...Perceptual blocks, habits and fossil fuel. The renewable energy debate is something that all people have weighed in on and continue to argue about. Some people say that there are more than enough fossil fuels to provide energy for years to come. Others want to introduce hybrids into the mix in order to lessen the carbon footprint, even though electric cars still rely on the electricity generated by coal. Many people want to explore new alternatives for energy while others want to find new areas to drill for the oil that we are all so reliant upon. I have been interested in alternative energy resources since childhood. I have always had a hard time understanding how man could be so reliant upon fossil fuel when there are so many other resources out there that are renewable, prolific, and easily attainable. Solar, wind and water is a much better option to look at. Our country should stop spending so much money on fossil fuels and instead invest in researching the benefits of energy derived from water. Water is our planet’s greatest and most renewable resource. Hydrogen is a very powerful chemical that could provide energy for engines and generators. I can only speculate as to why it has been ignored for so very long. I have spent a lifetime listening to my family and role models detail renewable energy, sustainable yield, and the money hungry government. Advocating for alternative energy has become a veritable tradition. “Resistance to change” and “mine-is-better” is the ruling...
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...It is true that our world is heavily dependent on oil and are concerns and disagreements as to there is a debate about how much oil remains in the ground and how much of that oil we will actually be able to recover before we reach the peak of oil production. Oil is such a critical resource to our economy and way of life that we should be better prepared for any possible unplanned break to its supply. (Turk, J. 2014) This past decade has seen a growing chorus of energy analysts has warned of the approach of peak oil, when the global rate of petroleum extraction will reach its maximum and begin its inevitable decline. The biggest peak happened in the United States in 1970, when America produced 9.5 million barrels per day of oil, the current figure is less than 6 mbd. At one time the United States was the world's top oil-exporting nation; but today America is the world's top importer of oil. (Heinberg, R. 2014) One alternative to oil would be the use of geothermal energy which is a heat derived below the earth’s surface which can be utilized to produce clean, renewable energy. This essential, clean energy resource supplies renewable power and emits little or no greenhouse gases while requiring a small environmental footprint to develop. (DOE, 2012). Another would be the use of ethanol which is a renewable fuel made from corn and other plant materials. The use of ethanol is now widespread and almost all gasoline in the U.S. contains ethanol in...
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...Assignment: Wk 2 To Drill or Not to Drill? October 20, 2013 The Renewable Energy: It’s Worth the Cost Currently, there is a huge debate surrounding the future of renewable energy. Oil production is at the center of the debate as we are seeing a large increase in oil prices due to our need of foreign oil. There are some supporters of looking in our American natural landscape for resources such as oil to reduce our dependence on foreign supply and boost the American economy. Those opposed to this solution point question why destroy the American wildlife for a natural resource that will take too long to produce, cost the American people a large amount of money, and will not give any final solution to the need because those resources will also eventually also be depleted. They would like to see the American government continue to look into renewable energy source which could substantially reduce our need of natural resources saving the American landscape and wildlife. The supporters of us tapping into the natural landscape to search for natural resources on American land feel that this will not only reduce our dependence on foreign resources, but also boost our economy by creating jobs and reduce our national debt. They feel that solely seeking renewable energy will stall our economy. They argue that looking into the American natural resources will interrupt such a small part of the American landscape and the wildlife will be preserved so why would we not continue to see...
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...Brief: Clean Energy Markets: Jobs and Opportunities April 2010 Update [Type text] In Brief: Clean Energy Markets: Jobs and Opportunities Executive Summary This brief discusses how investment in clean energy technologies will generate economic growth and create new jobs in the United States and around the globe. The United States stands to benefit from the expansion of global clean energy markets, but only if it moves quickly to support domestic demand for and production of clean energy technologies through well-designed policy that enhances the competitiveness of U.S. firms. Clean energy markets are already substantial in scope and growing fast. Between 2004 and 2007, global investments in renewable energy more than doubled. Forecasts of investment totals over the next few decades vary according to assumptions made regarding the nature of future global climate agreements. Annual investments in global renewable energy markets could reach $106-$230 billion a year in 2020 and as much as $424 billion a year in 2030 (in year 2000 dollars). Over the next decade, assuming strong global action on climate change, cumulative global investment totals for clean power generation technologies could reach nearly $2.2 trillion. Recognizing the potential of these markets, China, Europe, and other nations are moving to cultivate their own clean energy industries and position them to gain large market shares in the decades ahead. In 2009, China invested more money in clean energy technologies...
