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Challenges related to energy supply

Explains more about the effects of climate change related to energy supply.

As the world has developed, the increased global demand for energy has had severe effects on the climate. The consequences of climate change now pose a serious threat to energy supply.

In this video, Dr Keeran Ward from the University of Leeds explores these adverse effects and how chemical engineers are addressing the challenges in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Have a go:

In this activity, you will consider the energy mix used by a selection of countries around the world. You will explore countries that are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, and others who are pioneering in their use of alternative energy supplies. When you have finished the activity, return to this step to consider some follow-up data and questions you can discuss with other learners.

Launch activity

Please note, by clicking ‘Launch’ you will be taken to a page containing content provided by a third party website.

A more accessible PDF version of this exercise is available in the Downloads section.

Fossil fuels

Now examine this map which contains data about fossil-fuel usage throughout the world.

A map showing fossil fuel usage throughout the world

Full screen image available here

Have your say:

Identify the countries with the heaviest fossil fuel use:

What do you think are the reasons for this?

What potential is there for chemical engineering in certain parts of the world to have a positive impact?

Share your thoughts with others learners in the Comments section.

A full text description of the map is available in the Downloads section.