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 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.
How can policymakers encourage responsible water management practices in hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") while ensuring energy production remains economically viable?
Providing blanket subsidies for fracking operations regardless of their water usage or pollution control measures implemented.
Implementing tiered water pricing structures based on usage levels combined with strict wastewater treatment standards.
Banning all forms of fracking irrespective of advances in water recycling technologies or wastewater treatment methods.
Requiring full disclosure of chemicals used in fracking fluids without establishing regulations on groundwater contamination prevention.
When considering the EROEI (energy returned on energy invested) for different fossil fuels, which of the following options correctly reflects a trend that would discourage investment in a particular fuel source?
A consistent EROEI over time indicating stable energy returns from existing technology.
An increasing EROEI as a result of improved extraction technologies and methods.
A variable EROEI that fluctuates with market demand and international trade agreements.
A decreasing EROEI over time due to the exhaustion of easily accessible reserves.

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The release of sulfur dioxide (SOâ‚‚) during the combustion of certain types of fossil fuels most directly results in what environmental problem?
Eutrophication in aquatic systems
Increase in photochemical smog
Acid rain formation
Formation of ozone holes
How does using oil contribute to global warming?
It promotes carbon capture and storage
It reduces emissions of toxic gases
It releases greenhouse gases when emitted
It kills aquatic life when spilled
What process is used to separate crude oil into various components based on boiling points?
Photosynthesis
Carbon fixation
Fractional distillation
Chemical synthesis