Energy and the Environment
Environmental Science | College
Level
Detailed Overview
Intended Learning Outcomes
• 1. Cite the uses and sources of energy.
• 2. Discuss the energy crisis and conservation.
• 3. Identify alternative energy sources.
• 4. Explain the environmental effects of energy
production and utilization.
Uses and Sources of Energy
• Two main types: Non-renewable and
Renewable energy.
• Non-renewable: Limited resources that cannot
be replenished in a human lifetime.
• Renewable: Naturally replenished and
sustainable energy sources.
• Human dependence on energy affects
economic growth and environmental stability.
Non-renewable Energy Resources
• 1. Fossil Fuels – hydrocarbons used as fuel (coal, oil,
natural gas).
• Formed from remains of ancient plants and animals.
• Main sources of industrial and domestic energy.
• 2. Nuclear Energy – produced from nuclear
fission/fusion.
• Emits fewer pollutants but produces radioactive waste.
• Safety and disposal remain major concerns.
Environmental Problems from Fossil Fuels
• CO₂ emissions from combustion cause global
warming.
• Acid deposition due to nitrogen oxides.
• Water pollution from spills and transport
leaks.
• Habitat destruction from surface mining.
• Health hazards from air pollution and
particulate matter.
Nuclear Energy: Pros and Cons
• Advantages:
• Low CO₂ emissions and minimal air pollution.
• High energy output per fuel unit.
• Disadvantages:
• Radioactive waste disposal issues.
• Potential for catastrophic accidents.
• High construction and maintenance costs.
Renewable or Alternative Energy Sources
• 1. Solar Energy – harnesses sunlight directly; free and non-
polluting.
• 2. Wind Energy – fastest-growing energy source using wind
turbines.
• 3. Geothermal Energy – derived from Earth's internal heat.
• 4. Hydropower – uses falling or flowing water to generate
electricity.
• 5. Biomass Energy – plant and organic materials used for
fuel (e.g., biogas, biodiesel).
Hydropower and Biomass Energy
• Hydropower: Major source of renewable electricity.
• - Dams alter natural river flow and aquatic
ecosystems.
• Biomass: Renewable source from organic matter.
• - Converts agricultural and household waste into
fuel.
• - Used widely in developing nations (India, China).
Energy Crisis and Conservation
• Energy crisis: Occurs when fuel extraction or
electricity production cannot meet demand.
• Conservation: Reducing energy use without
compromising services.
• Efficiency: Using technology to reduce energy
consumption.
• Example: Driving less (conservation) vs. using
fuel-efficient cars (efficiency).
Environmental Effects of Energy Use
• Oil exploration threatens ecosystems and
marine environments.
• CO₂ and NOx emissions cause climate change
and acid rain.
• Surface mining destroys topsoil and
biodiversity.
• Global energy demand continues to rise,
worsening environmental impacts.
Global Energy Consumption Trends
• Energy demand is increasing globally,
including in the Philippines.
• Developed nations like Germany maintain
stable energy use through efficiency.
• Developing countries face challenges
balancing growth with sustainability.
• Conservation is key to extending fossil fuel
availability.
Energy Conservation and Efficiency
Techniques
• At Home:
• Use LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances.
• Practice waste segregation and recycling.
• Reduce unnecessary electricity consumption.
• Community and Industry:
• Implement renewable energy projects.
• Promote carpooling and public transport.
• Strengthen environmental laws on energy usage.
Technology and Environmental Impact
• Technological progress increases energy demand.
• Examples of degradation: oil drilling, deforestation,
mining.
• • Solutions:
• - Promote clean energy innovation.
• - Implement eco-friendly production methods.
• - Strengthen global cooperation on energy laws.
Key Takeaways
• Energy is essential for development but affects
the environment.
• Non-renewable sources are finite; renewable
options are vital.
• Energy conservation and efficiency are critical
for sustainability.
• Balancing energy use and environmental
protection ensures a livable future.

