Module 5 – Energy and Resources

Date and hour of implemented Module: 7.3.2024., 8.30h

Place of implementation: Liceo Salvemini, Sorrento

Facilitator: Olivier Rikir, Meritxell Vilella, Maria Savvides

Energy, often referred to as the ability to do work, powers our daily lives and drives economic growth, while resources encompass the raw materials, substances, and assets that provide the essentials for our well-being. Together, they form a complex web of interdependence that shapes our environment, our economies, and our future.

Energy is the force that powers our homes, fuels our transportation, and drives technological advancements. It takes various forms, including mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical energy, and can be harnessed from a multitude of sources, such as fossil fuels, renewable energy, and nuclear power. The demand for energy has increased exponentially over the past century, largely due to technological innovations, urbanization, and industrialization. As we strive for greater efficiency and sustainability, understanding the sources, consumption patterns, and environmental impacts of energy is crucial. Moreover, it is vital to recognize the role of energy in the context of climate change and environmental degradation, as it is intimately linked to the global challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy sources.

Renewable energy sources are those that can be naturally replenished over time, making them sustainable and environmentally friendly. These sources have the potential to provide energy indefinitely if managed responsibly. Some key examples of renewable energy sources include: solar energy, wind energy, hydropower energy, geothermal energy, biomass, tidal and wave energy, ocean thermal energy conversion. Renewable energy sources offer numerous advantages, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, energy independence, and the potential for decentralized power generation. They play a crucial role in transitioning to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.

On the other hand, non-renewable energy sources, also known as fossil fuels, are finite and will eventually deplete. These sources are formed over millions of years and cannot be replenished within a human timeframe. The primary non-renewable energy sources include: fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and nuclear energy (uranium and plutonium). Non-renewable energy sources have several significant drawbacks, including environmental pollution, finite supply, geopolitical conflicts over resources, and price volatility.

Resources encompass a wide spectrum of elements, materials, and assets that are essential for human existence. These include renewable natural resources like water (rivers, lakes), air, solar energy (sun), wind energy, biomass, geothermal energy, tidal energy, and nonrenewable such as minerals (metals – iron, copper, gold; non-metals – salt, gypsum), fertile soil, sand and freshwater. Also there are manufactured resources like infrastructure, technology, and agricultural products. Manufactured resources refer to items or materials that are created through human processes and manufacturing. These resources are typically the result of transforming raw materials or components into finished products. The availability and sustainable management of these resources have a profound impact on the quality of life and the well-being of societies. In the face of population growth and resource consumption, we face the pressing need to manage our resources responsibly, avoid depletion, and transition to more sustainable resource use practices. Sustainable resource management and conservation are central to achieving environmental sustainability and ensuring that future generations have access to the same vital resources that we enjoy today.