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

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

Hydro-electric power generates electricity by using water.

Biomass is organic (natural) material that can be used as fuel.

Renewable sources of energy

Geography

Energy production

Energy use and climate change

Non-renewable energy sources

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?

Which photograph shows hydro-electric power?

What renewable energy source is burned to create electricity?

wind farms tend to produce more electricity in winter when demand is higher

if the wind is too light, no power is generated

Which of the following is a con of wind power?

Which environment would be good for producing solar power?

all renewable energy sources reduce our carbon footprint

we can't only use renewable sources of energy

different forms of renewable energy have a range of advantages and disadvantages

Which of the following is not a renewable source of energy?

In 2021, what percentage of global energy used did not come from fossil fuels?

greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap the heat so less escapes back into space

How do greenhouse gases cause Earth to become warmer?

Which gas does not contribute to global warming?

Which gas is not emitted when burning fossil fuels?

Which of the following would help to reduce climate change?

Renewable sources of energy

Lesson outcome