Energy and Your Environment

5 Energy Production Affects the Environment Much of the energy we use has been derived from fossil fuels. When energy is produced in this way, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), smoke, soot, and other by-products are released into the environment. There are also environmental effects related to the use of energy from renewable resources like hydropower, wind, and solar power. ENERGY PRODUCTION AFFECTS THE ENVIRONMENT IN MANY WAYS Brainstorm two environmental impacts for each of these energy resources. COMMUNITY CONNECTION Which of the environmental effects you identified are felt in your community? Select one and then research what is being done about the issue. Prepare a report based on your research. Discuss what students can do to help, directly or indirectly. ENERGY ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES IMPACTS Fossil Fuels: l oil l coal l gasoline l natural gas Nuclear Hydropower Wood Solar Power Wind