3.3 How can the demand for energy be managed sustainably?

• Demand reduction

• Even if the use of energy does not increase, new non-polluting sources of energy will be needed, if the demand continues to grow, they will be needed more and in greater quantities. There is undoubtedly much wasted energy. It might be possible to continue as we are but use our energy more efficiently. Others argue that the kind of lifestyle developed in the late twentieth century in western societies is not sustainable, and that moves need to be made to reduce demand.

• At present, most energy is carbon based. Suitable alternatives are essential. Nuclear is a major supplier world wide, but generates debate. It produces long lasting dangerous waste, it could fall into the hands of terrorists, it may be converted to producing nuclear weapons. However, there have been few leaks and containment is improving, and otherwise produces clean and plentiful energy. Wave and wind power have relatively little damaging impact but much of their potential is yet to be developed. Some HEP schemes have led to the release of methane, more powerful as a greenhouse gas than CO2. Biofuels lead to destruction of rainforest and use of agricultural land needed for food. Geothermal, tidal and solar sources of power have few drawbacks, but the range of locations where they can be exploited is limited. GCE AS and A GEOGRAPHY Teachers' Guide 57

• A good deal of energy that is generated is wasted. Heat escapes from poorly insulated homes, newer light bulbs use a tenth of the energy of traditional ones, lights are left on when not needed, the list goes on. It is estimated that carbon emissions could be stabilised just by greater efficiency.

• Demand reduction can be achieved in many ways. Some are linked to greater efficiency. Walking or cycling instead of using a car is a direct reduction. Using public transport also achieves reduction, but by the fact that it takes less energy to transport people in large numbers on one vehicle than for them all to use their own cars. Modern telecommunications can make travelling to attend meetings redundant.

 - alternative (i.e. Not fossil fuels?) energy

# pros and cons of biofuels

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQIKWe-wYTA

# pros and cons of wind

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KeCmE57nS0 pro
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11DvaXSyra4 con

# pros and cons of solar

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDL0NPVxOas

# pros and cons of HEP

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX8in2voMl0

# pros and cons of tidal

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px4avDpiTsM

# pros and cons of nuclear
 
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-rKBrs7kYE

# pros and cons of fuelwood
 
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYD13MG3pa8

Practical Action - chimney flues

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GooX3zDVS-E

Solar Oven (alternative to fuelwood)
 

# pros and cons of fossil fuels
 
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6g7-z6zsLA

- managing energy demands sustainably

# Stern Report - how can carbon emissions be reduced?

# criticisms of the Stern Report

Interview with Nigel Lawson
 

- using energy more sustainably

# increasing efficiency and reducing waste. Energy conservation
 

- reducing demand

# pros and cons of smart metering


# public transport


# communication technology e.g. video conferencing (Powys Schools)
 

A very detailed review of alternative sources of energy, advantages and problems can be found at http://www.mtpc.org/renewableenergy/public_policy/DG/resources/2002-09_MA_PQReport_Primen-MTC.pdf
Identify advantages and problems associated with two forms of alternative energy

The Stern Report outlines ways of managing energy demands sustainably, a summary can be downloaded from
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/4/3/Executive_Summary.pdf and further details can also be found
Identify one way carbon emissions may be reduced

The report is not universally accepted. Dissenting views can be seen at http://www.fcpp.org/pdf/CritiqueofSternReport.pdf
Summarise objections to the Stern Report

A guide to using energy more efficiently from the USA can be found at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/pdfs/energy_savers.pdf
Select one way energy efficiency may be improved, and why it may not receive widespread adoption

One way of reducing demand by smart metering is outlined in http://www.energywatch.org.uk/uploads/Smart_meters.pdf
What objections to smart metering can be identified?