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Energy and Resources Quickfacts

A resource is something that can be made use of by people. Natural resources can be classified as renewable or non-renewable. Renewable resources will not run out: sun, wind, etc. Non-renewable resources are finite: oil, coal, natural gas, etc.
Most of the world’s energy is generated using non-renewable fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels can have a serious impact on the environment, including creating acid rain and contributing to global warming.
Over the next century, Earth’s average surface temperature could rise faster than at any time in the last 10,000 years. Scientists expect an increase of between 0.6 and 2 degrees in the next 50 years and between 1.4 and 5.8 degrees in the next century.
The main gas that scientists have linked to an enhanced greenhouse effect is carbon dioxide (CO2). Levels of CO2 in the atmosphere are currently at their highest for 160,00 years.
About 25,000 vehicles cross the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA every day. By 2010, there may be over 800 million motor vehicles in the world, and most of them will produce gases which add to global warming.
Types of renewable energy include wind power, tidal power, solar power and geothermal power. All have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Countries around the world are now trying to reduce their carbon emissions in some way and we can all help by trying to use less energy and recycling.