Activity Debate Write a speech supporting one of the following arguments:
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1. The Corrib gas field project presents many ethical and sustainability issues for the people in the locality.
Consider the following: The pollution caused by extracting and burning natural gas. The impact of the development on the environment. The impact of the development on local scenery, much of which has been designated a special area of conservation. The impact of the development on the livelihoods of local people. What happens when all the natural gas in the Corrib gas field has been extracted? Or
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2. The Corrib gas field is a local solution to Ireland’s energy needs for the next 20 years.
Consider the following: Ireland currently imports 85% of our fuel needs from abroad – the Corrib gas field would reduce the amount of fuel we need to import. It provides employment. The well is located 83 km out to sea. The refinery is located in a remote area.
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Case study Solar power: Economic sustainability
Energy from sunlight can cause some chemicals to release electrons. This property has been developed in the photovoltaic cell, used in solar panels, to produce electricity. These cells can produce an electric current when light strikes their surface. Fig. 7 shows the Serpa solar power plant in Portugal. It can generate enough electricity for around 8,000 homes.
Fig. 7 The Serpa solar power plant in Portugal. 369
