Shifting the current economy, which is fueled primarily by nonrenewable energy resources, to one that is reliant on a mix of renewable energy resources will drastically reduce pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. In short, it will lead to a more sustainable energy future. Use the dropdown menus to match the following renewable energy resources with their associated methodologies.
Renewable Energy Resource
Methodology
Uses wind potential to produce electricity
Uses the most abundant chemical element as fuel
Uses water movement to produce electricity
Like all energy resources, these renewable energy options have their share of advantages and disadvantages. Use the dropdown menus in the following table to match each renewable energy resource with its respective advantage and disadvantage.
Renewable Energy Resource
Advantage
Disadvantage
Large, untapped potential globally High emissions
Moderate to high net energy yield Backup system needed when wind
Can be produced from water Has a negative net energy yield
Individual people, communities, and countries around the world have found creative ways of incorporating renewable energy resources on various scales. Indian women use solar cookers to make meals for their families; Portuguese communities use wave-powered generators to supply their electricity; and 45% of Brazil’s motor vehicles use liquid biofuel, thus decreasing their reliance on imported crude oil and, as a result, improving their economic and national security on energy resources.
Read about another application of a renewable energy resource, and answer the question that follows.
© AP Photo / The Daily Journal, James Ramsay
In the Midwestern United States, structures erected on cropland to generate energy from air movements have also changed the microclimate near crops.
More specifically, research has indicated that having these structures in the farm fields has not only produced electricity, but the resulting air flow has also helped corn and soybean crops stay cooler and drier, fight fungal infestations, and increase uptake of carbon dioxide from the air.
Additionally, when crops would otherwise be damaged due to frost , increased air flow over regions of cropland can prevent frost in the spring and fall, thereby extending the growing season.
Of the renewable energy resources listed in the preceding tables, which one has the added benefit of potentially increasing crop yield in Midwestern farm fields? A)WIND TURBINES B)LIQUID BIOFUEL C)BRAZIL'S MOTOR