Premium Essay

Alternative Energy

In: Social Issues

Submitted By ayodejismith
Words 341
Pages 2
Essay on alternative energy
Since hundreds of years oil and gas has been pumped out of the Earth. They are the lifeblood of the modern world and the combustion engine, their heart. The amount being pumped every year is increasing and so is the demand. But how long can this go on for? Oil and gas, the energy lifelines of the world today, will come to an end someday. That someday is not so far, and the world must look for new sources of alternative energy. When we speak of alternative energy, we don’t refer to any which consume fossil fuels or nuclear energy which have undesirable consequences. Alternative energies are energy sources that are renewable and free. As our climate is already suffering from dire consequences of industrialization, we must look for energy sources that release the least amount (if not none) of carbon emissions. These may include Biomass Energy, Wind Energy, Solar Energy, Geothermal Energy, Hydroelectric Energy sources. One of the best choices from environmental perspective could be the use of Solar power which has already been implemented in many countries on test basis. A 1.5 killowatt Pv system will keep more than 110,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, the chief greenhouse gas out of the atmosphere over the next 25years. With solar, there’s no acid rain, no urban smog or pollution of any kind. The energy relies on the nuclear fusion power from the core of the Sun. It can be collected and converted in different ways. Even though solar power is still not sufficient to power the modern society it can be used for smaller range of uses. Wind power has been used by mankind for since 5000BC, even though electricity was generated a lot later. The movement of the atmosphere is driven by differences of temperature at the Earth's surface due to varying temperatures of the Earth's surface when lit by sunlight. Wind energy can be used to pump water or

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Alternative Energy

...Furthermore, alternative energy encourages international investment worldwide that affect the world economy. Alternative energies are playing a big role to save the the world that it caught the attention of many government from other country. For example, According to Chadha, (2013) “ Chinese government and Chinese companies have made investments of at least $40 billion in renewable energy projects across the world over the last ten years.” Chadha (2013) also stated that “ according to the analysis done by the World Resources Institute (WRI), China made at least 124 investments in solar and wind energy projects in 33 countries.” By doing so, the government of China could build more alternative energy project to sustain the amount of energy needed in the country. Investment in alternative energy resources could also help a country to recover from a bad economy crisis. Based on the Pollin’s after the stimulus program enacted, the investment helped the Unites States of America to recover from deep recession. Investment in alternative is a good choice, although the investment will not be as good as investing in oil or fossil fuels but it could make our world greener. After living for 21 centuries on earth a question that will always linger in every human’s mind is ‘How long can earth still live’. According to the Mayan’s the world should end at the 21st December 2012, well it is obvious that they are wrong. Although the Mayans had made such a reckless...

Words: 327 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Alternative Energy

...pumped out of the Earth. They are the lifeblood of the modern world and the combustion engine, their heart. The amount being pumped every year is increasing and so is the demand. But how long can this go on for? Oil and gas, the energy lifelines of the world today, will come to an end someday. That someday is not so far, and the world must look for new sources of alternative energy. When we speak of alternative energy, we don’t refer to any which consume fossil fuels or nuclear energy which have undesirable consequences. Alternative energies are energy sources that are renewable and free. As our climate is already suffering from dire consequences of industrialization, we must look for energy sources that release the least amount (if not none) of carbon emissions. These may include Biomass Energy, Wind Energy, Solar Energy, Geothermal Energy, Hydroelectric Energy sources. One of the best choices from environmental perspective could be the use of Solar power which has already been implemented in many countries on test basis. A 1.5 killowatt Pv system will keep more than 110,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, the chief greenhouse gas out of the atmosphere over the next 25years. With solar, there’s no acid rain, no urban smog or pollution of any kind. The energy relies on the nuclear fusion power from the core of the Sun. It can be collected and converted in different ways. Even though solar power is still not sufficient to power the modern society it can be used for smaller range of uses...

Words: 288 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Solar Energy Is an Excellent Source of Alternative Energy

...[Your Name] [Instructor Name] [Course Number] [Date] [Title]: Solar Energy / Power Solar Energy is An Excellent Source of Alternative Energy Because It is Renewable, It Is economical, and It Is Environmental Safe In recent decades scientists have considered the use of solar energy as an application of alternative energy sources. For many years solar energy is considered an outstanding worldwide energy source. Solar energy and solar power are two different terms. Solar power is converting sunlight into electricity. “The potential of solar energy with technologies and the reductions in climate changes could provide most of the worlds energy by 2060 according to IEA report in 2011.” Solar energy is an excellent source of alternative energy because it is renewable, it is economical, and it is environmental safe. This essay describes several features that categorize solar energy as an excellent source of energy and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. Solar energy derives its power from the sun radiation striking the earth. Not all sunlight reaches the earth surface. Yet that which is received is more than the human species need to sustain life. The energy of the sun radiation that is deposit in our region of North America is sufficient. Solar energy is a renewable energy source as well. With technology, the cost to install solar panels outweighs the cost of producing coals, oil and gas. The amount of solar radiation- sunlight deposited...

