The role of energy efficiency and conservation in reducing demand; the costs and benefits of alternatives to fossil fuels and future technologies; and how different groups' attitudes to energy futures are changing.

What this dot point is asking

This is Edexcel GCSE Geography B (1GB0) Paper 3, Section C (Topic 9, Consuming energy resources), which also feeds the decision-making exercise in Section D. Edexcel expects you to explain the role of energy efficiency and energy conservation (in transport and the home) in reducing demand, helping finite supplies last and cutting emissions; the costs and benefits of alternatives to fossil fuels (biofuels, wind, solar, HEP) and future technologies (such as hydrogen) for cutting carbon, improving energy security and diversifying the energy mix; and how the attitudes of different groups (consumers, TNCs, governments, scientists, environmental groups) to energy futures are changing. You should be able to calculate a carbon or ecological footprint.

Reducing demand: efficiency and conservation

The first way to cut fossil-fuel use is to reduce demand for energy in the first place.

Alternatives and future technologies

The second way is to change the supply from fossil fuels to cleaner sources.

These trade-offs mean no alternative is perfect, so countries usually aim for a mix of efficiency, conservation and several low-carbon sources.

Changing attitudes to energy

People and organisations increasingly disagree about the energy future.

Different groups hold contrasting views between business as usual (keep using cheap, reliable fossil fuels) and sustainability (switch to low-carbon energy). Consumers want affordable, reliable energy but are increasingly concerned about climate change; TNCs and energy companies may resist change to protect profits, though some now invest in renewables; governments balance economic growth, energy security and climate targets; and climate scientists and environmental groups push hard for a rapid switch. In many developed countries, rising affluence, environmental concern and education are changing attitudes towards reducing unsustainable consumption and shrinking carbon footprints, which is why renewable use and efficiency are growing.

Try this

Q1. State one example of energy efficiency and one example of energy conservation. [2 marks]

• Cue. Efficiency: insulating a home, using LED lighting or an efficient or electric vehicle. Conservation: turning off lights and appliances, or using public transport, walking or cycling.

Q2. Explain one benefit and one cost of using wind power instead of fossil fuels. [4 marks]

• Cue. Benefit: it is renewable and produces no carbon emissions, improving energy security and cutting the carbon footprint. Cost: it is intermittent (only generates when windy), needs land, and has high upfront costs.