Non renewable energy source
finite/limited in supply/unsustainable, a resource that cannot be replenished in human time frame, continued use will eventually lead to exhaustion e.g. fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas).
Renewable energy source
one that can be used continually without the fear of it running out (can be naturally replenished) e.g. wind, water, geothermal, wave, tidal, solar, HEP. (Little/no environmental pollution).
Sustainability
meeting needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Energy mix
the breakdown (in percentages) of primary energy sources a country uses in its production/consumption of secondary energy for direct use - usually electricity.
Energy crisis
a serious shortage of energy that interrupts domestic supplies and impacts all sectors of the economy.
Energy security
the ability of a nation to secure sufficient, affordable and consistent energy supplies for its domestic, industrial, transport and military requirements. Current and future energy needs have a high probability of being met, irrespective of economic or political instability.
Fossil fuels
Fuels made of hydrocarbon from decomposing prehistoric organisms over long periods of time.
Oil sands/tar sands/extra heavy oil
Naturally occurring mixtures of sand/clay, water and bitumen (extremely viscous form of petroleum).
Peak Oil Production
point in time at which global crude oil production will hit its maximum rate, after which production will start to decline.
Resource Endowment
The amount of natural resources a country has in its possession and can exploit for manufacturing/production of energy.
Energy gap
Difference between a country’s demand & supply of energy.
Pollution
The contamination of the environment e.g. land, air, water, noise, visual, light. Introduction of harmful materials (pollutants) into the environment.
Conservation
the practice of caring for resources such as air, water, soil, minerals, fuels, plants and animals so all living things can benefit from them now and in the future. Official supervision of rivers, forests, and other natural resources in order to preserve and protect them through prudent management.
Degradation
A decrease in the quality of an environment/specific ecosystem e.g. land, air, water.
Population Pressure
An increase in demand for energy, creating strain on energy supplies from an increase in population.
Deforestation
removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a other uses e.g. for farms, ranches or urban use.
Afforestation
establishment of a forest in an area with no previous tree cover.
Desertification
Land degradation where (relatively dry) land becomes increasingly arid, typically with loss of wildlife, water bodies and vegetation. This is a result of climate change or human activities.
Land Reclamation
the process of creating new land from ocean, riverbeds, or lake beds and the restoration of productivity or use to lands that have been degraded by human activities or impaired by natural phenomena.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs)
Type of designation for an area that needs special protection because its landscape, wildlife or historical value would be threatened by unrestricted development. UK. 22 in England e.g. Lake District & South Downs.
Urbanisation
the growth of urban areas by size / population.
Urban decay
the process by which a previously functioning city, or part of a city, falls into disrepair and decrepitude – due to lack of investment and maintenance. Often accompanied by a decline in population numbers, decreasing economic performance and unemployment.
Urban Regeneration
Improving an area (physically & economically) that has been experiencing a period of decline.
Waste management
Processes involved in dealing with the waste of humans/organisms – includes collection, transportation and disposal of garbage, sewage and other waste products.
