Glossary
Biomass (energy)
Energy derived from organic matter, such as plants, animal waste, or agricultural residues, often burned directly or converted into biofuels.
Example:
Using agricultural waste for biomass energy can reduce landfill waste and provide a renewable fuel source, though burning it still produces emissions.
Carbon footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gases (especially carbon dioxide) emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.
Example:
Choosing to walk or bike instead of drive can significantly reduce an individual's carbon footprint.
Climate Change
Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities that increase greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
Example:
Rising global temperatures due to climate change are leading to more frequent extreme weather events and sea-level rise.
Coal
A solid fossil fuel formed from ancient plant matter, primarily used for electricity generation.
Example:
Power plants burning coal are often major sources of air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and mercury.
Energy Policy
The decisions and actions taken by governments regarding energy production, distribution, and consumption.
Example:
A new energy policy might offer tax incentives for homeowners to install solar panels, promoting renewable energy adoption.
Fossil Fuels
Combustible organic materials formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, used as energy sources.
Example:
Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil releases carbon dioxide, a major contributor to atmospheric warming.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Gases released into the atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
Example:
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and power plants is crucial for combating climate change.
Hydroelectric (energy)
Electricity generated by the force of moving water, typically from dams that create reservoirs.
Example:
A major hydroelectric dam provides reliable, clean power but can significantly alter river ecosystems and displace communities.
Natural Gas
A gaseous fossil fuel composed primarily of methane, often used for heating, electricity generation, and industrial processes.
Example:
While cleaner-burning than coal, the extraction of natural gas through fracking can lead to groundwater contamination.
Nonrenewable energy sources
Energy sources that exist in limited quantities and cannot be replenished within a human lifespan.
Example:
A country heavily reliant on nonrenewable energy sources like coal faces long-term challenges as these finite resources deplete.
Nuclear Power
Energy generated by harnessing the heat released from nuclear fission, typically using uranium as fuel.
Example:
A nuclear power plant produces electricity with no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, but generates radioactive waste that requires secure, long-term storage.
Oil
A viscous liquid fossil fuel formed from ancient marine organisms, primarily used for transportation and plastics.
Example:
A massive oil spill from a tanker can devastate marine ecosystems and coastal communities for decades.
Petroleum
A broad term for crude oil and its refined products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
Example:
The global economy is heavily dependent on petroleum for transportation, making its price fluctuations impactful worldwide.
Renewable energy sources
Energy sources that can be replenished naturally at or near the rate of consumption, making them sustainable over time.
Example:
Investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind helps reduce a nation's reliance on imported fossil fuels and mitigates climate change.
Solar (energy)
Energy derived from sunlight, converted into electricity using photovoltaic cells or concentrated for heating.
Example:
Installing rooftop solar panels can drastically reduce a homeowner's electricity bill and carbon footprint.
Sustainability
The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often applied to resource use.
Example:
Practicing sustainability in agriculture involves methods like crop rotation and reduced pesticide use to maintain soil health for future harvests.
Wind (energy)
Kinetic energy from moving air converted into electricity using wind turbines.
Example:
A large wind farm can power thousands of homes, but its turbines may pose a risk to migratory birds.