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Conservation and management of energy resources
Definition
Energy conservation = using energy efficiently to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Research and Development (R&D)
Invest in new energy technologies (solar panels, wind turbines, biofuels).
Explore alternative fuels (hydrogen, tidal, geothermal).
Improve storage systems (batteries, pumped hydro).
Aim: reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase efficiency.
Reducing Consumption
Insulation: prevents heat loss in buildings.
Switching off devices when not in use.
Energy-efficient appliances: LED lights, efficient motors.
Efficient vehicles: hybrid/electric cars reduce fuel use.
Energy from Waste
Convert waste cooking oil into biofuel.
Reduces waste and provides renewable energy.
Example: biodiesel production from restaurants.
Exploiting Existing Energy Sources
Use fossil fuels more efficiently (modern power stations).
Improve grid systems to reduce transmission losses.
Extend life of existing resources while transitioning to renewables.
Education for Energy Conservation
Teach people about saving energy at home and work.
Promote awareness of climate change impacts.
Encourage sustainable lifestyles (public transport, recycling).
Transport Policies
Encourage public transport use.
Develop cycling lanes and pedestrian zones.
Promote electric vehicles and charging stations.
Reduce reliance on petrol/diesel cars.
Fracking
Fracking = hydraulic fracturing to release natural gas/oil from shale rock.
Advantages: increases domestic energy supply, reduces imports.
Disadvantages: risk of water pollution, earthquakes, environmental damage.
Must be managed carefully to balance energy gain with environmental risk.
Causes of Oil Pollution
Off-shore oil extraction
Accidental leaks during drilling and pumping.
Blowouts from rigs release large amounts of crude oil.
Pipelines
Corrosion, poor maintenance, or accidents cause leaks.
Oil can seep into rivers and seas.
Shipping
Tanker accidents (collisions, groundings).
Routine operations (cleaning tanks, illegal discharge).
Impacts on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
Birds
Oil coats feathers → loss of insulation and buoyancy.
Birds die from hypothermia or drowning.
Ingesting oil during cleaning → poisoning.
Marine mammals
Oil damages fur (e.g., seals, otters) → loss of insulation.
Inhalation of fumes → respiratory problems.
Poisoning through contaminated food.
Coral reefs
Oil blocks sunlight → reduced photosynthesis.
Toxic chemicals damage coral polyps.
Long-term decline in biodiversity.
Beaches and coastal habitats
Oil smothers sand, rocks, mangroves.
Affects tourism and fishing industries.
Ecosystem recovery is slow.
Strategies for Reducing Oil Spills
MARPOL Convention
International law to prevent pollution from ships.
Sets rules for waste disposal and oil discharge.
Double-hulled oil tankers
Extra hull layer reduces risk of leaks in accidents.
Safer transport of crude oil.
Improved technology
Better monitoring of pipelines and rigs.
Automatic shut-off systems.
Strategies for Minimizing Impacts of Oil Spills
Booms: floating barriers to contain oil on the surface.
Detergent sprays (dispersants): break oil into smaller droplets → easier to degrade (risk: chemicals may harm marine life.)
Skimmers: machines that remove oil from water surface.
Bioremediation: use of bacteria to break down oil naturally.
Clean-up of beaches: manual removal, washing rocks, replacing sand.
NOTES DONE BY FARIDA SABET
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