In order to understand alternative energy sources we must first know what they are. Alternative energy sources can be described as energy that actually won’t pollute as much fossil fuel, in addition to being less harmful to the environment as well as humans, lower in cost, lastly, comes from sources of which we won’t run out of. Alternative energy is not to be confused with renewable energy. Alternative energy is deemed “renewable”, the reason being it comes from energy that is refillable by natural processes upon usage. Examples of alternative energy are nuclear, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. As you might have guessed the sun is the biggest alternative energy source because the sun is a necessary component in the natural processes. How can alternative energy sources be beneficial for the environment without being costly? “Studies indicate that energy efficiency technologies cost substantially less than building or purchasing new energy supply.” ("The benefits," 2009) In addition, “Energy efficiency also helps minimize the need to build new and expensive power plants.” ("The benefits," 2009) As well as, “Reducing usage lowers operating costs and can help make industry, farms, and merchants more economically competitive. Energy efficiency investments start saving energy immediately and have short paybacks.” ("The benefits," 2009) Alternative energy as you might have guessed is beneficial to the environment. “Solar and wind technologies are emissions-free at the point of use; emissions from biomass are lower than comparable conventional fuels; and energy efficiency, by definition, reduces energy consumption, which results in fewer emissions.” ("The benefits," 2009) Alternative sources can significantly minimize and eve... ... middle of paper ... ...gy.shtm Nuclear energy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/Disadvantages_NuclearEnergy.php Advantages and disadvantages of solar power. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.technologystudent.com/energy1/solar7.htm Environmental impacts of solar power. (2013, March 05). Retrieved from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/environmental-impacts-solar-power.html Distributed solar. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.seia.org/policy/distributed-solar Wind 101: the basics of wind energy. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.awea.org/Resources/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=900 Advantages and disadvantages of wind power. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.technologystudent.com/energy1/wind8.htm Hydro power. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/Disadvantages_HydroPower.php
Alternative energy sources are renewable, and is most commonly referred to as free energy sources. There are many alternative energy sources such as hydro power, solar power, wind, biomass, and geothermal. Using alternative sources is more expensive in the long run, but it is the much safer option for our environment compared to fossil fuels. Although everything used is completely free, such as water and wind, the equipment used to generate these things are expensive. There are several pros and cons that come with the utilization of alternative energy sources.
Many people support the idea of alternative energy, yet there is no move to implement it as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. It is the burning process that makes fossil fuels so bad for the environment. An alternative source that does not require combustion is necessary to avert the process of global warming. Wind power and hydroelectric power both turn t...
Last but not least, people favors the use of renewable energy instead of nuclear power in the last few decades, such as wind power, solar power, geothermal energy and biofuel. They are now more willing to adopt energy conservation and energy efficiency measures. Carrying out energy efficiency measures is the cheapest and fastest way to reduce the use of any forms of energy sources and in term reduce carbon emissions.
Renewable energies are energy sources that are alternatives to fossil fuels and can be replenished. Everyday industrialized countries pollute the Earth’s atmosphere with fossil fuel byproducts, like CO2, creating adverse effects such as climate change and global warming. From big businesses on an industrial scale to single individuals we all play a part in pollution, with things ranging from factories to automobiles. This is a big concern, considering many people would like to preserve the earth for generations to come. Due to this fact scientists have started to find new ways to provide cleaner and alternative energies to power the Earth.
Nuclear power is considered a prominent alternative, despite the disregard it was met with in the 1970s. This is because it’s now being touted as a more environmentally beneficial solution since it emits far fewer greenhouse gases during electricity generation than coal or other traditional power plants. Nuclear energy is cost-competitive. Generating electricity in nuclear reactors is cheaper than electricity generating from oil, gas and coal, not to speak of the renewable energy sources.
Non renewable energy, such as fossil fuel, is used all over the world. Big part of the population assumes that fossil fuel is a reliable source of energy, easy to obtain, and is relatively cheap. On the other hand, fossil fuel is a non renewable energy, which means that we can use it only once. Also, this burning fossils are not good for the environment and are the main reason of the global warming. In this era a lot of new technologies have been invented. Although not every created invention has been for good, renewable sources such as, solar, wind, and human power are a good alternative of energy. Despite some people thinking that solar energy isn’t helpful and it’s only a bad investment; solar energy is the best way to reduce the greenhouse gases and decelerate the global warming, also, is a good investment and it will help you save money in a short term, and unlike the burning fossil fuel, is not harmful for human’s health.
