Using Earth's Resouces: Resource Conservation

How do the uses of renewable resources compare to the uses of nonrenewable resources?

Both renewable and nonrenewable resources can be used to generate electricity, as a heat source, and for vehicle fuel. Not all types of renewable and nonrenewable resources can be used for every application, but at least one type of each can be used for each type of application. Renewable resources are more restricted by location than nonrenewable resources. Solar, wind, geothermal, and water energy use are dependent on location. Nonrenewable resources can be transported to locations where the resource is not readily available. The use of renewable resources typically has less environmental impact in the form of pollution than the use of nonrenewable resources.

Explain why resource availability and allocation are an important concern for governments.

Different regions have different available resources. The need for certain resources is sometimes greater than resource availability in a given area. This leads the necessity to acquire needed resources from another area. Countries can export or import resources based on need, but there is also the concern of finances as well.

Green building involves architecture that consists completely of organic materials.

False

The five main sources of renewable energy can be used to fuel vehicles.

False

Water resources include water contained in oceans and seas.

False

Which statement best describes geothermal energy? Geothermal energy can be used to fuel vehicles. Geothermal energy increases the risk of a nuclear accident. Geothermal energy is the most abundant nonrenewable resource. Geothermal energy can be used as a source of electricity.

Geothermal energy can be used as a source of electricity.

Explain how using non-local resources has affected the United States both environmentally and economically.

Possible environmental consequences of using non-local resources include the risk of oil spills as oil is transported over waterways, increased air pollution from water and land transportation of resources, and habitat loss that comes from pipeline construction and other infrastructures. Possible economic consequences of using non-local resources include increased costs of resources, loss of jobs, increased security risks, and a trade deficit.

How are resources allocated?

Resources are allocated according to demand and monetary resources. Countries with high demand of resources and the ability to pay for them are more likely to end up with needed resources.

Which statement best describes the availability of nonrenewable energy resources?

Their exact amounts are not currently known.

Which statement best describes the availability of nonrenewable energy resources? Their supplies will be completely used up within ten years. They are readily available in all countries. Their exact amounts are not currently known. They are stored in primary forests around the world.

Their exact amounts are not currently known.

Recycling paper reduces water use.

True

Explain how using renewable and recyclable materials can benefit the environment.

Using renewable and recyclable materials can benefit the environment in several ways. Using recyclable materials reduces the impact of resource removal on natural habitats, as well as reducing the amount of waste generated that is introduced into the environment. Using renewable and recyclable materials can also reduce energy costs, which leads to lower levels of pollution. These practices also conserve natural resources, which are limited.

What is the most abundant global nonrenewable resource? a. coal b. natural gas c. oil d. water

a. coal

Which of the following imports has increased over the past 6 years? a. coal b. oil c. lumber d. all of the above

a. coal

Which of the following renewable energy sources can be used for electricity, vehicle fuel, and heat? a. wind b. biomass c. geothermal d. water

b. biomass

energy conservation:

behavior that results in using less energy

Which of the following statements about biofuels is true? a. Biofuels are composed of 100% renewable materials. b. Algae is the leading source of biofuels. c. Energy processing from corn biofuels is not energy efficient. d. Corn is the only source of biofuels.

c. Energy processing from corn biofuels is not energy efficient.

Natural resources in the environment must be allocated responsibly. Which of the following statements about allocation of resources is the most correct? a. Natural resources are allocated according to local availability. b. Natural resources are allocated based on population size. c. Natural resources are allocated according to demand and economic strength. d. There is no observable pattern in resource allocation.

c. Natural resources are allocated according to demand and economic strength.

Which of the following is true about glass recycling? a.Recycling glass reduces the rate of deforestation. b. Recycling glass eliminates greenhouse gas emissions. c. Recycling glass is an energy-saving practice. d. Recycling glass has an incredibly short turn around time.

c. Recycling glass is an energy-saving practice.

Which of the following is a nonrenewable resource? a. geothermal b. solar c. nuclear d. biomass

c. nuclear

Which of the following is an environmental consequence of importing resources into the United States? a. air pollution b. habitat loss c. oil spills d. all of the above

d. all of the above

Which of the following is a nonrenewable resource? a. hydropower b. biomass c. geothermal power d. coal

d. coal

Which of the following is not a possible consequence of the U.S. being dependent on foreign energy sources? a. increased prices b. security issues c. trade deficit d. increased jobs

d. increased jobs

green building:

developing structures that have higher energy and resource efficiency

recoverable resources:

estimated amount of a resource that can be mined currently

proved reserves:

estimated amount of natural gas that can be extracted profitably

primary forests

forests containing native species with no significant disturbance of ecological processes through human activity

ethanol:

fuel made by converting plant biomass into sugar, which is then fermented

biofuels

fuels made from renewable organic materials

infrastructure

the basic structure of an organization

short tons

two-thousand pounds

Which resource can be used for electricity, vehicle fuel, and heat?

Biomass