How Does Renewable Energy Impact National Energy Security?

The IELTS Reading section is known for its challenging passages on contemporary topics. One such topic that resonates with current global trends is “How does renewable energy impact national energy security?” This subject not only appears frequently in various forms but also aligns with important economic and environmental discussions, making it a likely candidate for future IELTS exams. Through this article, we aim to create a comprehensive practice reading task based on this topic, while exploring common queries and enhancing your reading skills for the IELTS exam.

Main Content

Practice Reading Passage

Renewable Energy and National Energy Security

Renewable energy refers to energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. These sources are integral to the global effort to combat climate change and secure sustainable energy for future generations. This article explores how the adoption of renewable energy impacts national energy security.

Many nations have traditionally depended on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for their energy needs. However, these resources are finite and subject to geopolitical tensions, which can threaten national energy security. Importantly, the transition to renewable energy sources can mitigate these risks in several ways.

Firstly, renewable energy resources are widely available and less susceptible to geopolitical influences. Unlike fossil fuels, which are concentrated in specific regions, renewable energy sources can be harnessed almost anywhere. This widespread availability reduces dependency on imports and enhances self-sufficiency. For example, countries like Denmark and Germany have made significant strides in wind and solar energy, which has lessened their reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Secondly, renewable energy technologies are becoming increasingly cost-competitive. Advances in technology and economies of scale have reduced the cost of renewable energy production, making it a viable alternative to conventional energy sources. As the cost of renewable energy continues to decline, it not only promotes energy security but also stimulates economic growth and job creation in the clean energy sector.

Thirdly, renewable energy promotes environmental sustainability. Conventional energy sources contribute to environmental degradation and climate change, which pose long-term risks to national and global security. Renewable energy, on the other hand, produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions, helping to mitigate climate-related threats. Countries adopting renewable energy can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to global environmental goals, further strengthening their energy security in an increasingly interconnected world.

Renewable Energy Sources

In conclusion, the transition to renewable energy significantly enhances national energy security. It reduces dependency on finite and politically volatile fossil fuels, lowers energy costs, and mitigates environmental risks. As more countries recognize these benefits, the global adoption of renewable energy is expected to continue growing, leading to a more secure and sustainable energy future.

Practice Questions

1. Multiple Choice:

   • What is one advantage of renewable energy over fossil fuels?
     • a) Renewable energy is finite.
     • b) Renewable energy sources are concentrated in specific regions.
     • c) Renewable energy reduces dependency on imports.
     • d) Renewable energy increases geopolitical tensions.

2. Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given):

   • Renewable energy sources are concentrated in a few regions globally. (True/False/Not Given)
   • The transition to renewable energy can create economic challenges. (True/False/Not Given)
   • Fossil fuels do not contribute significantly to environmental degradation. (True/False/Not Given)

3. Matching Headings:

   • Match the following:
     • Paragraph 1: Introduction to renewable energy
     • Paragraph 2: Economic impact of renewable energy
     • Paragraph 3: Environmental benefits of renewable energy
     • Paragraph 4: Conclusion on renewable energy and energy security

4. Summary Completion:

   • Complete the summary using the list of words below: (self-sufficiency, dependency, economic growth, carbon footprint)
     • The widespread availability of renewable energy reduces __ on imports and enhances __. Additionally, it stimulates __ and reduces the __ of nations.

5. Short-Answer Questions:

   • How does renewable energy affect geopolitical tensions?
   • What is a major benefit of renewable energy in terms of environmental impact?

Answer Key and Explanations

1. Multiple Choice:

   • Answer: c) Renewable energy reduces dependency on imports.
     • Explanation: The passage notes that renewable energy is widely available and reduces dependency on imports, in contrast to fossil fuels.

2. Identifying Information:

   • Renewable energy sources are concentrated in a few regions globally. (False)
   • The transition to renewable energy can create economic challenges. (Not Given)
   • Fossil fuels do not contribute significantly to environmental degradation. (False)
     • Explanation: The passage explicitly states that fossil fuels are not renewable and contribute to environmental degradation.

3. Matching Headings:

   • Paragraph 1: Introduction to renewable energy
   • Paragraph 2: Economic impact of renewable energy
   • Paragraph 3: Environmental benefits of renewable energy
   • Paragraph 4: Conclusion on renewable energy and energy security

4. Summary Completion:

   • The widespread availability of renewable energy reduces dependency on imports and enhances self-sufficiency. Additionally, it stimulates economic growth and reduces the carbon footprint of nations.
     • Explanation: These answers are derived from the benefits mentioned in the passage.

5. Short-Answer Questions:

   • How does renewable energy affect geopolitical tensions?
     • Answer: Renewable energy reduces geopolitical tensions by being widely available and less susceptible to political influences.
   • What is a major benefit of renewable energy in terms of environmental impact?
     • Answer: Renewable energy produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate-related threats.

Common Mistakes

• Overlooking Details: Always pay close attention to specific details mentioned in the passage to avoid incorrect answers in the Identifying Information section.
• Misinterpreting Keywords: Ensure you understand key terms such as “finite,” “self-sufficiency,” and “carbon footprint” as they are crucial for answering questions correctly.

Vocabulary List

1. Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe or serious.
2. Finite (adjective) /ˈfaɪnaɪt/ – Having limits or bounds.
3. Geopolitical (adjective) /ˌdʒiːəˈpɒlɪtɪkəl/ – Relating to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors.
4. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ – The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
5. Carbon Footprint (noun) /ˌkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities.

Grammar Points

• Passive Voice: The passive voice is used in the sentence, “Renewable energy sources are widely available.” This emphasizes the action over the subject.
• Complex Sentences: Understand the structure of complex sentences, such as “As the cost of renewable energy continues to decline, it not only promotes energy security but also stimulates economic growth.”

Advice for IELTS Reading Practice

Here are some tips to excel in the IELTS Reading section:

• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with a variety of topics will improve your reading speed and comprehension skills.
• Skim and Scan: Develop skimming and scanning techniques to quickly identify key information in the passages.
• Understand Question Types: Familiarize yourself with different question types and practice them extensively to reduce surprises on the exam day.
• Time Management: Practice under timed conditions to get used to the pace required to complete the section within the allotted time.
• Review Mistakes: Carefully review each mistake to understand where you went wrong and learn from those errors.

By integrating these practices and thoroughly working through reading exercises like the one provided, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score in the IELTS Reading section. Good luck!