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Year 5 - Geography

Non-renewable energy sources

Energy: how do we power the world?

Unit Summary

This unit explores how energy is produced and used, and how this links to climate change. Pupils compare renewable and non-renewable sources, consider how energy use can be reduced, and evaluate different responses to the world's growing energy demands.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain why non-renewable energy sources are contributing to the energy problem.

Key Notes

  • Non-renewable energy sources, e.g. fossil fuels, are those that cannot be replaced and will eventually run out.
  • Fossil fuels such as gas, oil and coal are transported across the globe by ships, lorries and pipelines.
  • Burning fossil fuels releases carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
  • A way of reducing climate change is for countries to stop using non-renewable fossil fuels.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • non-renewable energy: Non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, that cannot be replaced and will eventually run out.
  • renewable energy: Types of energy that can be re-used and will not be used up or run out.
  • climate change: Climate change is a large-scale and long-term change in the planet's climate, including weather patterns and average temperatures.
  • carbon emissions: Carbon emissions are the release of carbon into the air and atmosphere around us.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The production of all energy is contributing to climate change.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

Non-renewable energy sources, e.g. fossil fuels, are those that cannot be replaced and will eventually run out. Fossil fuels such as gas, oil and coal are transported across the globe by ships, lorries and pipelines.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'non-renewable energy'

Non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, that cannot be replaced and will eventually run out.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: The production of all energy is contributing to climate change. Correction: The production of energy through burning non-renewable fossil fuels is contributing to climate change.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 5 Geography guide library.