In the debate of traditional energy vs. renewable energy the clear winner is renewable energy. Renewable energy is vastly superior over traditional energy because it decreases dependence on foreign resources, produces no emissions, and is not limited in quantity. Opponents of renewable energy are likely to argue that this is not the case and that instead, traditional energy is better because it creates job growth, is reliable during all hours and climates, and comes with a lower cost. These advantages however are either misconstrued or hardly outweigh the long-term positive benefits of renewable energy.
The biggest argument with this topic always has been the amount of money that is needed to be able to produce such efficient and effective technology to produce such energy. Another argument would be its very difficult to generate the quantities that are as large of those produced by traditional fossil fuel generators. Furthermore our technology isn’t up to date to where we don’t have to depend on weather playing a huge factor and to where we don’t have to heavily rely much on Mother Nature. Although this method does sound like it’s the safest it’s also very costly. supporters of renewable energy often state that its much less destructive because it doesn’t involve the destruction of the earth as well as it doesn’t release harmful chemicals which are being distributed threw out the world via air as well as the pollution of water. All in all the most important help renewable energy will contribute towards is the fight on global
"Preface to 'Should Alternative Energy Replace Conventional Energy?'." Current Controversies: Alternative Energy Sources. Ed. Darrin Gunkel. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Rockland Community College - SUNY. 10 Dec. 2009 .
Solar power is only one of the forms of energy. Solar power has its advantages but most of the people the people think the solar panels are expensive disadvantages, but it’s actually an advantage. Solar power starts saving money from day one. Electricity is one of the key things we need to clean up and solar power is the way to do so. (Shanan 1-4) Solar energy is a visible form of alternative energy. Solar panels capture energy from the sun’s rays and convert it to electricity. Solar power offers a clean form of energy. Solar energy carries political considerations just as petroleum does. (Linden 1-4) Virginia Water Resource Research Center has found that solar photovoltaic uses about 21 times less water than nuclear power about 16 times less water than coal power and 8 times less water than a combined cycle power plant. (Shanan 1-4) Solar power has disadvantages also. Solar panels make a ton of pollution when their built, and sun doesn't always shine on them. (Shanan 1-4) They may take several years too see a return on investments. Solar energy is not universal because different areas of the world get different amounts of sunlight. Solar energy may not offer the best solution: there distractions, they have high environmental costs and they have a large outlay of cash. There can be contamination from radio activation saved used to make solar panels. (Hinder 1-4) Installation is expensive being $80,000 for a three bedroom after the federal rebate. The angle of the roof, percentage of sunlight and the area of the country all play a part in the effect of how much it will co...
In the search for alternatives to fossil fuels, scientists and policy makers have focused on three options: nuclear power, energy from biomass; and a combination of wind, water, and solar power. Nuclear power, however, is much more costly and runs the risk of having it fall into the wrong hands where it could be turned into a weapon of mass destruction. The third option entails wind turbines, photovoltaic power plants and rooftop systems, concentrated solar thermal power plants,...
Renewable energy is a type of energy source that does not have an ending to it from its consistent replenishing. Differential to fossil fuels that cause harm to the Earth, renewable energy is made from natural sources that don’t cause any harm with carbon dioxide or pollutants. There are four different types of alternative energy: nuclear, solar, wind, hydroelectric. The purpose of this paper is for the reader to better understand the use of alternative energy along with the positive and negative impacts it has on the world.
Alternative energy is energy that is generated in ways that do not harm the environment or deplete natural resources, often by avoiding using fossil fuels or nuclear energy. There are many benefits to using alternative energy other than just being better for the environment. It is renewable, which means that the Earth can naturally replenish it and it can be used again, as long as it does not get used faster than it can be replenished. It is also sustainable, which means it can be used without risking the availability of it for future generations. Alternative energy is also more cost effective for long term use. While most alternative energy sources are expensive to build, it is often a one-time investment and you will not have to keep putting
In chapter thirteen of our book, Environment by Raven and Berg, it shows us just how important renewable energy sources are. Currently the United States of America thrives on the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power. The main problems with these types of fuel are that they are both limited and can be extremely harmful to our environment. They cause global warming, air pollution, acid rain, and oil spills (Environment), and not only that, but in the grand scheme of things, these sources really aren’t even that cheap of a fuel source. There are many alternatives to these all but outdated fuel sources.
For solutions regarding climate change and human health, alternative energy sources would be the best. Since humans rely heavily on fossil fuels, they need to find an equal energy source that will not disrupt the atmosphere. Some examples of alternative energy sources are wind energy, solar energy, hydroelectric energy, tidal power and much more. None of these energy sources provide pollution to the Earth; however, they are expensive substitutes to build and use efficiently. Dams provide hydroelectric energy, drinking water, and flood control, but cannot be built everywhere and is also expensive to