Words: 493 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Alternative Energy

...Are alternative energy sources the answer to ending human dependence on oil? September 24, 2012 Are alternative energy sources the answer to ending human dependence on oil? Right now there is no one substitute for oil because we use it for a variety of things. We can use alternative sources in areas to preserve or conserve our usage of oil. We use to use wood for fires and light. Then in the industrial revolution we began to use coal. “Coal can provide much more energy over longer periods than wood or any other biomass product. Forests were also diminishing in many regions because they were being consumed for fuel.” (Eric McLamb). Edwin L. Drake drilled the world’s first oil well in 1859 and launched the petroleum industry. Bach then there was a steady supply of oil and coal, and easily accessible so that’s what we used. Now however we have discovered the harm it does to the environment and realized that it won’t last forever. 58% of our oil is imported and is supposed to rise to 64% by 2020. As we all know anytime we have to have products imported it hurts our economy. If we could cut our national oil use down by 50% then we would not need to have any imported, or at least not until we depleted our oil supply. By reducing the amount of oil we use it would also make what we have last longer. Scientists have been working on alternative energy sources such as nuclear, which some say won’t last because of obvious dangers, solar, wind, geothermal, methane hydrates, and hydrogen...

Words: 1681 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Alternative Energy

...Alternative energy – Why is it a game changer? * Compare the difference between old days and now. * How alternative energy influence nowadays life? Introduction (background) http://renewable-solarenergy.com/non-renewable-energy-sources.html What was used before to generate energy? * Fossil fuels(The term ‘fossil fuel’ refers to fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. ) * Where do it come from? How can it be used? It can be used to produce electricity, heating, cooking, transportation and manufacturing.  85% of the energy used in the industrial processes is form the non-renewable type of energy. * Transportation?... http://renewablegreen.net/?p=124 What limitations or disadvantages does non-renewable energy have? * However, after never-ending mining and ‘drill baby drill,’ we realized that there is was limitation to how much we can use them. Because one day, the mines will be empty and drilling pipes would dry out. Over the years, their demand has been far outstripping their availability. * Pollution created (air, water) => Global warming and greenhouse effect * Increasing oil price (because of limited resources) And with demand overpowering supply, prices will continue to rise dramatically. Combustion of fossil fuels emits harmful gases like sulfur dioxide (causing acid rain) and carbon monoxide (contributing to greenhouse effect). Due to the adverse affects, the globe is heating up and the polar ice caps are melting faster. A need...

Words: 1056 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Alternative Energy

...Physics II Dr. Eugene De Silva 20 October 2015 Energy of the Future The realization of the environmental and logistical ramifications and limitations associated with the use of fossil fuels to support the pillar of our technologically based society, has spurred a quest to find a better foundation on which to continue to build our civilization. Traditionally, large turbines are turned by steam heated by coal; these turbines act on an electric generator which uses magnets to induce a current on coils of wire. This has been the process of producing electricity for the past century. Since the discovery and implementation of electricity, the world has grown to use fifteen terawatts in energy every year. Eighty percent of this need is filled by fossil fuels (Tan). The awakening to the fact that there is a finite supply of fossil fuels and that the fuel being used damages the environment has posed the challenge of replacing coal, oil, and natural gas. Many in the oil industry lobby against efforts to make these replacements a reality, but alternative energy is becoming that reality; the forerunners in the race to replace fossil fuels are geothermal, hydrogen, and solar energy. Using what is below to sustain the life above is the idea behind geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is produced by using the high temperatures of the earth’s lower crust to super heat water in order to spin a turbine like a traditional power plant. Geothermal energy is a reliable and sustainable source of power...

Words: 1334 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Alternative Energy

...Alternative Energy Alternative Energy Energy is an extremely important resource for people and people can’t live without energy. When energy vanishes from people’s life can cause of paralyzed international institutions. The common energy which people use every day is a fossil fuel such as coal, oil and natural gas. Unfortunately, people face some serious problems with above energy sources such as exhaust resources, greenhouse effect and diverse environment pollution. All of the world barrels of oil reserves have already declined and glaciers are melting. If people don’t invest to find new energy sources, a lot of big problems will come in the future. Tues, creating a new energy could be solutions for the problems which people have so far and in a future. In this respect, the alternative energy sources that have become a hot issue in the world are solar energy, nuclear energy and wind power. Energy Problems People all of world realized energy problems that people face so far. There are not only energy problems but also environmental problems too. The energy sources that people every day use are fossil fuels and oil. Stein and Powers (2011) explained disposal of fossil fuels are cause of environmental problems such as global warming. People need to find out the ways to avoid greenhouse effect. Other kinds of fossil fuels such as coal or oil are also not a perfect energy. They have some toxic. There are some problems about coal. Coal can’t use for mobile applications...

