Lesson 2.1 - Producing More Energy

Besides needing more food, the increasing human population has increasing energy needs.  Can these needs be met by means that do not affect the environment?  It is not possible to always do this.  For example, most cars require fossil fuels to be burned.  This releases large quantities of carbon dioxide into the air, which affects the environment in negatively.  The burning of hydrogen in cars may become practical to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cars.  Also, houses could be insulated better to reduce the amount of natural gas (or other fossil fuels) that must be burned.  In Canada, we generally do not worry about global warming, but when the world as a whole is considered, global warming is bad.  Ocean levels rise and droughts can happen in once fertile areas. 

Read Producing More Energy on page 297 of the textbook. Then, answer the following questions.

Question 1. Answer Reading Check on page 297 of your textbook.

Question 2. Answer Check Your Understanding questions 1 - 5 on page 298 of your textbook.

Question 3. Give two ways in which cars could be designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Question 4. Give two things that can be done with houses to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

 

Check your answers with those that follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers to Questions:

Question 1. Answer Reading Check on page 297 of your textbook.

Global warming would cause higher temperatures.  As a result, polar ice caps would melt and ocean levels would rise and major coastal cities would sink.  Also, some places could have droughts.

Question 2. Answer Check Your Understanding questions 1 - 5 on page 298 of your textbook.

1.    There are many more people, and modern leisure activities involve the use of fossil fuels.
2.    We are burning more fossil fuels, and we are experimenting with alternative sources of energy.
3a.    When more fossil fuels are burned, the level of carbon dioxide increases greatly.
3b.    Opinions vary here.  What do you think?
4.    It is believed that more carbon dioxide leads to more global warming.
5.    The melting ice caps could cause flooding.  There could be droughts in other areas.  Other areas could get more rain causing flooding. 

Question 3. Give two ways in which cars could be designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Burn hydrogen or make the cars lighter.

Question 4. Give two things that can be done with houses to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Insulate the houses better, and use solar energy effectively.

 


Go to the next page to continue Lesson 2.