Energy & the Environment
Most of our energy is derived from burning fossil fuels, either directly in the home or indirectly in power stations. About 98% of Ireland's final energy demand is produced by burning coal, oil, peat, or natural gas. 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.
Click here to download the National Climate Change Strategy
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, here in Ireland. This problem is more widespread in Scandinavia and has led to transboundary pollution in mainland Europe.
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.
