Alternative Energy: Empowering Change The use of fossil fuels is the most critical concern facing the world today. These sources of energy are not only highly controversial but also, the idea of the destruction and immense change that these natural resources can inflict on our sensitive climate leaves a distinct trepidation in the hearts of many. As the population of Earth continues to grow day after day, so does the demand for energy. Nearly three decades ago, it was hard to imagine what sources of energy could replace fossil fuels, however; innovations in research and technology have given us new options to fight the energy and environmental crisis we are facing today. There are many factors that contribute to the issue of global climate change, such as; the legitimacy of global warming, political corruption, reliance on fossil fuels, allocation of finances, and most importantly international commitment. However, if we are to prevent environmental deterioration, a substantial change is required right now. One that will lead to a new united consciousness and a new evolution of the human race and one that will lead us to independence from fossil fuels. This search for independence from fossil fuels must be inspired by a sense of urgency from all humans of this earth if we are to give future generations a chance to thrive in our energy-hungry society. The issue of global climate change has been debated for nearly sixty years. Skeptics of this urgent issue of global warming
The U.S obtains more than 84% of its energy from fossil fuels including oil, coal and natural gas. This is because people rely on it to heat their homes, power industries, run vehicles, manufacturing, and provision of electricity. It is apparent that the country’s transportation industry highly depends on conventional petroleum oil, which is responsible for global warming, thus threatening economic opulence and national security. Apart from that, increasing consumption of fossil fuels have elevated health problems in the state, destroyed wild places, and polluted the environment. After conducting Environmental Impact Assessment, projections showed that the world energy consumption would increase by more than 56% between 2010 and 2040. However, fossil fuels will cater for more than 80% of the total energy used in 2040. Sadly, it will be a trajectory to alter the world’s climate, as well as, weaken the global security environment. Importantly, the rate at which the US relies on fossil fuels needs to reduce since it has adverse effects on the planet’s supplies. The society needs to realize that fossil fuels are nonrenewable, thus taking millions of years to form (Huebner, 2003). Notably, the country can reduce dependency on fossil fuels by practicing energy conservation and efficiency,
Petroleum has been a mainstay of the United State's economy for almost a century. However, oil has now been recognized as a strong catalyst for global warming, it is becoming scarce and therefore, an expensive necessity to America's economy. In the recent years many universities and scientists have looked for alternatives to oil in the form of renewable energies. These renewable energy sources would be cheaper in the long run, more efficient and environmentally clean. America as a whole must look into these new forms of renewable energy to determine if they are a practical alternative to the use of petroleum as an energy source. If we do not try to find a clean and efficient alternative to fossil fuels, I am concerned
Climate change is the most significant, most revisited, most controversial, most discussed climate issue in modern history. Global warming serves as a glaring demerit on the lengthy list of accomplishments of mankind: a reminder that progress coupled with reckless abandon never has a good outcome. Though its presence in the national spotlight is a recent phenomenon, the early stages of global warming were detected centuries ago.
` The continuous use of fossil fuels is leading the Earth on a path to destruction. Generations of advancement and technological innovation being brought down to rubble. Natural disasters wreaking havoc on innocent people across the world. Temperatures soaring above 125℉ globally. These are the results of the excessive use of fossil fuels. A chief concern in the 21st century is global warming and climate change, and the continued use of fossil fuels for the technology and daily lives of humans is key to blame. Decades ago, these problems were much more daunting and seemingly unsolvable than they are today, with the use of alternative energy sources and new
There have been plenty of disputes regarding the infamous topic global warming, despite the fact that there is a unanimous scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change. A history professor at UCSD, Naomi Oreskes, discusses this in her article, “The Scientific Consensus on Climate Change”. She begins her investigation by researching credible experts and environmental organizations, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the National Academy of Sciences, and several others. By utilizing these various sources as evidence it strengthens her argument about the scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change. In this case, Oreskes audience consists of
Global climate change is an issue being debated all over the world from the recent presidential debates late last year to documentaries being created on either side of the global warming debate. Currently, the world is experiencing many tremendous changes including warming or the earth and rising of our oceans. “The heat extremes were especially pervasive in the Arctic, with temperatures in the fall running 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit above normal across large stretches of the Arctic Ocean. Sea ice in that region has been in precipitous decline for years, and Arctic communities are already wrestling with enormous problems, such as rapid coastal erosion, caused by the changing climate” ”(Gillis, 2). Some believe that global warming exists while
The world right now is facing a major disaster if our habits don’t change. Fossil fuels dominate our energy demand and at our current rate this will remain true for quite some time. The World Energy outlook claims that by 2030 84% of our energy demands will be fulfilled by fossil fuels (Shafiee et al, 181). It is believed that we possess the reserves to meet our demands until 2030 (Shafiee et al, 181) but the cost will increase as time goes on. Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource, meaning that once we run out of what’s currently available, we cannot replenish it. Our future energy needs are heavily dependent on a non-renewable and quickly depleting energy source.
