the potential energy in the difference in height
between high and low tides.
65. Tidal Energy
Advantages
Clean fuel source compared to fossil fuels
Domestic source of energy
Disadvantages
Tidal power can have effects on marine life.
The turbines can accidentally kill swimming sea life with the rotating
blades.
Some fish may no longer utilize the area if threatened with a constant
rotating or noise-making object.
Installing a barrage may change the shoreline within the bay or estuary,
affecting a large ecosystem that depends on tidal flats.
