...Fossil Fuel Dependency and Americans | SOC120 - Sociology | University of Phoenix | Lena M. Ward | 10/9/2011 | America’s primary sources of energy come from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. The cost of using fossil fuels includes labor cost to mine for coal or to drill for oil, labor and material cost to build plants to generate and transport coal and oil to plants; these hidden costs are included in electricity bills or in the purchase price of gasoline. However, some costs are not included in utility or gas bills, and they are not paid for by companies that produce or sell these energy sources (Payne, Dutzik, & Figdor, 2009). This external cost creates additional problems; such as, health issues related to the air pollution caused by the burning of coal and oil, the damage to land from coal mining and to the miners from lung disease, environmental problems like global warming, acid rain, and water pollution including national security cost to protect foreign sources of oil. This pricing system hides the true costs of fossil fuels which results in damage to human health, the environment, and the economy (Payne, Dutzik, & Figdor, 2009). This paper will examine each hidden cost and evaluate their effects to enlighten individuals on the true cost of America’s dependency on fossil fuels. America’s dependency on fossil fuels began innocently enough with the start of the Industrial Revolution. These changes were small at first with the invention...
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...nuclear power as a means of providing for the world’s energy needs. Discuss the implications for Australia’s mining industry? Australia is the world’s largest coal exporter and has the second largest deposit of coal in the world. Although the world is currently in the throes of a global financial crisis, Australia’s economy one of the few in the developed world to stay afloat has been buoyed considerably by its exports industry, particularly that of coal. Despite Australia’s promise to reduce carbon emissions by 5% in accordance with its commitment to the Kyoto protocol, the coal industry has been lucky enough to avoid almost all penalties that other industries are set to receive under the proposed carbon emission trading scheme . This combined with Australia continuing to stall further international discussions on combating climate change has earned Australia the reputation of “A nation of climate sinners” . It is obvious that despite a lot of rhetoric on the importance of addressing climate change, the Australian government is not willing to commit to solving the global challenge of climate change to an appreciable degree while such a large part of the Australian economy is at stake. For the Australian government to fully commit to its promises on combating climate change, a way to free the Australian economy of its coal dependence needs to be found. The world is in a new era of energy production where it is no longer a question of which energy technology will prevail, but rather...
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...Only a very small percentage of the energy from the sun reaches the earth. However, one hour of that sunshine provides enough energy to power the entire world for a year (National Geographic, n.d.). As America moves forward into the 21st century, U.S. environmental policies need to do more to encourage green renewable energy technology thus reducing dependence on foreign oil, while focusing on environmental concerns, and helping to ensure that the United States remains a world leader. Methods Initial research for this project began with a look at U.S. government statistics and websites. However, as the research continued the Ashford library became a valuable source of information. This research paper is a combination of scholarly journal articles and other reliable articles from reputable news organizations. Some of the data came from teams of scientists and other international organizations that collect and organize data about renewable energy and environmental issues. One source that was particularly useful was America’s Energy Future (2009); the book was written by the Committee on America’s Energy future, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Research Council. Even though the information contained in this research project came from reliable sources, the information reported has been cross-referenced with other credible sources for accuracy. Government issues The enormous size and the intricacy of America’s...
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...indirect measures of tree rings, pollen remains, ice cores and glacier lengths among other features. Research indicates that natural causes are not responsible for the most observed warming and that since the mid-20th century, human activities have become the dominant causes of that warming (Haldar, 2014). In this context, there is going to be an analysis of the main contributors to global warming in the modern day. Major Pollutants Causing Global Warming Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel The global population has become addicted to the use of electricity both at the domestic and the industrial level. The society has become over-reliant on electricity as a source of energy to a level where the government and private firms have had their commitments when it comes to massive production and consumption of electricity. The society’s increasing addition to electricity from coal-burning power plants has been responsible for the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Increased releases of carbon dioxide via this mechanism is going to help in the depletion of the ozone layer in the atmosphere thus exposing the world to increased global warming that is going to facilitate climatic changes that are fatal for the future generations of human and other organisms. The energy sectors of both the leading and emerging nations are the major players in enhancing the burning of coal to produce electricity. Unoja, Dibua & Enete (2011) observe that the increased overreliance on...