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...ckouts An unbiased debate on whether wind farms are really worth the cost/controversy 2. http://www.carbon-footprint-defined.com/wind-power-controversy.html An environmental investigation, questioning whether how dangerous they are to animals and their habitats and if the energy can actually be stored sustainably 3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power_in_the_United_Kingdom Facts and figures on wind power in the UK 4. Does wind energy really work? - Clinton County Wind Watch Geographical investigation that claims wind energy doesn't work 5. http://www.bwea.com/energy/how.html A basic diagram showing how wind energy works 6. http://www.telosnet.com/wind/ A detailed history of the development of wind energy up to the present day 7. http://www.awea.org/learnabout/publications/upload/Ten_Steps.pdf 10 steps to developing a wind farm 8. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/apr/23/us-uk-floating-wind-turbines An article informing the public on future collaborations between the us and uk on 'floating' wind turbines 9. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy/guide/pdfs/developingwindpower.pdf The key aspects in developing a wind farm 10. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19208400 News story on how animals are effected by off shore wind farms 11. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/davey-takes-on-osborne-over-wind-farms-8142473.html Current affairs on where our country stands with wind farms and renewable...
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...ARTICLE IN PRESS Energy Policy ] (]]]]) ]]]–]]] Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Energy Policy journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/enpol Valuing a wind farm construction: A contingent valuation study in Greece Phoebe Koundouri, Yiannis Kountouris, Kyriaki Remoundou à Department of International and European Economic Studies, Athens University of Economics and Business, 5th floor, Derigny Building, 76 Patision Street, 10434 Athens, Greece a r t i c l e in fo abstract Article history: Received 9 May 2008 Accepted 21 January 2009 Our analysis is based on data from a double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation study implemented to elicit public attitudes towards renewable energy generation and their willingness to pay for the construction of a wind farm in the area of Messanagros in the island of Rhodes, Greece. Results indicate that there are significant positive values deriving from the proposed project. Respondents report a mean willingness to pay a premium in their bi-monthly electric bills of h8.86 for the sole purpose of the construction of the wind farm. The estimated economic benefits to the local population are weighed against the investment cost in a cost–benefit analysis to inform policy making and implications for EU energy policy are provided. & 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Contingent valuation Renewable energy Wind farm 1. Introduction Climate change is currently considered to be...
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...Energy in America Hum/111 August 12, 2012 Frank Nolan Energy in America I understand that cost and budgeting is a hot subject in the united states of American with the economy being so bad right now. But I do not think that there is one firm solution the energy needs on the United States. In my opinion I think we should do a combination of both, looking for oil on our homeland has more benefits the negatives. If we where able to find oil on our home land that would lower the price of oil and help build jobs and create a much less need to import oil from other country’s. If we spend money looking for oil in those areas and there is none it can be a huge waste of taxpayers money. Being faced with high risk and reward is always a struggle and the outcome can fall either way. While looking for oil in uninhibited places we should begin to explore other options for energy at the same time from wind, water and solar sources. The United States is depended on energy so reducing the amount used can be a uphill battle I believe we have the technology to create more efficient ways to use or present energy. Going one single route is not the solution to the energy situation in America this is why I think it is always up for debate and this is what makes it difficult to come up with a solution for the actual problem. I think if we take our time and per sue those options bit by bit , over time the true answer will come to surface. (chu, jan ) states that President Obama has been...
