Nuclear power
Nuclear power is one of the most controversial ways of generating electricity. Nuclear power stations are capable of producing large quantities of power almost continuously. Large numbers of people are needed to operate them and this creates skilled jobs in the areas where they are located. Opponents point to the huge damage that could be caused by an accident or terrorist attack, the dangerous waste that is produced, and the inefficiency of producing large amounts of electricity in remote locations.
Cement
Production of cement accounts for nearly 5% of human global emissions. 1 tonne of cement production results in 960 kg of CO2
Food
The impact of food on climate change comes from the energy in processing, transporting and preparing it and the greenhouses gases given off by animals. The choices made by food technologists make a big difference to this impact. More...
The Big Climate Change Debate - How to play your part pack
The pack includes a set of activities including “top trumps” cards, role-play cards and climate change research opportunities to engage pupils in the climate change debate and the COP15 process. These can form the basis of full lessons or can be used as shorter activities in the context of other curriculum areas.
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Marine Power
Tides, waves and ocean currents contain energy. This energy can be converted into electricity. Electricity can then be used to power our homes, industry, or even vehicles. Marine power could contribute a large portion of our energy needs.
The coast of Wales has strong tidal currents and large tidal ranges. Tides get most of their energy from the pull of the Moon's gravity as it orbits the Earth and from the much smaller pull of the Sun’s gravity.
Watch the animation to see how this causes the tides to rise and fall.
Tidal energy is unusual in that its energy comes mostly from the Moon rather than the Sun.
When wind blows across the sea it creates waves. Winds get their energy from the sun. So wave energy is just another way which we can convert the suns energy into electricity. The amount of energy waves have depends on
- how strong the wind blows,
- how long it blows,
- the distance that the wave travels.
Wales is on the Eastern side of the Atlantic Ocean. Waves reaching our coastal waters have lots of energy from the westerly prevailing winds, which blow most of the time, and have hundreds of miles of water to build in size.
