Non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, that cannot be replaced and will eventually run out.

Types of energy that can be re-used and will not be used up or run out.

Climate change is a large-scale and long-term change in the planet’s climate, including weather patterns and average temperatures.

Carbon emissions are the release of carbon into the air and atmosphere around us.

Non-renewable energy sources

Geography

Energy production

Energy use and climate change

Renewable sources of energy

Reducing energy use

Solving the energy problem

This unit provides a foundation for 'Sustainable world: Does it matter how we live?', which investigates how we can develop more sustainable ways of living.

This unit builds on 'Natural resources: What are they, where are they and why are they important?'. It extends and deepens pupils’ understanding of energy as a resource that is essential for life, but that also contributes to climate change through the continued use of non-renewable energy sources, and investigates some solutions to this conundrum.

This unit explores how energy is produced and used, and how this links to climate change. Pupils compare renewable and non-renewable sources, consider how energy use can be reduced, and evaluate different responses to the world’s growing energy demands.

Energy: how do we power the world?

The production of energy from fossil fuels has what effect on climate change?

something that can be made again by humans

In 2021, what percentage of global energy used came from burning fossil fuels?

Which type of energy sources contribute to climate change?

Reducing use of which of these energy sources can help to reduce climate change?

In which ways are fossil fuels not transported across the globe?

What problems is climate change leading to?

What is one reason why a country may have high levels of energy use?

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon emissions.

Energy allows us to carry out many of our daily activities.

An increase in greenhouse gases is causing the planet to warm up.

How does the production of energy impact on climate change?

the trapped heat raises the temperature of Earth

global warming contributes to climate change

Non-renewable energy sources

Lesson outcome