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...Energy Policy 31 (2003) 721–734 Electricity and externalities in South Africa Randall Spalding-Fechera,*, David Khorommbi Matibeb b a Energy and Development Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa Gauteng Department of Agricultural Conservation and Environment, PO Box 8769, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa Abstract As the electricity supply sector in developing countries undergoes increasingly rapid restructuring, and technology and fuel choices widen, understanding the environmental implications of investment choices becomes ever more important. The objective of this paper is to expand previous analysis of the external costs of electric power generation in South Africa. We present a quantitative analysis of air pollution impacts on human health, damages from greenhouse gas emissions, and the avoided health costs from electrification, as well as discussing other impacts qualitatively. The central estimate of total external costs is R7.3 billion, or 4.4 cents per unit of coal-fired power generated. Relative to current electricity prices, the external costs are approximately 40 and 20 per cent of industrial and residential tariffs, respectively. We then discuss policy options for addressing these costs, including taxation, tradable permit systems, and integrated resource planning, as well as expanded regional energy trade and the possibility of accessing climate change-related funding for cleaner electricity production. r 2002 Elsevier...
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...of its gas, and now even 23 per cent of its coal. As the Indian economy continues to grow, so will its energy consumption, especially as the growth of its manufacturing sector catches up with services and agriculture. With domestic resource production facing various challenges, the general expectation has been that Indian energy imports will continue to grow, and energy security concerns will intensify. The outlook and options for Indian energy independence therefore becomes an important topic. A 2030 outlook is particularly relevant since it is difficult to significantly change energy policy in 5 or 10 years, but almost any boundary conditions can be changed over a 15-year period. Moreover, there have been few if any, in-depth perspectives on this topic for 2030. This white paper builds off the ‘2030 Global Energy Perspective’, McKinsey’s substantial body of research on energy demand and supply, and our understanding of the evolution of the global and Indian energy sectors. We have tried to address some of the basic questions that arise about Indian energy in 2030: Is India’s current energy trajectory sustainable, as is or with some adjustments? To what extent can India aim to achieve energy independence by 2030? What opportunities does India have to increase domestic energy supply and curb demand over and above the current trajectory? How can we make the most of the new global supply dynamics and technologies? This paper is a thought starter, intended to...
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...Resources Limited, formerly known as Teck Cominco Limited, was formed in 2001 following the merger of Cominco and Teck Corporation. It is a Canadian based integrated mining, mineral processing and metallurgical company. Seven years ago in 2001(1) when the Teck Cominco merger was completed, two strong Canadian companies with a tradition of excellence in mining and metal refining were brought together. In October of 2008 (1), the management of the company announced the launch of a simplified brand name, Teck, and the formation of five business units specializing in copper, metallurgical coal, zinc, gold and energy. The company has expertise across the full range of activities related to mining, including exploration, development, smelting, refining, safety, environmental protection, product stewardship, recycling and research. Presently they are actively exploring in countries throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa. The company’s product portfolio comprises of...
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...English 101 Linda Martin Research Paper Jordan Hartt November 29, 2010 Slash/Burn and Chips An argument for Biomass Co-Generation Biomass co-generation is the historically proved approach to energy production. For thousands of years, the Plains Indians (then early settlers) used buffalo chips to build fires to heat their tepees (and sod huts). This was probably the first use of biomass energy in America. Early settlers learned from the Indians to heat their sod huts. After the buffalo became extinct, cow chips were used. On the plains there weren’t many trees and coal had not been discovered there, so this was a matter of survival (Whyte n.d.). Once the chips were dried in the sun they were almost odorless, and placed outside the tepees and sod huts. Western pioneers would modify their stoves to burn cow chips as they were plentiful along the cattle drive trails where the cattle were brought to the railroad cars for sale, and transporting to other areas. They compacted hay and then twisted it into twig-like bundles called cats. When the settlers started farming on the plains, they used corn stalks, corn cobs, and sunflower stalks as a source of fuel. In the United States, the first facility identified as a biomass power plant went on line in 1982. Using corn residues, rice husks, soy beans and sorghum residues, willows, switch grass, and organic waste from land fills as fuel, we could provide enough energy for all the homes in New England (Whyte n.d.). I...