Words: 2579 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Alternative Energy

...Alternative Energy With the world economy growing at a fast pace, energy demand too has been witnessing a sharp rise in the past few decades, with demand mainly originating from the big developing economies of Asia, namely, India and China. Factors such as high population growth, growing urbanisation and changing lifestyles in these developing nations are behind the increase in demand for energy. According to International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates, during 1990-2008, while world population increased by around 27%, energy use increased by around 39%. Consequently, average per person consumption of energy has seen a rise of 10% for the same period. The year 2010 has seen a further increase of around 5% in the world energy consumption levels. Most of the countries in the world use coal, oil and natural gas as their primary sources of energy. Around 90% of the total global energy requirement is met through these non-renewable energy sources. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels poses certain major concerns. Most importantly, these sources are limited. So, it is only a matter of time before these resources are exhausted completely. Another important factor that works against the heavy use of fossil fuels is that they are detrimental to the environment. The use of fossil fuels leads to emission of greenhouse gases which causes global warming. Also, these fuels are a major source of air, water and soil pollution. All these factors have created a need for alternative energy sources...

Words: 2265 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Alternative Energy

...English135 Prof Layton 3/24/13 Essay#1-Explanatory Alternative Energy What is Alternative Energy? It’s an energy generated, in ways that do not deplete natural resources or harm the environment. There are about four types of natural alternative energy. Each energy has a different element used to create energy. The types of energy are wind power, solar power, geothermal power, hydroelectric power, and nuclear energy. In the next paragraphs, I’m going to explain the reasons why the world needs alternative energy and how the energy is harnessed. First type of alternative energy is wind power. Using large blades can capture the winds power. The wind causes the blade to rotate turning into electrical current. Electric generators harness all the energy and distribute it to small towns or larger scale towns. There are some advantages for using wind power. First, it causes no pollution. Meaning there are no harmful by-products. Keeping the world safe. Second, wind power is a renewable source; we will never run out of wind. Third, wind turbines can be placed practically anywhere. All you need is a good source of wind. As with any energy source, there are always some concerns. One concern is that wind is never constant. Some days there is significant amount of wind. Then the next day no wind at all. Another concern is that residents that live next to turbine blades think they are ugly. Second type of alternative energy is solar power. This is created by capturing the sun’s rays...

Words: 853 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Alternative Energy

...Unit 2 Assignment 1 : Alternative Energy Our dependency on fossil fuels here in America has reached a point that we as a society have begun exploring the options of alternative energy. Gas and diesel fuels are a resource that will not last forever. At some point they will no longer be a viable option and we will have to resort to other forms of energy. That is the focus of this assignment, looking at some of the various alternative forms of energy readily available. Where I live there are several homes that have added solar energy as an alternative to the current energy that is run in our area. Solar energy is talked about in our book “The Sciences: An Integrated Approach” as a huge resource here in the United States. (Wiley,2013) According to the author, there are two methods of converting this energy from the sunlight into electricity. The one method is called “solar photovoltaic” which involves using a semiconductor to convert energy produced from the sun into viable electricity. These kinds of innovations will take us a long way in converting from our dependency of fossil fuels to a more infinite sustainable source of energy. Switching over to this or one of the other types of sustainable energy would not be an easy transition. There are so many variables to consider before making the leap to this technology. Space is one of the first variables. It will require a significant amount of land to establish a wind or solar farm. In an area like Harford County, this...

Words: 491 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Alternative Energy Sources

...Alternative Energy Sources Geology Many people believe that we must depend on fossil fuels for energy, where as the reality of it is the earth provides an abundance of renewable energy sources. These energy sources can produce enough energy that we would never have to use fossil fuels again. Alternative energy is the use of other energy sources instead of the use of fossil fuels or nuclear energy. Solar power can be used to operate cars and provide electricity to homes and businesses. Hydropower can be used to provide electric power to small towns and cities. Geothermal power can heat up buildings or water to power turbines to make energy. Wind power can be used to pump water and generate electricity. So let’s start with solar power since it is the most known of the group. Energy from the sun is one of the most abundant resources available today out of the alternative group. It is one of the most important of the non-conventional energy sources as well, because it does not pollute the earth. “One of the reasons for this is that the total energy we receive each year from the sun is around 35,000 times the total energy used by man”. (Alternative Energy Sources) One way to capture the sun’s energy is through the use of solar panels made out of Photovoltaic cells, which are commonly called (PV) cells. These panels can be used on homes, businesses, greenhouses, water heaters, traffic lights, or grouped together as a solar power plant. PV cells can transform the sun’s energy...

