ContinuedDiscussion Questions
1. List and discuss some of the many benefits of energy efficiency.
A) Reduces waste – Energy efficiency ensures electricity is distributed quickly and
without as much energy loss compared to non-renewable methods.
B) Lower cost – Energy efficiency reduces the cost of maintaining and operating
electrical equipment.
C) Increased production – Energy efficient methods of electricity production can actually
increase a power stations output, leading to less waste and pollution.
2. Why are our personal actions toward energy efficiency and conservation so important?
A) The two biggest things we can do for the environment are vote for climate conscious
candidates and reduce our own carbon footprint. Reducing your carbon footprint by
recycling, switching to clean energy, using public transportation, etc., is the most
direct action you can take in protecting the environment.
3. What does it mean to clean up coal? Can we afford to?
A) Coal cleaning practices are methods used to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Some devices are the Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS), Direct Air
Capture, and Carbon Mineralization. These methods of climate control are not cost-
effective at a world wide implementation. That being said, when paired with other
forms of climate control such as green energy and pollution regulation these
4. Did the film change your perspective on oil demand, supply and price?
A) No. Prior to watching the film I was a firm believer that the oil industry should be
diminished to extinction and replaced with electric vehicles and clean energy
practices. The film did not change my views.
5. How will the developing world change global energy consumption and the resources
used?
A) As the developing world gains access to more advanced technology, energy
consumption will continue to spike. Developing countries will need access to more
coal, oil, and natural gas. This will push electricity producers to create more
electricity and consume more resources.
6. Where would we get the electricity to power a huge fleet of electric cars? Why is this
important?
A) As electric cars grow in the industry, natural gas, coal, and renewable energy sources
will be used in conjunction to create more power.
7. In what ways can natural gas be used as an energy resource? Why is fuel versatility
important?
A) Natural gas can be used to produce electricity, relieve strained power systems, heat
residential buildings, and create fuel for vehicles.
8. What are the two kinds of solar, and how do they differ?
A) Photovoltaic solar is a type of solar energy that converts sunlight directly into energy.
B) Solar thermal heats up a liquid which can then be used to generate electricity.
9. What are the biggest challenges for large scale solar development?
A) Solar energy is entirely dependent on the weather for electricity generation. If it’s
cloudy or dark outside electricity cannot be generated.
B) Solar energy is costly to install, leading many people to use natural gasses and coal
for their short-term affordability.
C) Finding large areas of land for solar panels is extremely difficult and costly
D) In certain situations, solar panels can produce so much electricity the plant can run
into storage problems.
10. How does geothermal electricity generation work?
Water is injected deep into the earth, where the water evaporates and rises as steam.
The steam is then used to power a turbine which produces electricity.
11. What are the benefits and challenges for wind power?
A) Wind power is cost effective
B) It is clean
C) Wind farms can be built everywhere
D) Wind is not always consistent
E) Wind farms can harm bat populations and bird populations
12. What are the benefits and challenges for nuclear power? What forms of nuclear are not
discussed in the film?
A) Nuclear power produces extremely small amounts of carbon
B) Nuclear can provide consistent energy
C) A small plant can generate massive amounts of electricity
13. Why do energy transitions take time?
A) Energy transitions take time because they must struggle through beauracracy and
protests. Additionally energy transitions are costly and require land negotiations and
construction of major infrastructure.
14. What should be the role of government in energy?
A) The government should regulate prices on electricity and invest in clean energy to
create a safer planet.
