Buổi 95: Writing Task 2 – Problem & solution: phụ thuộc nhiên liệu hóa thạch

Despite the rapid growth of renewable energy, coal, oil and gas still supply a large share of the world's energy. This dependence causes environmental, economic and security problems, and while it cannot be ended overnight, it can be reduced significantly through a combination of cleaner generation, greater efficiency and investment in the electricity grid.

The most widely recognised problem is environmental. Burning fossil fuels releases the greenhouse gases that are the main cause of climate change, and in many cities it also produces local air pollution that harms people's health. A second problem is economic. Fuel prices can rise sharply and unpredictably, and countries that import most of their energy have little control over these changes, which can push up the cost of living almost immediately. Closely linked to this is energy security: a country that relies on a small number of foreign suppliers may find its economy seriously disrupted if supplies are interrupted.

The most direct solution is to expand renewable sources such as solar and wind power. Once built, these are considerably cheaper to run than fossil-fuel plants, and because they rely on domestic resources, they reduce exposure to imported fuel. However, their output varies with the weather, so they need to be supported by battery storage, stronger grid connections and flexible back-up generation. Improving energy efficiency – through better insulation, efficient appliances and public transport – is a complementary approach, and often by far the quickest and cheapest way to reduce demand.

The transition must also be managed fairly. Communities that depend on coal mining or fuel-based industries may lose jobs, so governments should combine the gradual phasing out of fossil fuels with retraining and investment in affected regions.

In conclusion, reliance on fossil fuels damages the environment, exposes economies to price shocks and weakens energy security. Expanding renewables, investing in storage and efficiency, and supporting affected workers together offer a realistic path towards reducing it.

Energy plan – impact and trade-offs

1. Air-conditioning at 26°C with automatic switch-off at 6 p.m.: no cost and likely to have the largest impact. Trade-off: some staff may find afternoons less comfortable, so desk fans will be available. 2. LED lighting in meeting rooms: moderate upfront cost, considerably lower running costs. Risk: delivery delays could push installation into next quarter.

Measurement: compare monthly electricity bills for December–February with the same months last year.