New
New
Year 9

Phasing out fossil fuels

I can explain why fossil fuels are being phased out and what challenges this creates.

New
New
Year 9

Phasing out fossil fuels

I can explain why fossil fuels are being phased out and what challenges this creates.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Fossil fuels release large amounts of carbon dioxide when burned.
  2. Fossil fuels are non-renewable and contribute to climate change.
  3. Some countries rely heavily on fossil fuels for energy and income.
  4. Moving away from fossil fuels requires investment and new technology.
  5. There is disagreement about how quickly fossil fuels should be phased out.

Keywords

  • Fossil fuel - natural substances that were formed over millions of years ago from the buried remains of ancient organisms. They include coal, oil and gas

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

  • Renewable energy - sources of energy that can be reused and will not be used up or run out

  • Decarbonisation - reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from processes such as burning fossil fuels

Common misconception

We are sourcing more energy from renewables than fossil fuels.

Over 80% of global energy still comes from coal, oil, and gas.


To help you plan your year 9 geography lesson on: Phasing out fossil fuels, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Ask students if they have seen any of the measures which are helping us to reach net zero, electric cars, wind turbines, etc.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their meanings.

Correct Answer:Anthropocene,Current time when humans shape Earth’s systems

Current time when humans shape Earth’s systems

Correct Answer:biodiversity,The variety of living things on Earth

The variety of living things on Earth

Correct Answer:carbon footprint,Total CO₂ released by someone’s activities

Total CO₂ released by someone’s activities

Correct Answer:deforestation,The cutting down of trees on a large scale

The cutting down of trees on a large scale

Q2.
Which of these is a sign of the Anthropocene?

Natural earthquakes
Daily tides
Correct answer: Global plastic pollution
Volcanic eruptions

Q3.
What does deforestation often lead to?

More habitats
Correct answer: Soil erosion
Lower carbon dioxide
Increased rainfall

Q4.
Which of these reduces your carbon footprint?

Driving more
Eating more meat
Flying more often
Correct answer: Recycling and reusing

Q5.
Burning fossil fuels increases the amount of in the atmosphere.

Correct Answer: carbon, carbon dioxide

Q6.
Which of these is a cause of biodiversity loss?

Correct answer: Building over natural habitats
Cleaning rivers
Planting more forests
Protecting wildlife

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

5 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their meanings.

Correct Answer:fossil fuel,Fuel made from remains of ancient organisms

Fuel made from remains of ancient organisms

Correct Answer:non-renewable energy,Energy that will run out and can't be replaced

Energy that will run out and can't be replaced

Correct Answer:renewable energy,Energy that can be reused and won’t run out

Energy that can be reused and won’t run out

Correct Answer:decarbonisation,Cutting CO₂ released into the atmosphere

Cutting CO₂ released into the atmosphere

Q2.
What is the biggest source of global energy today?

Wind
Correct answer: Coal
Solar
Biofuel

Q3.
Which of these is a benefit of renewable energy?

It pollutes air
It runs out quickly
Correct answer: It reduces CO₂ emissions from energy production
It increases global warming

Q4.
What is a challenge of switching to renewables?

No one supports them
They cost nothing
Correct answer: Some weather is unreliable
They release more CO₂

Q5.
Many people believe we already use more renewables than fossil fuels. Why is this not correct?

Fossil fuels are banned
Correct answer: Most energy still comes from fossil fuels
Wind and solar are cheaper
Fossil fuels don’t release CO₂