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Alternative source of energy
Impact of fossil fuels on the environment
Impact of fossil fuels on the environment
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Life on this earth could not exist without the sun. The sun is the center of our solar system. The sun lights the earth and warms its surface, but it is capable of doing so much more. The sun’s energy can be harnessed to serve as an alternative energy source. This energy would be reliable and would put to rest fears of running out of sources of energy. The energy from the sun is also renewable, meaning the energy consumed will regenerate over time. Is there a perfect energy source? No, there is not, but solar energy certainly is a better source of energy than fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are an existing source of energy, but they cannot be relied on indefinitely. The use of alternate energy sources causes some controversy, as some question the …show more content…
Solar panels require minimal maintenance once they are in place, except for cleaning. Large manufacturers of solar panels tend to offer twenty to twenty-five year warranties on their product (Maehlum). This means that the companies know their product will last a very long time, and investors will not have to deal with the units malfunctioning or breaking down. Solar energy is also sustainable in the fact that the use of solar energy will not forsake generations to come. It is impossible to consume too much of the sun’s energy, as with fossil fuels (Maehlum). This is a concern with fossil fuels, as they are non-renewable. It is important to have as little dependability on fossil fuels as possible so generations to come are not left with dwindling energy sources. A source of energy that can be depended on for generations means stability. Stability is essential when considering the future. A stable source of energy is the key to a stable society. Without a stable source of power, there can be no stability in society. There would be no means of staying warm and no source of power. By implementing renewable energy on a larger scale, and becoming less dependent on fossil fuels, humanity secures part of its future. Solar energy helps protect future generations from worrying about an energy crisis by being a source of energy that can be relied on for many years to
Despite generating electricity with fossil fuels for years and years there is a much better way that does not harm the environment. Using Solar panels does not produce any carbon dioxide unlike fossil fuels that “produces huge volumes of carbon dioxide, which is a gas that influences the global climate” (“Solar Power Vs. Fossil Fuels”). Having the choice to get power in a new way that saves the environment, home owners should not have to think twice about trying solar. In fact if home owners collect some amount of watts per hour on Monday, that will not reduce the amount of solar energy a home owner can collect on Wednesday or any other day that week. They can always keep collecting the power. No matter what people may argue about how much coal, natural gas and petroleum remains buried in the Earth, those fossil fuels will run out far earlier than the life of the sun ("Solar Power Vs. Fossil Fuels"). Home owners should invest in solar energy because solar systems have very dependable technology with little maintenance, they offer financial savings and they are better for the environment.
When you stop to think about the earth we live on, you begin to realize how much of it we take for granted. The planet earth is teaming with millions of living organisms and countless mountain tops. This way of thinking could also lead you to ask the questions, “Where did our major source of energy come from?” To answer the questions, most living things depend on the sun as their ultimate energy source. Let me elaborate on that point more, what we have going on, on earth is more or less a system. A system is defined as a network of independent components and processes, with materials and energy flowing from one component of the system to another (McGraw-Hill, 2013). When describing how most living things on earth use the sun as their ultimate source of energy the following things are factored; Photosynthesis, herbivory, predation, and decomposition. Separate, it seems as though they have nothing to do with each other, but when you put them together it makes it clear how these factors are most living things sourc...
NASA have done studies to prove that the sun is going to be around for 6.5 billion years, so why waste it. This means we have plentiful energy sources we just need people and governments to invest in it.
The sun has been a major aspect of life since the beginning of time. People used many other forms of energy before electricity was discovered. There has been a debate over energy resources for years. Many people are worried about what current energy resources may be doing to the environment. Oil spills and nuclear power plant mishaps have only been a few accidents that have had a big impact on the environment and the people who inhabit it. There are plenty of energy sources that do not harm the environment and are still able to get the job done. Solar energy is one energy alternative that will insure the betterment of the country and, at the same time, protect the natural environment.
Before the 1970’s, people thought that all life on earth derived from energy provided by the sun. As human beings, yes, it is essential for our bodies. We absorb sunlight through our skin and produce essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. The sun also warms our planet making living conditions tolerable. Without the sun our planet would be extremely cold and impossible to live on. Plants and animals also need the sun for existence. In fact, humans, animals and plants need the sunlight, for it is the main source for the creation of our food. Imagine living in temperatures as high as 200°F or as low as 100° below zero. Or consider jumping into a pool of bleach or gasoline. These conditions would be fatal to the average
The Sun is one of the most valuable resources to us as human beings and we would not exist without it. It has provided the earth with energy since the beginning of the universe. One way that the power of the sun is utilized by us is through the use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are essentially energy stored by the sun from milllions of years ago. One of our most valuable fossil fuels is coal. We have been using it for decades, but are just now learning all of the negative drawbacks that come with burning coal. That is why many people are turning to Clean coal technology to continue to utilize coal for a power source.