Energy_and_the_Environment_Presentation.pptx

  • 1.
    Energy and theEnvironment Environmental Science | College Level Detailed Overview
  • 2.
    Intended Learning Outcomes •1. Cite the uses and sources of energy. • 2. Discuss the energy crisis and conservation. • 3. Identify alternative energy sources. • 4. Explain the environmental effects of energy production and utilization.
  • 3.
    Uses and Sourcesof Energy • Two main types: Non-renewable and Renewable energy. • Non-renewable: Limited resources that cannot be replenished in a human lifetime. • Renewable: Naturally replenished and sustainable energy sources. • Human dependence on energy affects economic growth and environmental stability.
  • 4.
    Non-renewable Energy Resources •1. Fossil Fuels – hydrocarbons used as fuel (coal, oil, natural gas). • Formed from remains of ancient plants and animals. • Main sources of industrial and domestic energy. • 2. Nuclear Energy – produced from nuclear fission/fusion. • Emits fewer pollutants but produces radioactive waste. • Safety and disposal remain major concerns.
  • 5.
    Environmental Problems fromFossil Fuels • CO₂ emissions from combustion cause global warming. • Acid deposition due to nitrogen oxides. • Water pollution from spills and transport leaks. • Habitat destruction from surface mining. • Health hazards from air pollution and particulate matter.
  • 6.
    Nuclear Energy: Prosand Cons • Advantages: • Low CO₂ emissions and minimal air pollution. • High energy output per fuel unit. • Disadvantages: • Radioactive waste disposal issues. • Potential for catastrophic accidents. • High construction and maintenance costs.
  • 7.
    Renewable or AlternativeEnergy Sources • 1. Solar Energy – harnesses sunlight directly; free and non- polluting. • 2. Wind Energy – fastest-growing energy source using wind turbines. • 3. Geothermal Energy – derived from Earth's internal heat. • 4. Hydropower – uses falling or flowing water to generate electricity. • 5. Biomass Energy – plant and organic materials used for fuel (e.g., biogas, biodiesel).
  • 8.
    Hydropower and BiomassEnergy • Hydropower: Major source of renewable electricity. • - Dams alter natural river flow and aquatic ecosystems. • Biomass: Renewable source from organic matter. • - Converts agricultural and household waste into fuel. • - Used widely in developing nations (India, China).
  • 9.
    Energy Crisis andConservation • Energy crisis: Occurs when fuel extraction or electricity production cannot meet demand. • Conservation: Reducing energy use without compromising services. • Efficiency: Using technology to reduce energy consumption. • Example: Driving less (conservation) vs. using fuel-efficient cars (efficiency).
  • 10.
    Environmental Effects ofEnergy Use • Oil exploration threatens ecosystems and marine environments. • CO₂ and NOx emissions cause climate change and acid rain. • Surface mining destroys topsoil and biodiversity. • Global energy demand continues to rise, worsening environmental impacts.
  • 11.
    Global Energy ConsumptionTrends • Energy demand is increasing globally, including in the Philippines. • Developed nations like Germany maintain stable energy use through efficiency. • Developing countries face challenges balancing growth with sustainability. • Conservation is key to extending fossil fuel availability.
  • 12.
    Energy Conservation andEfficiency Techniques • At Home: • Use LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances. • Practice waste segregation and recycling. • Reduce unnecessary electricity consumption. • Community and Industry: • Implement renewable energy projects. • Promote carpooling and public transport. • Strengthen environmental laws on energy usage.
  • 13.
    Technology and EnvironmentalImpact • Technological progress increases energy demand. • Examples of degradation: oil drilling, deforestation, mining. • • Solutions: • - Promote clean energy innovation. • - Implement eco-friendly production methods. • - Strengthen global cooperation on energy laws.
  • 14.
    Key Takeaways • Energyis essential for development but affects the environment. • Non-renewable sources are finite; renewable options are vital. • Energy conservation and efficiency are critical for sustainability. • Balancing energy use and environmental protection ensures a livable future.