Fossil Fuels / · Can produce large amounts of electricity in a single location.
· Very easy to find and cost effective. / · When burned, creates air pollution which can cause acid rain and contribute to global warming.
· Mining for coal or drilling for oil can be hazardous to us and our environment.
Nuclear Energy / · Produces no air pollution.
· A very small amount of matter creates and enormous amount of energy. / · Radioactive waste products are dangerous
· Nuclear power plants can be dangerous
Solar Energy / · Produces no air pollution.
· The power of the Sun is free. / · The initial cost is very expensive.
· Available only when the Sun is shining.
Biomass / · The use of waste saves room in landfills.
· Are commonly available. / · Does cause small amount of pollution.
· Can be expensive.
Wind Energy / · Produces no air pollution.
· The power of the wind is free. / · Wind turbines create a lot of noise.
· Wind is unpredictable.
Geothermal Energy / · Produces no air pollution.
· An unlimited source of cheap energy. / · There are only a few places where magma comes close to Earth’s surface.
Hydropower / · Produces no air pollution.
· The flow of water can be controlled to produce energy. / · Dams can negatively affect animals and habitats.
· Can be impacted by drought.
List at least 5 ways YOU can help conserve energy and reduce waste in your home.
1. Use a reusable water bottle
2. Turn off the water while brushing teeth
3. Recycle
4. Ride a bike if traveling a short distance
5. Turn off lights when leaving a room
Draw a picture in each box below to represent TWO of the ways you can help to reduce waste or conserve energy.
Using the graphs below, compare and contrast Virginia’s energy consumption to the United States and the rest of the world.
Write a paragraph to explain:
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Read the following paragraph and pick out 2 costs and 2 benefits.
Nine states generate more than 10 percent of their electricity from wind and neighboring Iowa and South Dakota rely on wind power for 20 percent of their electricity needs. Also, wind power purchase contracts are long-term and have fixed rates, saving consumers money by helping protect against price spikes in the fossil fuel markets. However, the double standard in government and within much of the environmentalist community is somewhat breathtaking. The March issue of the peer-reviewed Wildlife Society Bulletin estimated that over 573,000 birds are killed by the nation’s wind farms each year, including around 83,000 “hunting birds”, mostly raptors like eagles, hawks and falcons.