Although solar seems to be excluded from most of the disadvantages listed above tied to using renewable energy sources, it still has two big main disadvantages. The first being that, it is impossible to shut off. The fact that there is no way to shut these solar panels off makes them prone to catch fire. This is harmful to the place they are located. It is especially bad when people put them on their roofs which can cause house fires. Another big issue with solar is that it takes a lot of room for the amount of energy that it produces. According to the U.S. Energy Information Association to produce 1 MW of solar energy, assuming that your panels are located in price sunny locations, it takes 7.4 acres of solar panels. When you compare it to the nuclear reactors that produce on average 770MW for approximately 500 acres of land. To produce the same amount of energy as one single nuclear reactor you would need approximately 5698 acres of land which is 11 times the amount of space that nuclear
Our Sun continuously converts hydrogen into helium and with this process it provides the essentials for life processes. In doing this it controls “our climate, provides light, raises tides, and drives the food chain” (Schaefer 34). Our Sun also has influenced many beliefs now and in the past. History has documented Sun worshipping religions while many current societies use solar calendars (Schaefer 34).
Did you ever think about where your drinking water comes from? The water that we drink was initially sea water that has undergone a scientific process called desalination. Desalination is a chemical process in which natural compounds are separated from water, making the water clean and drinkable. Traditionally, sea water is propelled through hydraulic pumps which create a flow to separate the water from the sea salt. Hydraulic pumps require certain chemicals that are harmful to humans and these chemicals sometimes are cross-contaminated in the drinking water being produced. Personally, I don’t want to drink chemicals that are threatening to my life and that cause harm to the environment. Many people would be uncomfortable if they knew what chemicals their drinking water may contain, especially if their children also consume it. The major drinking water producers should rely on solar energy to desalinate water which is a newer, cleaner, and safer alternative energy source.
Taking all else into account, the single most important thing needed for life on earth to survive and exist is sunlight. The sun provides organisms with food, water and oxygen; all necessities in order for life to exist. Of course we cannot consume sunlight all on our own. Nor can we convert it into energy on our own. The process that makes it possible for us to benefit from sunlight is called photosynthesis. [1]
The nuclear fusion in the sun produces solar energy. Nuclear fusion is a nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei of low atomic number fuse to form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy. This type of energy is very sufficient and ‘clean’ for the earth because its only machine is the sun and the light that it provides and the heating of the surface of the earth or any object on it, such as a solar panel. Solar energy is constantly flowing, from the sun, through outer space and the solar system, and onto the earth. It is also the cause for wind and other changes in the weather, as well as upholding the innate life of animals and plants. Since, solar energy is so inventive and efficient there is a very high supply and demand for solar energy products.
Without these, our planet would be frozen over like a big ice cube and there would be no signs or traces of life ever. In total, the sun provides about 2 pounds of energy to us every day. Yes, that’s right, only 2 pounds. The sun evaporates water from the earth’s lakes, streams, and rivers. It also heats the earth and cools the earth at the same time.
I have already written about the obvious benefits of going solar. There are other benefits as well that decrease the impact on our earth over time. Solar panels and battery banks have a life of 25-35 years and don't need anything more than general cleaning, snow removal and monthly water filling. Solar energy is the cleanest and purest form of energy, allowing for cleaner air overall in our environment. There is great hope for a lot more solar panels to be installed worldwide.
I am certain that all have heard of the terms green house gases, fossil fuels, and global warming. Have you ever questioned what will happen if nothing is done about the environmental problems facing the world today? What if I answer you that, we can merely use the power from the sun to power up our entire planet without the use of harmful energy sources, which affect our atmosphere? The power from the sun is what we call solar power. Solar power is the energy that comes from the sun as light and heat energy, and then it is later converted into electrical energy through solar panels (Nelson, 2008). This kind of power is completely free, right? Why should we put a lot of expense on other sources of energy, when there is a complete free and healthy power? It is evident that solar energy is a healthy source of energy, which will help stop global warming all together, but it is economically efficient to switch everything to solar energy. Solar energy is capable of becoming the world's future power supply because, it is renewable, eco-friendly, and extremely efficient when strategically placed.
Regarding to solar power, Mistry claims that although the solar power does not generate pollution, it has a lot of costs. To built solar panels with a photovoltaic equipment has high costs. For instance, a photovoltaic system just for a home can cost around $35,000 (Kumar, 2012). However, if our goal for the future is to get a healthy environment, switch fossil fuels for solar power might be the best choice to achieve that goal. According to Kumar (2012), Solar power is a clean and renewable energy so, it decreases the dependency on fossil fuel and also reduces the air pollution. When the sun heats the panel, it generates clean energy which does not pollute the environment. All in all, the costs of solar power might not be applicable when it is certainly the best way for having a clean