...Oil Alternatives Examine the changing importance of three energy alternatives to oil [20 Marks] 1200 words. Correct citations. Oil has been an important resource for humanity for centuries. It is easily accessible and efficient and over time has been extremely versatile in its uses. Today oil is used for fueling cars, cooking food, cosmetics, lubricants, paintings, organic chemistry, etc. For a long time oil has been the primary and main provider of energy, but due to increasing environmental effects, scarcity, and global inflation, it seems as if it will not last much longer. This essay will highlight the growing importance of three alternatives of oil that may rise to prominence in the future: algae biofuel, nuclear energy, and hydroelectric power. The first alternative that will be discussed is algae biofuel. In essence algae biofuels are the same as normal fuels except that the components of the fuel are organic and biological rather than fossil fuel based. Production is caused through a series of chemical reactions and is nontoxic and renewable. Algae sources can be re-replaced through more farming. The standard production method consists of planting lots of algae pods and letting them interact with the sun and bacteria to create oil. (Howstuffworks) Although this method releases a lot of CO2 it is all taken back again through growing more algae. This is of the many advantages of algae biofuel. Firstly its production yield far surpasses that of other variations...
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...Arms Control (Nuclear Disarmament) Arms control refers to any international limitation or regulation where developing, testing, producing, deploying, or even using weapons is concerned on the basis that it is inevitable for some national military establishments to continue existing. This concept points to some type of collaboration between states that are antagonistic or competitive in general when it comes to military policy, in a bid to lower the chances of war and in the event of such, to limit its damage (Jones 4). From a broader perspective, arms control is a product of historical state practices involving disarmament that has seen many successes and challenges since the 20th century. The two terms have at some point been differentiated where disarmament agreements are often deemed as direct prohibition of weapons possession and production, while arms-control agreements often start by limiting testing, deploying, or using of some types of weapons. Arms-control efforts especially between the Soviet Union (U.S.S.R.) and the U.S. during the Cold War were crucial to limitation of the nuclear arms race, and by the 20th century’s end, arms control as a term started denoting any arms-limitation or disarmament agreement (Browne, Shetty and Somerville 377). The most important are the NPT (Non-proliferation Treaty) and the CTBT (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty). The main benefit or importance of the NPT is that of ensuring that international peace and security are enhanced. Nonproliferation...
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...Establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East The risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East The risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East Report of the Secretary-General 1. In its resolution 67/73, entitled “The risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East”, the General Assembly: (a) Welcomed the conclusions on the Middle East of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons; (b) Reaffirmed the importance of Israel’s accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and placement of all its nuclear facilities under comprehensive International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards, in realizing the goal of universal adherence to the Treaty in the Middle East; (c) Called upon that State to accede to the Treaty without further delay, not to develop, produce, test or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons to renounce possession of nuclear weapons, and to place all its unsafeguarded nuclear facilities under full-scope Agency safeguards as an important confidence-building measure among all States of the region and as a step towards enhancing peace and security; (d) Requested the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its sixty-eighth session on the implementation of the resolution. 2. The present report is submitted pursuant to paragraph 4 of the abovementioned resolution. Apart from the material forwarded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (see annex)...
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...UK energy provision The United Kingdom’s energy use per capita (38 MWh) is much higher than that of the world’s average of 22 MWh. In order for the UK to provide enough energy we use many different sources, some being used more that others. Figure 1 Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 2 Figure 1 shows that the UK’s main energy provider is Gas, which equates to 34.6% of the UK’s consumption. Oil is used at almost the exact same amount, standing at 33.6%. This means that the main 2 energy providers to the UK makeup more that 65% of the total consumption. Coal is next most consumed at 19.2%. If we’re classing that nuclear energy is a renewable source still just 12.7% of the UK’s energy use was renewable, which is shockingly low to say the importance of the need for clean, sustainable energy. The world is already on a path to reduce use of fossil fuels and start using cleaner renewable energies. Trade blocs are also combatting for sustainable energy, for example the European Union have set up the Emissions Trade scheme, which puts a price on carbon, which it hopes will influence companies to use less carbon aggressive sources, becoming more efficient. From being 12.7% renewable in 2012 the government hopes that 20% of our energy will be renewable by 2020. Figure 2 shows that by 2050 wind energy is predicted to increase rapidly, being a renewable enrgy this is obviously good, however unforntuantly some people complain that the turbines are an unpleasnt sight and are too noisy...
