Environmental Biology Chapter 15

What does energy conservation require?

A conscious decision of the energy we use and how we are going to reduce its use

Which is better: reducing our energy use or finding a new reserve of oil?

Reducing our energy use.

Which of the following is NOT a way a government can encourage a transition to renewable energy?

Short-term tax credits

Which of the following is part of an energy conservation portfolio in building design? Insulation in walls, Compact fluorescent lighting, Triple-paned windows, or Solar water heating?

All of these are part of energy conservation in building design.

Which of the following is an example of energy efficiency?

Driving a hybrid car that gets 45 mpg

Why can energy efficiency actually increase energy use?

Gains in efficiency can be offset by more energy-consuming behavior.

How can governments increase energy efficiency and help consumers become more aware of the benefits of energy efficiency? Governments can mandate that a certain percent of energy use come from renewable energy sources, Governments can mandate energy efficiency standards for vehicles and appliances, Governments can put greater effort into consumer education and labeling, or Governments could increase taxes on fossil fuels?

Governments can do all of these to increase energy efficiency and consumer awareness.

How could policymakers encourage oil conservation?

Increase taxes on gasoline.

Which of the following is a certain way to encourage development of hybrid and electric vehicles?

Increase the cost of gasoline and other fossil fuels.

Why is energy conservation considered a "win-win" situation?

It saves money and also has many environmental advantages.

Which of the following is NOT a way to improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles?

Make cars larger so they carry more passengers.

What does the EPA's Energy Star label tell a customer?

A product has been independently certified as performing above federal energy-efficient standards.

What are the consequences of buying an appliance that has earned the EPA's Energy Star label? It decreases the demand for electricity, It saves consumers money, It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, or It helps consumers identify and choose energy-efficient brands and models?

All of these are consequences.

How can a student reduce his or her energy use while at college if a hybrid car is not economically feasible? Walk to class, Use public transportation, Ride a bicycle to class, or Drive with a buddy to go shopping?

All of these are ways a student can save energy used for transportation.

Which of the following is NOT a way for a government to boost renewable energy industres? Set official targest for renewable energy, Invest in research and development of technologies, Lend money to businesses as they start up, or Offer tax credits and tax rebates to companies who produce or buy renewable energy?

All of these are ways for a government to boost renewable energy industries.

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of energy conservation and efficiency?

Although desirable, it takes several years for environmental benefits to be seen.

What is the overall effect of the CAFE (corporate average fuel efficiency) standards set by Congress?

Auto manufacturers made their cars much more fuel efficient.

Which statement about carbon taxes is NOT correct?

By taxing fossil fuels, rich people would be disproportionately negatively impacted.

A building that uses 40% less energy than others in its class can be awarded the EPA's ___________.

Energy Star label

What can be said about most modern automobiles?

They are highly inefficient.

What effect do hybrid and electric cars have on fossil fuel consumption?

They get up to twice the fuel efficiency of gasoline-burning cars.

What impacts do government stimulus packages, mandates, and spending on green energy have? Renewable energy is promoted, Utility companies and corporations use more renewable energy, Market prices of renewables fall, or Adoption of renewable energy is fostered?

They have all of these impacts.

If we are to transition to a renewable energy society, what should governments do about subsidies to the fossil fuel industries?

They should redirect subsidies toward renewable energy resources.

Why are many nations, including the United States, phasing out incandescent lightbulbs?

Traditional incandescent lightbulbs are energy inefficient.

Energy __________ describes the ability to obtain a given result or amount of output while using less energy input. Energy __________ describes the practice of reducing wasteful or unnecessary energy use.

efficiency; conservation