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...Advanced Clean Coal Technology DeVry University Technology Society and Culture Professor Paul Team D Table of Contents Renee M King I A brief description of the why the technology is needed …………….page 3 II The historical development and context of the technology …………..page 5 III The technology in its cultural context, media influence……………....page 9 IV Psychological considerations and sociological effects…………..….page 10 V Economic questions and considerations VI Implications for the Environment VI Political and legal influences IX Moral and Ethical Implications References Advanced Clean Coal Technology I A brief description of the why the technology is needed The most plentiful fuel in the fossil fuel family, coal has been used since the caveman days to heat their homes. In the 1700s, people found that it would heat cleaner and hotter than wood charcoal. The Industrial Revolutions overwhelming need for energy to run the new technologies providing the real opportunity for coal to dominant as a worldwide supplier of energy. (A brief history of coal use). As other sources of energy was discovered the use of coal diminished. However, 4 decades ago it became popular again as an energy source. The 1970’s brought about an oil crisis that showed industrialized countries that any disruption in the petroleum supply line would send a shockwave through energy production. (Morse, 2012). Even though coal is considered...
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...A research paper Presented to: Mrs. Judy A. Apan St.Anthony Center of Science and Technology In Partial Fullfilment Of the requirements for English IV by: Mike Luis A. BOte March, 2014 Approval Sheet: The research paper attached here to, entitled “Modern Technology” Prepared and Submitted by: Mike Luis A. Bote In partial Fulfillment Of the requirements in English IV Is accepted by: ___________________ Mrs. Judy A. Apan English Teacher ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The researcher wants to express his gratitude to his relatives, classmate, and friends for the continuous support they give to him. And because of that support he makes his research paper successful. And for his parents, he also wants to thank them for the patience, when the reasearcher loses hope while doing his research paper. To his class adviser Mrs. Judy A. Apan who gave him a chance to experience on how to do this kind of research paper And most of all to our God Almighty who give him enough knowledge and continuous giving him faith. Table of Contents Title Page Approval Sheet Chapter I *The Problem and its backround* Introduction Statement of the problem Score and Delimination Importance and Study Definition of terms Chapter II Review of related literature Chapter III Presentation Chapter IV Summary, Conclusion and recommendation Chapter V Bibliography Chapter I *The problem and its backround* ...
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...The Future of Energy: Rooftop Solar Panels Coal fired energy plants have long been recognized as extremely damaging to the environment. The role of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, in precipitating climate change is well documented. Carbon-dioxide emissions have increased manifold since the Industrial Revolution and have led to an increase in the Earth’s temperature in the past 50 years, worsening forest fires, drought and coastal flooding among other disastrous side effects of climate change, according to the U.S. Global Change Research Program. (NOAA National Climatic Data Center). In Kentucky where 91% of its power is generated from coal (Department for Energy Development and Independence; Kentucky Coal Association), there is a great impetus for utilities to cut down on carbon emissions. Unfortunately current efforts to reduce carbon emissions are largely insufficient because they do not attempt to reduce America’s and Kentucky’s overreliance on fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. Rather, currently adopted technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and natural gas-fired plants that halve carbon emissions merely seek to reduce the environmental impact while still relying on fossil fuels for energy. (Nijhuis) (Breeze) For a solution to be viable in the long run, it must propose an alternative energy source to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels for energy which is the root cause of excessive carbon emissions. Investing in renewable energy like solar power is...
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...Atmospheric Pollution Research 5 (2014) 79‐86 Atm spheric Pollution Research www.atmospolres.com Assessment of air pollution around coal mining area: Emphasizing on spatial distributions, seasonal variations and heavy metals, using cluster and principal component analysis Bhanu Pandey 1, Madhoolika Agrawal 1, Siddharth Singh 2 1 2 Laboratory of Air Pollution and Global Climate Change, Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi–221005, India Environmental Management Group, Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research (CSIR), Barwa road, Dhanbad–826015, India ABSTRACT Jharia Coal field (JCF) in Jharkhand is the richest coal bearing area in India, which contains large quantities of high grade coking coal. The conventional coal fuel cycle is among the most destructive activities on the earth, threatening the health, polluting the air and water, harming the land, and contributing to global warming. The variations in air quality in terms of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter around JCF were evaluated over the period of 2010 and 2011 at five sites during different seasons. Air pollution index (API), calculated on the basis of suspended particulate matter (SPM), SO2 and NO2 concentrations was highest near the coal mining area. The ambient concentrations of heavy metals (in PM10) also showed significant temporal and spatial variations at different sites around coal mining areas. ...
