Carbon Cycle 8

Question 1

What is the proportion of energy in LICs compared to worldwide energy consumption?

Answer 1

Low proportion

In HIC countries, biomass is being used more efficiently to produce energy, such as in biodiesel.

Question 2

What does Hydroelectric Power (HEP) use to produce electricity?

Answer 2

Water drives turbines

Hydropower has been used for many years as a renewable energy but only accounts for a small percentage of global energy production.

Question 3

What is expected to happen to hydropower globally?

Answer 3

Expected to increase

There may be decreases in some HICs.

Question 4

Which country has the largest installed capacity for solar energy?

Answer 4

China

Production is much lower due to climatic conditions.

Question 5

What trend is seen in LIC countries regarding solar energy?

Answer 5

Growth as technology becomes cheaper

Solar energy usage is increasing rapidly year on year.

Question 6

Which renewable source produces the most energy after hydropower and biomass?

Answer 6

Wind

China has the greatest production and capacity, and technology is spreading to LIC countries.

Question 7

What is the current status of wave energy generation?

Answer 7

Very low generation

Technology is developing, and a trend similar to solar and wind may occur as technology becomes cheaper.

Question 8

What is the primary challenge for tidal energy projects?

Answer 8

Very expensive

The Swansea bay scheme was abandoned due to potential costs.

Question 9

What type of energy is geothermal energy known for?

Answer 9

Very efficient and reliable

It operates all year round and is popular in countries with volcanic settings.

Question 10

How does global energy consumption vary geographically?

Answer 10

Generally higher in northern hemisphere countries

These countries are more developed.

Question 11

What are the key roles of energy players?

Answer 11

• Explore, exploit, and distribute energy resources
• Own supply lines
• Invest in distribution and processing of raw materials
• Respond to market conditions to increase profits

Energy players are crucial in securing energy pathways and controlling prices.

Question 12

Most energy players are what type of companies?

Answer 12

TNCs

TNCs are Transnational Corporations, although there are exceptions like Russia’s state-run Gazprom.

Question 13

Name some key energy players.

Answer 13

• Saudi Aramco
• Russian Gazprom
• BP (UK)
• Shell (UK-Netherlands)
• ExxonMobil (USA)
• Petrobras (Brazil)
• PetroChina (China)

These companies play significant roles in the global energy market.

Question 14

True or false: Some TNCs have more economic value than a small country.

Answer 14

TRUE

This economic power allows TNCs to invest in large-scale projects that countries may not afford.

Question 15

How can TNCs bypass political tensions?

Answer 15

By accessing sources otherwise restricted to other countries

This ability allows TNCs to operate in regions where political issues may hinder other entities.

Question 16

What does OPEC stand for?

Answer 16

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries

OPEC is an IGO with member countries that export oil and petroleum.

Question 17

What percentage of the world’s discovered oil reserves is controlled by OPEC producers?

Answer 17

81%

This significant control allows OPEC to influence global oil markets.

Question 18

What is the mission of OPEC?

Answer 18

• Unify petroleum policies of its members
• Ensure stabilization of oil markets
• Create efficient and regular supply of oil to consumers
• Provide steady income for producers
• Ensure fair return for investors

These goals aim to maintain balance in the oil industry.

Question 19

How did OPEC respond to changes in the world economy in the past?

Answer 19

• Set quotas for oil production
• Boosted supplies when demand rose
• Cut supplies when demand fell

This strategy was used to stabilize oil prices.

Question 20

Between 2012-2016, why was oil output kept high by OPEC?

Answer 20

To compete against the USA’s fracking production

The flooding market caused a collapse in global oil prices.

Question 21

What accusation has been made against OPEC regarding oil production?

Answer 21

Holding back production to increase prices

This practice can negatively impact developing countries that rely on affordable oil.

Question 22

What are the goals of national governments regarding energy supplies?

Answer 22

• Secure energy supplies
• Regulate private companies
• Reduce CO2 emissions
• Decrease dependency on fossil fuels

These goals reflect a shift towards sustainable energy practices.

Question 23

How do consumers influence the oil market?

Answer 23

By creating demand through purchasing choices based on price

As countries become wealthier and more educated, shopping habits may change.