Energy resources are essential for any society, be it one dependent on subsistence farming or an industrialised country. There are many different sources of energy, some well-known such as coal or petroleum, others less so, such as tides or the heat inside the Earth. Is nuclear power a salvation or a nightmare?
Understanding energy resources involves considering all types of energy source from various scientific and technological standpoints, with a focus on the uses, limitations and consequences of using energy that is available to humanity. This unit sets the scene by considering how much energy human society uses and briefly investigates the different types of energy available and renewability.
Until about 8000 years ago humans relied on hunting and gathering for food, and burning wood to keep warm. Their exact energy demands can at best only be estimated, but to survive they probably needed about as much energy as it takes to run a couple of ordinary domestic light bulbs continuously.
There are various sources of energy that are used for generating power. Today, many new forms of energy sources are being discovered but none of them can be used to provide the power to help modern life function. Some of the forms of renewable energy are explored in this section.
Many critics believe that a completely nuclear-free world is the safest path to reduce conflicts that can take place in the future. Are people’s fears about nuclear energy misplaced?