In the modern world there is no more universal debate than Climate change. Recently, the
The discovery of fossil fuels led to times of intense economic and social globalization, as well as several advances in scientific knowledge. With these advanced technologies humans could create and do more than at any other point in history. Because of these fossil fuels, the world is how it is today. But these technologies have a setback. In recent decades, human activities have released ever-greater volumes of greenhouse gases into earth’s atmosphere, enough to affect global climate.
Global climate change is a hot (pun intended) topic in today’s modern, industrialized world. This topic however is crowded with lots of baseless opinions and politicized debates. Even when observing the “facts” we see that this coin is most definitely two-sided, the information can be and is interpreted in a number of ways depending on which side of the issue you stand. Within this paper I am going to examine both sides of argument with sources from two films, “Are We Changing Planet Earth”, “Global Warming: Hype or Hazard?” and a book, “This Borrowed Earth: 15 Lesson from the worst environmental disasters around the world” by Robert Emmet Hernan.
Most people today use fossil fuels, but there is a problem that comes with using them. Soon, the world is going to run out of fossil fuels. The average person uses some type of fossil fuel every single day, and cannot imagine a world without them. Can you imagine a world with no gas, propane, or coal? Better yet, can you imagine the world without the machines, vehicles, and appliances that are powered by fossil fuels. Fossil fuel is not the only form of energy, though. There is also alternative energy. We must start using alternative energy. We must start using alternative energy, or we will deplete our fossil fuels.
In recent decades, energy needs have seen unprecedented growth. Everyone is using more electricity. Currently, around 80% of the worlds’ energy consumption is supplied by fossil fuels, which include petroleum, coal, and natural gas (“Our Energy Use in Numbers”). Generally, these resources are cheap and readily available. They are arguably one of the most stable sources of energy and release high amounts of heat upon combustion, thus giving them a high calorific value (“Fossil Fuels - IER”). Unfortunately, the environmental impacts using fossil fuels are overwhelmingly negative. For example, the 900 million tons of coal burned in the US every year release nearly a trillion tons of carbon dioxide and five million tons of various nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, leading to widespread temperature increases and acid rain (“Fossil Fuels”). Often times, extraction of these resources can destroy entire ecosystems, poisoning water supplies and leaving areas uninhabitable from landscape destruction. Oil spills can leak millions of gallons of oil, devastating aquatic life for generations to come. Furthermore, this model of energy production is not at all sustainable since fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources — most researchers estimate that by the end of the 21st century, known crude oil reserves will be completely depleted, with natural gas and coal deposits following shortly thereafter (“The End of Fossil Fuels”). This will invariably lead to rising fuel and electricity
The most of global energy production produces from fossil fuel such as coal, oil and natural gas. The vast fossil fuels generate energy which use for many purposes for instant residential, transportation and industrial sectors. While the rate consumption of fossil fuel higher than their formation leads to oil price crisis. Another concern of fossil fuel combustion is the impact on the environment. Global warming is a significant problem which results in increasing concentrations of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. These problems drive researchers and societies to search alternative energy such as switching to renewable energy or carbon-free energy to replace fossil fuels. For example Nakata et al., (2011:465) show ‘low-carbon society’
The purpose of this paper is to provide an environmental scan and explore issues pertaining to the scarcity of fossil fuels. It will briefly explore the transition from historical energy sources to the primary use fossil fuels. Why is this a dangerous global issue? What are the effects of said issue as it pertains to the social, economic, and political landscapes? It will also assert how Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943) is impacted by fossil fuel depletion. Finally, some recommendations will be offered regarding fossil fuels and future exploration, implementation, and utilization of more renewable energy resources.
Today, more than ever there is a pronounced need for alternative fuels. With the rise in sea levels, warming ocean temperatures in addition to a hole in the ozone layer, Earth is suffering in so many ways, it is crying out for help; nonetheless the damage is done and as a consequence is irreversible. Energy comes in a variety of ways. From fossil fuels, to nuclear energy, to wind generated power. A majority of the population relies heavily on various types of energy for daily use. Detrimental impacts of both humans and the planet are being witnessed. Daily commutes to and from work, running errands, in addition, the occasional meetings with the best friend over coffee remain some of the ways society depends on fossil fuels. That is what is