Competition Study Resources
2024 NCF-Envirothon New York Competition
July 28 - August 3, 2024
Geneva, New York
2024 Study Resources
Learning Objectives and Resource Guides
Current Issue
About the Current Issue Study Guides:
There will be TWO (2) sections of study resources for Current Issues:
- Part A: Consists of Key Topics, Learning Objectives, and Study Resources directly relating to the 2024 Current Issue. It will contain resources from a regional (Northeast), North American, and global perspective. Click on the image to the left to download Part A.
- Part B: Resources will be more specific to New York, but may have broader application. To be posted May 2024.
BOTH sections will be used for the 2024 NCF-Envirothon annual competition's Current Issue test and oral presentation!
Please Note:
- Any hyperlinks within the study resources, except for those specifically mentioned as a resource on the Key Topics pages and with a dedicated page in the resources (i.e., YouTube videos), are supplemental material ONLY. They may be used for additional information, but are not required study resources.
- The above Study Resource file is large and may take time to download depending on your connection speed!
Aquatic Ecology
- To be posted May 2024.
Forestry
- To be posted May 2024.
Soils and Land Use
- To be posted May 2024.
Wildlife
- To be posted May 2024.
2024 Current Issue Topic
Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future
In our modern world, energy touches almost every aspect of our lives. It lights our homes, transports our food, cleans our water, and fuels our cars, powers life-saving medical equipment, and so much more. The production and use of energy are deeply entwined with the economy, social and political issues, and the environment. The environmental, economic, and social outcomes of the choices being made about energy now will shape the future of our planet. Governmental policies, industry, and public opinion are shifting to embrace a sustainable future that includes renewable energy.
Today, power generation from renewable energy sources accounts for approximately one third of the total global output 1 . Signatories to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change agreed to work towards the goal of nearly 80% of the global power demand to be met by renewable sources by 2050 1. New York State is working to build a vibrant renewable energy industry covering all facets of the process from manufacturing to installation, and including technologies for solar, wind, biomass, and hydroelectric energy. New York State also has some of the most progressive energy and climate goals in the United States, including: the adoption of the Clean Energy Standard, the passage of a mandate for 70% of electricity in the state to be from renewable sources by 2030, the goal of achieving a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (using 1990 levels as the baseline), and saving 185 trillion British Thermal units (Btus) in end-use energy by 2030 through greater efficiency (New York State Legislation: Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act).
Decisions about sustainable energy are not just made by politicians and corporations. Individuals can choose what energy practices to support and can advocate for the transition to renewables. New energy innovations are constantly transforming this emerging field, with technological developments in energy sources, production methods, and flexible delivery.
Students will learn about the different sources of renewable energy; the challenges facing the transition from traditional fossil fuels to renewables; the environmental, economic, and social impacts of energy consumption; and how individuals can affect change in their communities.
1 Source IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022