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...Piecing Together a Clean Energy Solution Scientists almost unanimously agree on the facts behind climate change. Global warming and increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are presently occurring phenomena, with the largest culprit being modern society’s burning of fossil fuels. The opinions and claims emerging from Congress and the White House are much less straight forward. Alongside vocal pushes to replace traditional energy sources with non-carbon sources, opponents to climate change policy have voiced concerns about efficacy and economic costs of proposed legislation. These climate policy opponents form a large enough coalition in Congress to block legislation, shifting the responsibility to handle climate change to the states. State level policies like renewable portfolio standards and financial incentives to invest in clean energy do more to combat climate change than if advocates had continued to pursue federal level legislation. However, the patchwork implementation of climate policies at the state level causes varying levels of action among states, making it difficult to ensure continued emissions reductions for the future. A majority of scientists also predict catastrophic future effects if the world maintains its current trajectory of fossil fuel usage. The resultant “dangerous anthropogenic interference” from carbon emissions could cause a variety of phenomena like rising sea levels and frequent natural disasters which would have massive social and economic...
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...Christians to be good stewards over what He graciously has given them. One way to demonstrate obedience to God, is to value the things He values. In demonstrating appreciation for the world we live in we are called to be accountable for it as imitators of Christ. The Bible says, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Some ways to consider making changes for the better of the environment would be recycling, properly disposing personal waste, and using natural resources such as using solar or wind energy. Christians honor God in the way they live, and in doing so it is necessary to consider the world they live in. Whether you are a new believer, or have been living for Christ for years the environmental interest should be a concern for all Christians. The challenge is to change the way of thinking just as it must be done to effectively live like the example Jesus Christ. Instead of engaging in the debate over the environmental crisis one must take the individual accountability with the conviction of the ever present Holy Spirit, and live a Christ-like life. Does this mean Christians need to become radical environmentalist? No, not at all, the impact on the environment doesn’t have to be a huge leap to make a real difference. Change can be as simple as...
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...Global warming means a gradual increase in the Earth's average lower atmosphere due to emissions and build up of greenhouse gases . Global warming is when the earth heats up and the temperature rises. It happens when greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxide, and methane trap heat and light from the sun in the earth’s atmosphere, which increases the temperature. Greenhouse gases are released mostly by the burning of fossil fuels for transportation, heating, electrical appliances and manufacturing, but they are also released as a result of the natural decomposition of organic materials, wildfires, deforestation, and land-clearing activities. The diffusion of these gases results in the spread of various epidemics. There are myriad problems that emerge due to global warming. The repercussions of the soaring temperature are serious and irreversible. Global warming can have devastating long term consequences. It disturbs the biodiversity of various species and their genetic makeup. It causes the sea levels to rise everywhere, permanently flooding many low lying parts of the earth. Many geographical areas may experience reduction in crop yield due to drier and hotter condition. In particular, global warming will result in the extinction of many under water species and is a major threat to marine ecosystems. Also, the increase in temperatures results in the melting of glaciers and expansion of ocean water, both of which cause sea level to rise. Higher...
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...any of the impending national legislative decisions that are under debate. These mandates are often justified as a means of providing the long term lowest cost of electricity for consumers. Supporters have stated repeatedly, that renewable energies will be less expensive in the long run when compared to the costs of new coal-fired generation facilities in particular. Thus, advocates would have us believe that pouring taxpayer money into renewable energy like solar and wind would create an estimated 5 million new jobs, end our reliance on imported oil and give us clean air. As welcome as those results would be, they're founded on the illusion that renewable fuels are an energy panacea and that the market is ignoring an easy answer to our problems, which of course, our wise politicians can see. When you look at the facts it does not support this. These energies constitute a part of our energy mix in the future, but they represent only a tiny fraction of our energy needs and won't lead us out of the economic and environmental backwoods. In conclusion, renewable energy solutions are not only needed but often the public wants them to be implemented. But it must be at a rate as to not cause energy rates to rise substantially, and when rates do rise, those at or near the poverty line need to be protected from those rates. In the future, we need to make sure that we all can benefit from conservation and clean energy if...
