Computer Fundamentals in PowerPoint .pptx

PowerPoint practice

1. DEPARTMENT :FACULTY OT INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY MODULE NAME : AICS1111-INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SKILLS SEMESTER : 1 AXAMINER : K.NZALO EMAIL : [email protected] STUDENT NAME :SISEKELO MAHLALELA STUDENT ID :902012452

2. FOSSIL FUELS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Prepared by : Sisekelo Mahlalela

3. INTRODUCTION TO FOSSIL FUELS Definition of fossil fuels: Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy that are formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Types of fossil fuels : Coal, oil (petroleum ), and natural gas

4. EFFECTS OF FOSSIL FUELS Climate Change: Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming and climate change. This leads to rising temperatures, sea level rise, and extreme weather events Air Quality: Combustion of fossil fuels emits pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, negatively affecting air quality and causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems in humans .   Ocean Acidification: Increased carbon dioxide levels from fossil fuel combustion are absorbed by oceans, leading to ocean acidification. This threatens marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs and shell-forming organisms

5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF FOSSIL FUELS Habitat Disruption: Extraction activities , such as mining and drilling, can disrupt ecosystems, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation, impacting wildlife . Oil Spills: Accidental spills during oil extraction, transportation, or refining pose severe threats to marine and terrestrial ecosystems, harming aquatic life and birds . Land Use Change: Clearing land for fossil fuel extraction alters landscapes, affecting biodiversity and contributing to deforestation .   Air Pollution: Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, leading to smog, acid rain, and respiratory issues Greenhouse Gas Emissions The combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, intensifying the greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming and climate change .   Water Pollution: Extraction and processing of fossil fuels can contaminate water sources with toxic chemicals. Fracking, for example, may release pollutants into groundwater .

6. MITIGATION MEASURES Transition to Renewable Energy: Increase the use of solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Energy Efficiency: Implement technologies and practices that enhance energy efficiency in industries, transportation, and buildings to minimize overall energy consumption. Afforestation : Planting trees and restoring forests to absorb carbon dioxide and promote biodiversity Regulatory Measures: Enforce and strengthen environmental regulations to limit emissions, promote sustainable practices, and encourage cleaner technologies Public Awareness and Education: Raise awareness about the environmental impact of fossil fuels and encourage sustainable behaviors among the public

7. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES Solar Power : Environmental Benefits: Generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, reduces air pollution, and has minimal water usage during operation.   Hydro-power: Environmental Benefits: A renewable and clean energy source, hydropower produces electricity without emitting pollutants and helps regulate water flow, benefiting ecosystems. Geothermal Energy: Environmental Benefits: Low greenhouse gas emissions, minimal environmental impact, and provides continuous power with a small footprint. Biomass: Environmental Benefits: Utilizes organic materials for energy production, contributing to waste reduction, and can be carbon-neutral if managed sustainably Tidal and Wave Energy : Environmental Benefits: Harnesses the power using ocean tides and waves without emitting greenhouse gases, providing a predictable and reliable energy source

8. Conclusion Fossil fuels have a significant environmental impact through greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, and contributions to climate change. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing the negative effects of fossil fuels on the environment and addressing climate change .

9. REFERANCES Kolbert , E. (2015). The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History. New York: Henry Holt and Company. McNeill, J. R., & Engelke , P. (2014). The Great Acceleration: An Environmental History of the Anthropocene since 1945. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Goodell, J. (2006). Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America’s Energy Future. New York: Houghton Mifflin . Heinberg , R. (2009). Blackout: Coal, Climate and the Last Energy Crisis. Gabriola Island: New Society Publishers.

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