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...Enhanced Geothermal Systems Ali Yasir Stuart School of Business Enhanced Geothermal Systems Page 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1: SYNOPSIS Scope EGS, a viable option SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION Overview of the Process Basic concept Process Optimization SECTION 3: RESOURCE-BASE IN THE U.S What the facts say? Heat Content SECTION 4: ECONOMICS Potential Cost of Development Levelized Cost of Electricity SECTION 5: EMISSION REDUCTION POTENTIAL Summary of Regulations Potential Environmental Impacts Summary of Environmental Benefits SECTION 6: CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS & GOING FORWARD EGS Worldwide EGS Development in the U.S Obstacles to Further Development in the U.S Policy Options to help promote EGS SECTION 7: CONCLUSION REFERENCES 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 19 20 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 Enhanced Geothermal Systems Page 2 PREFACE There is a pre-dominating energy crisis in the United States, as the country is currently relying on a finite supply of fossil fuels. This energy crisis, along with economic growth and environmental stability must be sustained by developing alternative, renewable energy sources. Population is expanding at a geometric rate and each doubling will increase energy demand that will far exceed supply. China and India have recently developed into industrialized nations and several more will follow. Many leading scientists describe the “tipping point” for carbon dioxide emissions as having already passed, meaning it could be too late for renewable...
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...energy and renewable energy are pitted against each other as the main focuses of resources in the U.S environmental policy because each has an effect on the environment. Renewable energy is constant and can be found all over the nation, but may be costly in different ways. Fossil fuels may be a natural resource but are a one-time use that could eventually become obsolete, and could also be costly. Demonstrating in this research is a plethora of information leading to the outcome of the U.S environmental policy, and whether fossil fuels or renewable resources are best for the environment. Fossil Fuels include coal, petroleum (oil), and natural gas are concentrated organic compounds created from remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago formed into biomass. The refining and consumption of these resources have a massive impact on the environment and will eventually be exhausted. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), fossil fuels meet around 82% of U.S. energy demand. According to the Institute for Energy Research, oil is the “transportation fuel” that makes all modern modes of transportation possible and moves both people and goods around the world. Once the products of refined crude oil came into widespread use, the US was transformed. Today, the most common products derived from oil are found in the energy sector: gasoline, heating oil, aviation fuels and diesel fuel. Oil is also the key ingredient in tens of thousands of consumer...
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...things up so that it is more environmentally safe for our environment. This paper is about the power plant issue and how it is an environmental sustainability issue, and who it will affect, what causes the issue, and how the government can regulate or not regulate it, and the solutions that can be proposed to help with this issue. The issue is that power plants cause many additional problems to the environment just so people can have electricity. Fossil fuel-fired power plants are the nation’s largest source of carbon dioxide, the leading global warming pollutant” (Environment Ohio Research & Policy Center, 2013). “In the United States, warmer temperatures caused by global warming have already increased the frequency and severity of heat waves and heavy downpours, resulting in more intense wildfires, floods, droughts, and tropical storms and hurricanes” (Environment Ohio Research & Policy Center, 2013). “In 2011, power plants were responsible for 42 percent of all U.S. global warming pollution” (Environment Ohio Research & Policy Center, 2013). “Power plants use water for cooling, reducing the amount of water available for irrigation, wildlife, recreation or domestic use” (Environment Ohio Research & Policy Center, 2013). The power plants are drawing more water from our lakes, rivers, streams, and aquifers to help with cooling the plants and it takes away from the population (Environment Ohio Research & Policy Center, 2013). Power plants are a huge environmental sustainability...
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