Examine the information above relating to energy consumption in Ireland by fuel source in 1990 and in 2015 and answer each of the following questions - Leaving Cert Geography - Question A - 2016

In 2015, the percentage of energy consumed that was generated from coal was 16.9%. This significant decrease indicates a shift towards alternative energy sources over the years.

Fossil fuels are natural substances formed from the decomposed remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years. They include coal, oil, and natural gas and are primarily used as energy sources in transportation, heating, and electricity generation.

In 1990, the total percentage of energy consumed from fossil fuels can be calculated by adding the percentages from coal, oil, and peat. This results in:

ext{Total Fossil Fuels} = 41.7 ext{% (Coal)} + 27.7 ext{% (Peat)} + 9.9 ext{% (Oil)} = 79.3\%

Thus, 95.1% of energy in 1990 was generated from fossil fuels, taking into account all fossil fuel sources.

Renewable energy refers to energy derived from natural processes that are continuously replenished. This includes sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources have a lower environmental impact and contribute to sustainability.

One reason for the increase in the use of wind as an energy source is the growing awareness of environmental issues related to fossil fuel consumption. As concerns about climate change have risen, governments and organizations have been incentivizing the development and adoption of clean energy technologies, making wind energy a prominent alternative.