Words: 2255 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Energy Alternatives

...Unit Four: Energy: How Work Gets Done “Energy Alternatives” January 15, 2013 Energy is used on a daily basis by all living creatures on Earth. Energy consumption can be achieved in multiple ways. Some examples of energy sources are electricity, natural gas, water, propane gas, gasoline, solar, biofuel, coal, geothermal, hydrogen, hydropower, petroleum, uranium and wind. Some forms of energy are renewable and constantly recharge or reproduce themselves. Others are non-renewable and once used are gone forever. Non-renewable energy is something that new construction is trying to minimize or even avoid to build greener houses and buildings. I currently use electricity from DTE Energy to power lights, oven, cook-top, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, televisions, game consoles, stereos, computers, hot water tank, central air conditioning, washing machine and dryer. This is a non-renewable source of energy. I also use natural gas from DTE Energy for the heat source for my furnace, clothes dryer and cook-top. The natural gas is also not a renewable source of energy. I utilize propane gas for my grill, turkey fryer, and portable propane heater. All of my vehicles operate on unleaded gasoline. My energy consumption is high during the summer months running the air conditioner. During the winter, the furnace is running most of the time to keep the house warm. Electricity is used around the clock to power most of the items in our house. Currently, our energy consumption...

Words: 626 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Alternative Energy

...by: melissa L’Abbé Energy has played a big role in the development of our human society. These days, energy mostly produced with fossil fuel and coal, has created an enormous amount of greenhouse gasses, leading to an international climate change. Alternative energy is the new solution to reduce the production of greenhouse gasses: a new less expensive and pro-environmental way of producing energy for our society. The present form of generating energy is creating a lot of pollution, deteriorating the condition of our air. Greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide (CO2), infiltrates in the air that we breathe and affects negatively the public's health(). As stated by scientists, "pollution emitted by coal and natural gas plants are linked to breathing problems, neurological damage, heart attacks and cancer.()" To ensure a safer health to the world's population, alternative energies such as renewables (solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectricity, geothermal energy) do not produce any greenhouse gasses, and would guarantee a safe and healthy environment for our population. Secondly, extracting coal and fossil fuels to produce energy exhausts their supplies, which are not renewable. Alternative energies such as wind energy, is inexhaustible and found anywhere across the world. In 2012, scientist form NREL have found that "renewable energy sources have the technical potential to supply 482,247 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually ()." It is to say that this amount is 118...

Words: 436 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Alternative Energy

...Alternative Energy English Composition 122 May 30, 2010 The need for alternative and sustainable sources of energy has never been more compelling. The development of clean energy sources is essential if the United States is to reduce greenhouse gases and slow global warming. Today, electrical generation is responsible for 41 percent of the Unites States’ carbon dioxide emissions. The majority of electrical generation comes from conventional, fossil fuel run, power plants, with nuclear power being the leading alternative. But neither source is renewable or sustainable, furthermore, nuclear energy is beset with many problems. Alternative energy refers to energy sources which are not based on the burning of fossil fuels or the splitting of atoms. There are numerous reasons for supporting alternative energy development: lower air and water pollution, reduce land disruption through mining and drilling, reduce solid and hazardous waste production and greenhouse gas emission. Only renewable energy options offer long-term hope for sustainability. Several alternative energy options already exist, such as wind, solar, wave and geothermal. I believe that we have the technology today, to power the world sustainably. Presently, nuclear energy is responsible for approximately 16 percent of the world’s electricity; in the U.S. it is the second leading source of energy next to coal. Nuclear energy is often looked at as a cleaner alternative to burning fossil fuels due...

Words: 1143 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Alternative Energy

...Alternative Energy Since hundreds of years oil and gas has been pumped out of the Earth. They are the lifeblood of the modern world and the combustion engine, their heart. The amount being pumped every year is increasing and so is the demand. But how long can this go on for? Oil and gas, the energy lifelines of the world today, will come to an end someday. That someday is not so far, and the world must look for new sources of alternative energy. When we speak of alternative energy, we don’t refer to any which consume fossil fuels or nuclear energy which have undesirable consequences. Alternative energies are energy sources that are renewable and free. As our climate is already suffering from dire consequences of industrialization, we must look for energy sources that release the least amount (if not none) of carbon emissions. These may include Biomass Energy, Wind Energy, Solar Energy, Geothermal Energy, Hydroelectric Energy sources. One of the best choices from environmental perspective could be the use of Solar power which has already been implemented in many countries on test basis. A 1.5 killowatt Pv system will keep more than 110,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, the chief greenhouse gas out of the atmosphere over the next 25years. With solar, there’s no acid rain, no urban smog or pollution of any kind. The energy relies on the nuclear fusion power from the core of the Sun. It can be collected and converted in different ways. Even though solar power is still not sufficient...

Words: 526 - Pages: 3