amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere causing a global increase in temperature. This global heating is speeding the rate of climate change and negatively impacting the environment.
Find alternative energy sources that are
equally or more effective than traditional sources and cost effective.
Energy Source Non-Renewable Energy:
Pros & Cons
+ Cheap, readily available
Oil
_ Limited supply, has been the cause of
wars, starvation, and political upheaval, as supply decreases, price will increase, causes pollution and ozone depletion
Renewable Energy:
+ Does not produce carbon, could provide
for 20% of worlds energy, less smog, less acid rain, less greenhouse gas emissions, affordable, will not be subject to price shocks
Wind Power
_ Not cheaper than natural gas, wind is a
variable source, bird fatalities, requires maintenance Renewable Energy: Solar
+ Non-polluting, no moveable parts that
can break down, no supervision, life of 2030 years with low running costs _ Amount of sunlight and cost of equipment
Renewable Energy Geothermal
+ No combustion, utilizes heat energy from
the earth, can help produce comfortable temperatures in buildings _Possible to take more steam than geothermal site can reproduce, good sites are rare, requires large amounts of water and produces toxic waste, technology is not cost effective
Renewable Energy Hydroelectric Power
+ No pollution, no waste, no worry of
unstable prices, transport issues, production strikes, can respond quickly to demand, efficient and inexpensive _ Time consuming licensing restrictions (810 years vs. 18 months for gas powered sources), debate for preserving rivers, dams collect pollutants over time, dams disrupt natural river functions, force people around dam to relocate
Decisions
Reasons
Hydropower
My first choice is the use of hydropower. It
yields the most conservation in oil and coal by 22 billion gallons of oil and 120 million tons of coal each year. Though it is controversial, there can be measures put in place that reduce its affect on the people and terrain in the impacted area. We need to seek policy change to reduce license and relicense time in order for this renewable energy to thrive.
Wind Solar
The next source to invest more into is wind
power. Wind power produces zero emissions and is increasingly becoming more reliable and inexpensive. If we continue to enhance wind technology it can be a very beneficial renewable energy source. The last energy source that I think is important for our future is solar energy. Over time solar energy pays for itself due to low maintenance, no supervision, and low running costs. If we can continue to improve technology to make the initial implementation of solar more affordable we can utilize this source globally.