environment management system

Energy & the Environment
Most of our energy is derived from burning fossil fuels, either directly in the home or indirectly in power stations. Energy use can have many and
varied detrimental impacts on the environment, most of which relate to the burning of fuel which releases pollutant substances into the air.

CARBON DIOXIDE

Burning fossil fuels, either directly or in the process of generating electricity, releases large amounts of the gas carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
This gas is the principal cause of the greenhouse effect, also known as global warming, probably the most serious global environmental problem We
currently face. In Ireland, about 30% of carbon dioxide emissions come from energy used for domestic purposes. Household use of electricity alone
is responsible for the emission of about 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from power stations each year! Of course, all of the fuels We burn directly
in the home - gas, oil, coal, peat… produce carbon dioxide, too - over 6 million tonnes in a year.

SMOKE, SOOT AND SMOG

Smoke consists mostly of minute particles of unburned carbon, with inorganic ash,
and assorted mixtures of complex organic substances. Very small smoke particles
can lodge deep in the lungs causing damage to the bronchial tissues. The effects
of smoke inhalation are greatly increased when sulphur oxides are also present.
The effects of smoky atmospheres on the elderly and those with respiratory illness
can be serious. Smog is a combination of smoke with naturally occurring fog or mist
, making smoke denser and more irritating when inhaled. This is known as London
Smog. A second, more serious, type of smog is called photochemical smog and
comes from transport emissions in cities. It is caused by chemical reactions
of transport pollutants in the presence of sunlight, leading to a build-up of noxious
gases and particulates.

ACID RAIN

The combustion of fossil fuels in power stations, factories, cars and homes results in emissions of invisible gases including some containing sulphur
and nitrogen. These gases mix with rain to make a weak acid which then falls as "acid rain" which can - and does- kill forests and fish in lakes and
ponds, and damage stone buildings.
VISUAL EFFECT

Power stations, coal mines and oil rigs can all result in significant visual intrusion. Some people may also consider that wind turbines, solar panels,
geothermal or hydro-electric power stations are ugly. Locating facilities sensitively can help to reduce this impact, by avoiding siting them in areas of
natural beauty.

HABITAT DESTRUCTION

When We build a new home, a factory or a new road, plants, insects and animals will be disturbed. Sometimes the wildlife in the area will no longer
be able to stay and find food and shelter. This is called habitat destruction. This habitat destruction can also occur as a result of the construction of
new power stations or the development of large scale renewable energy projects - though this is not always irreversible. More harmful is the habitat
destruction resulting from the extraction of fossil fuels e.g. peat extraction, as this is permanent.

NOISE

The use of fossil fuels can result in a lot of noise e.g. from traffic or heavy duty combustion equipment in factories. But renewable energy resources
can be noisy too. People living near wind farms are sometimes disturbed by the sound of the blades turning in the wind.

OIL SPILLS

Accidents can happen when oil is being transported by sea. Oil tankers can leak and cause oil slicks which kill birds and animals and pollute
beaches.