Energy Resources & Consumption
Which renewable energy alternative offers the most direct reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when replacing a natural gas-burning power plant?
Solar thermal energy
Geothermal energy
Wind power
Biomass combustion
Which of these is true about fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels have no negative impacts on the environment
Fossil fuels are a type of renewable energy source
Fossil fuels are a type of non-renewable energy source
Fossil fuels are formed from wind and solar energy
Which pollutant is most likely to cause acid rain that can lead to the leaching of essential nutrients from forest soils?
Methane (CH4)
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
What process converts crude oil into different fractions like gasoline and diesel fuel?
Fermentation
Distillation
Photosynthesis
Hydrolysis
What process is used to separate crude oil into various components based on boiling points?
Photosynthesis
Carbon fixation
Fractional distillation
Chemical synthesis
What is a potential long-term consequence of deforestation for coal mining on terrestrial ecosystem services?
Greater local precipitation patterns owing to reduced transpiration processes.
Enhanced genetic diversity as species migrate into new areas created by deforestation.
Increase in soil fertility due to the deposition of ash and other mining by-products.
Reduction in carbon sequestration capability contributing to an increase in atmospheric CO2 levels.
How could the integration of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology at coal-fired power plants potentially disrupt terrestrial carbon cycles?
Ice nucleation inhibition due to trace gas emissions altering precipitation patterns.
Sub-surface leaks reducing fossil fuel deposits available for future use.
Decreased atmospheric CO2 availability affecting plant growth rates.
Enhanced soil acidity from leaked stored CO2 promoting metal mobilization.

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Which factor most strongly challenges the large-scale adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as a replacement for those powered by internal combustion engines using fossil fuels?
Hydrogen-powered vehicles are less energy-efficient than traditional vehicles when considering overall well-to-wheel efficiency rates.
The lack of widespread infrastructure for hydrogen production, distribution, and refueling stations presents a significant barrier.
Hydrogen extraction being highly water-intensive could deplete freshwater resources at unsustainable levels if widely adopted.
Abundant natural reserves minimize any need or urgency to develop alternative technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells currently.
Which type of coal has the highest carbon content and therefore releases the most energy when burned?
Sub-bituminous
Bituminous
Anthracite
Lignite
What effect could increasing demand for palm oil have on tropical forest ecosystems?
Greater carbon sequestration through afforestation.
Improved soil fertility from monoculture plantation practices.
Increased deforestation for agricultural expansion.
Rising biodiversity due to new plant species cultivation.