All Flashcards
What is Biomass?
Burning organic matter to produce heat, converted into electricity.
Define Carbon Neutrality.
Not adding new carbon to the atmosphere during combustion.
What is EROI?
Energy Return on Investment: energy required to produce energy source.
Define Deforestation.
Clearance of forests unsustainably.
What is Landfill Gas?
Methane produced by decomposing waste in landfills.
Define Municipal Solid Waste.
Waste from residential and commercial sources.
What are Alcohol Fuels?
Ethanol and biodiesel, derived from biomass.
What are dedicated energy crops?
Crops specifically grown for energy production.
What is over-harvesting?
Harvesting resources at an unsustainable rate.
What is regeneration rate?
The speed at which biomass sources replenish.
Define Biomass Energy.
Burning organic matter to produce heat, converted into electricity.
What is deforestation?
The clearing of forests for other land uses.
Define Carbon Neutrality.
Balancing carbon emissions with carbon removal.
What is EROI?
Energy Return on Investment: energy produced divided by energy used.
Define Municipal Solid Waste.
Waste from households, businesses, and institutions.
What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
Organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature.
Define Landfill Gas.
Methane produced by decomposing waste in landfills.
What is meant by 'renewable resource'?
A resource that is replenished naturally and over relatively short periods.
Define 'sustainability'.
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What are particulates?
Small particles suspended in the air that can be harmful to human health.
What are the effects of over-harvesting biomass?
Deforestation, habitat loss, soil erosion, reduced biodiversity.
What are the effects of burning biomass?
Releases CO2, CO, NOx, particulates, and VOCs into the atmosphere.
What are the effects of using ethanol instead of gasoline?
Reduced reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions (potentially).