(a) Some of the environmental consequences of the increasing demand for energy are the following :
(i) The combustion of fossil fuels is producing acid rain and damaging plants (crops), soil, aquatic life and buildings.
(ii) The burning of fossil fuels is increasing the amount of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leading to global warming.
(iii) The cutting down of forest trees (deforestation) for obtaining firewood is causing soil erosion and destroying wildlife.
(iv) The construction of hydropower plants is disturbing ecological balance.
(v) Nuclear power plants are increasing radioactivity in the environment.
(b) Some of the steps which can be taken to reduce energy consumption are as follows :
(i) Switch off lights, fans, TV and other such electrical appliances when not needed, to save electricity.
(ii) Use energy efficient electrical appliances such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and tube-lights to save electricity.
(iii) Good quality stoves should be used to burn fuels like kerosene and LPG so as to obtain maximum heat.
(iv) Pressure cookers should be used for cooking food to save fuel.
(v) Solar cookers should be used to cook food wherever possible and solar water heaters should be used to get hot water.
(vi) Bicycles should be used for short distances instead of scooters, motorcycles and cars so as to save petrol.
