secondary (14-15 years).

Energy-producing regions in the world.

In this activity, you will learn that energy is an essential resource in our daily lives, from the electricity that powers our homes to the fuel we use in our vehicles. For this reason, it is important to know the main countries as energy producers and consumers, as well as the different sources of renewable and non-renewable energy available worldwide.

In this downloadable resource, you will find a PDF with instructions to liven up your classes. On one hand, we’ll show you which platform tool you’ll be working with, and on the other hand, we’ll suggest activities suitable for 14-15-year-old students.

 

Do you want your classes to be stimulating? Start today with GeoInteractive.

 

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What will your students learn from this educational activity?

The main energy-producing and consuming countries

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the top five energy-producing countries in 2020 were China, the United States, Russia, India, and Saudi Arabia. As for the top five energy-consuming countries, they were China, the United States, India, Japan, and Russia.

It is important to note that these countries have a significant impact on the global economy and environment. Additionally, knowing a country’s energy production and consumption can be an indicator of its level of economic development.

Renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

There are two main types of energy sources: renewable and non-renewable. Non-renewable energy sources include fossil energy, such as oil, natural gas, and coal, as well as nuclear energy. These energy sources are finite and once used, cannot be replaced. Despite being a common and reliable energy source, non-renewable energy has several disadvantages. Firstly, it is a finite energy source, meaning it will eventually run out. Additionally, the extraction and processing of fossil fuels can be harmful to the environment, and their use significantly contributes to climate change.

On the other hand, renewable energy sources are those that can be replaced and do not deplete over time. This includes solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, and geothermal energy. These renewable energy sources are a clean and sustainable alternative to non-renewable energy, as they do not emit greenhouse gases or contribute to climate change as non-renewable energy sources do.

The main countries producing renewable energy.

Regarding the production and consumption of renewable energies, China, the United States, and Germany are the largest producers of solar and wind energy, while Brazil is the largest producer of hydroelectric energy.

Types of renewable energies:

Solar energy is obtained from the sun and can be converted into electricity through solar panels. Solar panels are used worldwide to provide energy to homes, businesses, and even the electrical grid.

Wind energy is obtained from the wind and is used to generate electricity through wind turbines. Wind energy is increasingly being used worldwide to provide clean and sustainable energy.

Hydroelectric energy is obtained from water and is used to generate electricity through hydroelectric turbines. Hydroelectric energy is used worldwide to provide clean and renewable energy to millions of homes and businesses. One advantage of hydroelectric energy is that it does not emit greenhouse gases or other atmospheric pollutants, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative compared to fossil fuel-based energy sources.

In addition to being a clean energy source, hydroelectric energy also has the ability to store energy in large water reservoirs. This storage capacity is useful for balancing energy supply and demand in electrical grids, especially during peak energy consumption.

However, hydroelectric energy is not exempt from environmental impacts. The construction of hydroelectric dams can alter riverine ecosystems and fish migration. Additionally, large-scale hydroelectric projects can have a negative impact on local communities and their ways of life. It is important that hydroelectric energy projects are planned and executed responsibly to minimize their environmental and social impact.

 

Conclusions

In summary, hydroelectric energy is a renewable and clean energy source that has the potential to provide sustainable energy worldwide. However, it is important to carefully consider the environmental and social impacts of hydroelectric projects to ensure their long-term viability. With proper planning and execution, hydroelectric energy can continue to play an important role in energy supply globally.

 

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