What is coal?
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What is coal?
Coal is the most evenly distributed fossil fuel, with reserves expected to last for more than 100 years.
True or False?
Oil is found in more countries than coal.
False.
Oil is found in fewer countries than coal.
Define OPEC.
OPEC is the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries. It controls the supply and global price of oil.
What are the three largest countries in terms of natural gas reserves?
Russia, Iran and Qatar have the largest natural gas reserves.
What is uranium used for?
Uranium is a non-renewable resource used to create nuclear energy.
Define ore.
An ore is a metallic element found in high concentrations within certain rocks, extracted from the earth by open-pit or underground mining.
What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)?
REEs are critical minerals vitally needed to fuel growing economies, concentrated in a few places around the world.
True or False?
Global consumption of energy and minerals is decreasing.
False.
Global consumption and trade of energy and minerals are increasing.
What are the main factors driving increased global consumption of energy and minerals?
Population growth, rising standard of living, advances in technology, and globalization are driving increased global consumption of energy and minerals.
What percentage of global primary energy came from renewable technologies in 2019?
Approximately, 11% of global primary energy came from renewable technologies in 2019.
Define Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state for easier storage and transportation.
What is economic water scarcity?
Economic water scarcity is where water is available but people can't afford it or the infrastructure is inadequate.
What is physical water scarcity?
Physical water scarcity occurs where demand for water outstrips supply, often due to arid climate and low rainfall.
True or False?
Water is evenly distributed around the globe.
False.
Water is unevenly distributed around the globe, with significant areas of water surplus and deficit.
How many people in LICs suffer from severe water shortages?
Over 450 million people in LICs suffer from severe water shortages.
What percentage of people without clean water access live in rural areas?
Approximately, 82% of those people who lack access to clean water live in rural areas.
What are two physical factors influencing rainfall patterns?
Physical factors influencing rainfall patterns include:
Latitude.
Wind direction.
Proximity to coasts.
What are two human factors impacting the ability to collect and distribute clean water?
Human factors impacting water collection and distribution include:
Infrastructure.
Population growth.
Overuse of water.
Which regions have the highest per capita water usage globally?
UAE and North America have the highest per capita water usage globally.
True or False?
Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest per capita water usage.
False.
Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest per capita water usage.
What are two reasons for low water usage in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Two reasons for low water usage in Sub-Saharan Africa are unreliable rainfall supply and poor water infrastructure.
Define geopolitics.
Geopolitics refers to how politics, and in particular international relations, are affected by geographical factors.
What is the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC's) role in the oil market?
OPEC manages the supply of oil and sets world prices, distorting free market forces in setting oil prices.
True or False?
The Middle East is politically stable, ensuring consistent oil prices.
False.
The Middle East is politically unstable, impacting global oil prices and markets.
What percentage of the EU's gas supply came from Russia before 2021?
Approximately, 40% of the EU's gas supply came from Russia before 2021.
What event caused Japan to shut down most of its nuclear reactors in 2011?
Japan shut down most of its nuclear reactors after a tsunami flooded the Fukushima nuclear plant in 2011.
Why are rare earth elements (REEs) significant?
REEs are critical minerals needed for growing economies. China dominates, with 95% of global production.
What is a major geopolitical issue related to coal usage?
A major geopolitical issue related to coal is the difficulty of controlling cross-border pollution.
What is a key geopolitical issue related to natural gas pipelines?
A key geopolitical issue related to natural gas pipelines is their impact on the environment and the control of supply lines by a few countries.
True or False?
Renewable energy sources are easily traded between countries.
False.
Renewable energy is difficult to store and tends to be consumed in situ, so very little is traded.
What is a major geopolitical concern regarding nuclear energy?
A major geopolitical concern regarding nuclear energy is the potential misuse of uranium for nuclear weapon development.
Define virtual water.
Virtual water is the hidden flow of water in food or other commodities that are traded from one place to another.
What are two reasons why water conflicts might arise between countries?
Two reasons why water conflicts might arise between countries are the uneven distribution of water resources and the building of dams, which affect downstream flow.