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...Ricciardi) 9 4. Sharp Solar – (Aaron Teo) 11 5. Suntech – (Tutram Nguyen) 13 Companies Comparison and Evaluation 16 Conclusions 17 Bibliography 18 Executive Summary In the last decade, the solar industry has seen exponential growth. Government subsidies, climate change debate and need to identify alternative eco-friendly energy sources have fueled this sector. The idea of harnessing renewable energy from the sun is naturally attractive but is it a perfect solution? Do the companies profiting in this business abide to the same United Nations Global Compact principles urged by environmentalist, conservationists, human rights activists, governments and other stakeholders around the world? This paper will provide our findings on our evaluation of five global players against a handful of corporate social responsibility issues in the solar industry. The Solar Photovoltaic Industry and CSR related issues Introduction As traditional hydrocarbon supplies are increasingly difficult and expensive to extract, energy companies have to change their strategy in order to meet the demands of a growing population increasingly dependent on power. Renewable energy has become the focus for many energy companies as they look towards a ‘greener’ future. Whether this increasing commitment has stemmed from a genuine will to do better or from the changing demands of stakeholders is remains open...
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...The Future of Energy: Guiding Decisions with Evidence SC300 October 16, 2012 Kaplan University The Future of Energy: Guiding Decisions with Evidence Here in my home I try and do what I can to conserve energy. I use a low flow water head on my shower and I rarely use the bathtub. I keep my water heater set at 120 degrees. I buy only compact florescent bulbs for my lights. I keep my thermostat no higher than 68 degrees, even if that means wearing hoodies inside when it feels chilly. There are other things I should do to conserve. I need to add more insulation to my attic, turn off my electronic devices when not in use, and upgrade some of my appliances to newer energy efficient ones. (I did just upgrade my washer and dryer). On an average day it is amazing to think of the energy that I use. My cell phone, which I have to recharge, is my alarm clock. I use the water heater when I shower. My furnace heats the house now that it’s gotten colder out. I use my stove or microwave to make something to eat. The refrigerator keeps my food cold. I use my computer to do my homework on. I have to drive myself to work because there is no public transportation where I live. I do not have central air conditioning in my home, and although I have window a/c units, I really try and not use them. Luckily my house sits where trees do most of the shading during the summer months. Over the course of a year my energy needs vary very little. The only difference is not using...
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...Writing Sample - Ocean Energy Research Paper 4 months ago * * Email * Favorite * Favorited × * Download * Embed * More… * * Copy and paste this code into your blog or website Copy Customize Without related content Start from slide number Size (px) 382 x 408 477 x 510 572 x 612 668 x 714 Embed code for WordPress.com blogs Copy Close * We have emailed the verification/download link to "". Login to your email and click the link to download the file directly. To request the link at a different email address, update it here. Close Validation messages. Success message. Fail message. Check your bulk/spam folders if you can't find our mail. * Loading… Close * Favorited! You could add some tags too Have an opinion? Make a quick comment as well. Cancel * Edit your favorites Cancel * Send to your Group / Event Add your message Cancel × Like this presentation? 0 comments Embed Video Subscribe to comments Post Comment Edit your comment Cancel Speaker Notes on slide 1 Writing Sample - Ocean Energy Research Paper - Document Transcript 1. Ocean Energy: A Solution for America’s Energy Problem Adam Sherwin America’s energy future can be described as a “trilemma.”1 The challenge of meeting the country’s energy demands requires consideration of three central problems: national security and reliability costs, financial...
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...1. Explain the factors which have contributed to Scandinavia being named the most advanced part of the planet? (12) Scandinavia; Norway, Sweden and Denmark being named as the most advanced part of the world causes debate on both sides of the spectrum, with factors supporting each side of the argument. On one hand Scandinavia can be seen as the most advanced part of the planet due to its economical stance. All countries feature in the top 13 of a World Bank GDP per Capita survey with Norway sitting in 2nd. This economical stature could come not just from the vast natural resources in the area, but the emphasis on education and R&D in the area. Within the three countries an average of 4% of their GDP is spend on education, 0.5% above European average. This can be highlighted by the fact on average between the three countries 33% of the population is educated to tertiary level, the European average for this is 25%. The well educated population not only leads to high paying jobs in the tertiary and quaternary sector but also to an increased level of Patents due to the all-round smarter population. On average 283 patents (per million people) were filled in Scandinavia, giving them the exclusive rights to such inventions, again they were all vastly above the European average of 186. As well as economically and through education Scandinavia can be assessed as the most advanced part of the world due to their use of technology. Technology use, through a well educated population...
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