Energy
We need energy to heat our homes, cook our food, run our electrical appliances and drive our cars. Most of our energy comes from the burning of fossil fuels in power stations, or the burning of petrol and diesel in road vehicles. Obtaining energy in this way produces a lot of air pollution, which can reduce air quality and cause acid rain and global warming. It also uses up a lot of valuable natural resources like coal, oil and gas, which future generations will also need. For these reasons, we should try to manage the way we produce and use energy more sustainably.
Renewable forms of energy are more sustainable than energy derived from fossil fuels for two reasons. Firstly they cause little or no air pollution. Secondly, they do not use up limited natural resources, but make use of things that can never be depleted, or things that can quickly be replaced. The main source of renewable energy is the Sun. The Sun provides light and heat which can be converted by solar panels into electricity. The Sun is also the driving force behind winds, which can turn wind turbines, generating electricity. Other renewable energy resources include hydroelectric power (HEP) and wave energy.
We can use energy more sustainably by using less of it, and what we do need, more efficiently. Some of the things that will help include:
- using energy saving light bulbs;
- draught proofing doors;
- insulating lofts;
- external wall insulating;
- fitting a hot water jacket to the water tank;
- having showers instead of baths when possible;
- not placing a fridge/freezer next to the cooker;
- lowering slightly the temperature setting of the central heating;
- fitting double-glazing.
| UK energy use |
| UK electricity use |
| UK renewables |
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