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...INTRODUCTION Energy is of principal significance for a modern developed economy. Severe interruptions in the supply of power can lead directly to an almost complete break of public and private life in the Western countries. This is an essential concern that should be taken into account in any potential state. Extensive trade and industry growth are expected around the world during the 21st century, thus continuing the trend of the 20th century. As a result, average living standards will rise, leading to a strong increase in energy demand, even if the efficiency of energy conversion increases and the potential of energy conservation are exploited. In the longer term, the increase in world population and a higher standard of living are likely to lead to a much increased demand for power. The intention of this paper is to provide a background for a dialogue concerning the adequate support of current research programmes and the development of technologies for future energy needs beyond the middle of the 21st century. Fossil fuels In the last century, world energy supply was mainly based on fossil fuels - oil, coal and natural gas. (Cucchiella 2012)(1) This will not change in the near future. However, in view of environmental concerns, it may prove undesirable to use mainly fossil fuels to meet the growing energy demand. Moreover, limited reserves of natural gas and oil as well as their concentration in certain areas are potential sources of conflict. It is therefore of utmost...
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...electricity is not only reducing the resources of oil and creating an energy problem on this planet they are also creating atmospheric pollution. A single change in a positive or negative way can have an effect on many other factors of this environment. In order to create positive change there needs to be proper research and education into what changes will have the best impact on this planet. The cost of the change will always be a factor but humankind needs to consider; is the cost of change a bigger factor than the change itself. There needs to be real consideration for the impact that we have over the environment by our actions and not the cost of what it will take to make a positive impact; the longer humankind takes to make positive changes the more it will inevitable cost to make those changes. The different environmental problems at this point in time that impact this planet are all linked; they all break down to how much carbon dioxide we are producing on this planet. Carbon dioxide is produced by using nonrenewable resources such as oil and coal and has exponentially increased due to the industrial revolution. The earth naturally producing carbon dioxide but we have increased the amount in the atmosphere due to our use of nonrenewable resources. We need to find the best ways that can reduce our dependence on nonrenewable resources and find a way to increase renewable resources. The energy consumption of this planet needs to become clean...
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...Smith ENGB 5142 The Role and Challenges of Renewable Energy Energy is readily available everywhere and comes in various forms. Our universe was created when an infinitely large ball of energy suddenly collapsed and appeared as a small single speck that still contained vast amounts of energy and very low volume. Energy is a property of matter that allows life to occur. Energy sources can be transferred. Stated more eloquently in the First Law of Thermodynamics, “Energy cannot be created nor destroyed, but can change form.” Capturing different forms of universal energy and transferring them for purposeful use is essential for the progress of modern life. Transferring energy sources in methods of energy production is at the root of every developed nation and its renewability is central to economic development. How can we capture and redirect different forms of energy for more practical use? There are numerous ways to do this; many of which are commonplace around the world today. Acquiring certain forms of energy for use may require mining, drilling, combustion technology, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and other technologies. In the following paragraphs we will explore the vast world of energy by looking at the disadvantages to nonrenewable energy and taking an in-depth look at renewable energy sources and exploring the challenges associated with employing these types of sources in an effort to create energy sustainability in our world. We will also seek to discover...
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...described the scientific importance of the discovery of the atomic bomb. Immediately after the droppings of the atomic bombs on Japan until the present day, there were many debates on whether the Manhattan Project was justified or if nuclear weapons are even ethical. Seeing the destruction of the “Little Man” and “Fat Boy” bombs in the moment arose great fear and discontent. However, looking at the Manhattan Project in retrospect shows that the advantages gained through the years greatly outweigh the consequences of the nuclear weapons. The Manhattan Project was a pivotal endeavor in America’s history...
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...billion tons (36.1 billion metric tons) of carbon dioxide last year. That is 778 million tons (706 metric tons) or 2.3 per cent more than the previous year" (Zolfagharifard 2014). The United States and many countries attempted more environmentally friendly solutions but only to fall on heuristic approaches. In order to tackle the problem head on, nuclear reactors must be built; for this reason Lucas Davis writes: The NRC received 16 license applications for a total of 24 proposed reactors. The time was right, so it seemed, for a nuclear power renaissance in the United States. Natural Gas Prices were at their highest level ever in real terms. The 2005 Energy Policy Act provided loan guarantees, production tax credits, and other subsidies for new nuclear plants. Many believed that the United States Was close to enacting legislation that would limit emissions of carbon dioxide. (Davis 49) Nuclear power is the solution to the world's growing energy problems; it is relatively safe, sustainable and most importantly, powerful. Nuclear reactions can easily be dangerous being such a powerful force but if handled properly, nuclear reactions can be as safe as chemical reactions handled in the lab. Even mining uranium is safe. "The U3O8 is only mildly radioactive. (The radiation level one metre from a drum of...
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...renewed interest in 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...
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...fractionation is a useful technique. Enables scientist to determine the functions of organelles. A Panoramic View of the Cell Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They both have: Plasma Membrane, Cytosol (semifluid subst), Chromosomes (carry genes), and Ribosomes (make proteins). Prokaryotic: are small, simple, and NO nucleus or membrane-enclosed organelles, DNA is concentrated in the nucleoid w/o membrane separating it. Eukaryotic: are big, complex, the chromosomes are contained within a membranous nuclear envelope, and numerous organelles suspended in the cytosol. Explain the advantages of compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells. They have both hydrophobic region tail and hydrophilic head. Head composed phosphate group attached to one carbon of glycerol is hydrophilic. The Nucleus and Ribosomes Describe the structure and function of the nuclear envelope, including the role of the pore complex. Nuclear Envelope: a complex double membrane structure that encloses the nucleus. - Studded with pore-like openings - Its inside surface...
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...Nuclear Power Plant Design for the United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates (also referred to as the UAE or the Emirates) is a relatively young country that has established a powerful world economy in a short period of time. After breaking ties from the United Kingdom just over four decades ago, the UAE has quickly developed one of the most appealing economies for foreign investment in Western Asia. The Emirates’ largest cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are significant business gateways between the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Leveraging its prime geographical location and plentiful oil and natural gas reserves, the UAE has endeavored to develop its economy to the point that “today, [the Emirates] feels proud of [its] world-class and highly-ranked sea and air ports, which have strongly positioned the UAE as a main hub for trade and travel worldwide,” according to UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed. This improvement-centric mindset coupled with strategic reinvestment in infrastructure sets the United Arab Emirates on a path towards long-term global impact in many business indices. Figure [ 1 ] http://data.worldbank.org/country/united-arab-emirates S S Figure [ 1 ] http://data.worldbank.org/country/united-arab-emirates S S Over the past decade foreign direct investment (FDI) has swelled around the attractive business sector of the United Arab Emirates. Since its inception in 1971, the Emirates’ economy has grown exponentially, with gross domestic...
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...“Singapore is a large city (5.6 million people)…it has a natural climate 12.5° C hotter than the global average but is kept cool enough for its inhabitants…” Singapore has to be doing something right in order to achieve this result and that something right is evolution over time. Evolution has allowed for this to happen, therefore Lovelocks wants humans to evolve with Earth and that includes energy source and try and slow down the climate change through geo-engineering practices. Lovelock believes that nuclear power is the energy source of the future because of its efficiency increase over coal/oil and its huge amounts of various types of nuclear energy sources that will last us billions of years. Also nuclear power is probably safer than coal or oil energy sources. While geo-engineering has some great ideas, it is just far under researched and to many unknowns to be a certainty like nuclear is. To Lovelock humans are superior, but they must consider the living and non-living because without them the human species will die. Therefore, Lovelock wants us to also become holistic and recognize importance of other organisms but we must evolve to stay...
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...Energy Security in India Important facts regarding energy generation capacity and the energy mix for India Source | Percentage | Coal | 57 | Hydro | 18.6 | Renewable | 12.25 | Gas | 8.9 | Nuclear | 2.2 | Oil | 0.56 | Sector | Percentage | State | 40 | Central | 29 | Pvt | 29 | 1. Energy is the prime mover of a country’s economic growth. Availability of energy with required quality of supply is not only key to sustainable development, but the commercial energy also have a parallel impact and influence on the quality of service in the fields of education, health and, in fact, even food security. 2. According to a report by IEA (International Energy Agency), India needs to invest a total of 800 billion dollars in various stages by 2030 to meet its energy demand. India accounts to around 2.4% of the annual world energy production, but on the other hand consumes 3.3% of the annual world energy supply. And this imbalance is estimated to surpass Japan and Russia by 2030 placing India into the third position in terms of annual energy consumption. Therefore, after summing up all the energy issues, energy security has been identified as the only tool to overcome the energy concerns. 3. According to Integrated Energy Policy, for a 9% growth over a sustained period, imports of crude oil in 2031-32 may be between 362-520 million tonnes with import dependence of 91%-94%. For natural gas, it may be 25-135 (Mtoe), which means an import dependence of 20%-57%...
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...The Benefits Of Powering Our Future With Nuclear Energy February 26, 2015 The Benefits Of Powering Our Future With Nuclear Energy A significant issue that impacts the American economy today is the increasing demand for energy, the availability of fuel, and the rising cost of electricity. There are many Americans who have anti-nuclear views for many different reasons related to safety, security and economics. These Americans oppose the construction of new nuclear plants because they are focused solely on the potential negative aspects of nuclear power generation such as radiation exposure and terrorism. These concerns are legitimate; however, evidence suggests that America should support building more nuclear power plants because nuclear power is a safe, economic and environmentally sound energy source. In exploring the safety aspects of nuclear power generation, we find that one of the most prevalent reasons that people are opposed to nuclear plant construction is their fear of the risks that are associated with radiation exposure. When nuclear power is generated, material is produced that emits radiation. This material can come into contact with people during routine power plant operation. In addition, radiation can be released during nuclear power plant accidents, and transportation of nuclear material. As described by University of Pittsburgh Professor Bernard Cohen, “radiation exposure can damage biological cells and thereby initiate a cancer and cause genetic diseases”...
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