What
is renewable energy?
 Today we rely mostly on fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. There is
only a limited supply. In other words, they are nonrenewable resources. Fossil
fuels also create pollution when they are burned. Renewable energy cannot be
used up, and it does not generate pollution. It is sustainable energy. Another
way of looking at the impact of using or, in this case, not using renewable
energy sources, is to imagine planet Earth as a spaceship. As we orbit the sun
through space, we carry with us a limited supply of air, fresh water, coal, oil
and natural gas. All of our trash and pollution must stay with us on board our
spaceship. As the world's population grows we use more supplies. Pollution also
increases. Spaceship earth is so huge that in the past, people believed that
its resources would never run out. Some also thought that it could not be hurt
by pollution. Recently, it has come to our attention that we are treating the
earth badly. This is not fair to future generations that will inherit this
planet.What is sustainability?
Sustainability means that we make sure we meet our energy needs now without
preventing future generations from meeting theirs. Eventually, we will run out
of nonrenewable energy supplies like coal, oil and natural gas. Long before
that, the pollution caused by using these energy sources will become a serious
problem. "One statistic makes clear the demand placed upon our economic
system: every day the world wide economy burns an amount of energy the planet
required 10,000 days to create." - Paul Hawken, The Ecology of Commerce
Not only will we never run out of renewable energy sources, but they are much
better for the environment because they don't cause pollution. That means the
sooner we switch to using renewable energy, the cleaner the air we breathe and
water we drink will become. This, in turn, leads to healthier lungs and
stronger bodies.
Examples of renewable energy sources:
- solar electric
- solar thermal
- wind
- hydroelectric
- geothermal
- biomass
Examples of non-renewable energy:
- gasoline
- oil
- coal
- natural gas
- uranium
You
might not realize it, but you are already using many sources of renewable
energy. Every time you fly a kite you are using wind power. When you hang your
clothes out to dry you are using solar power. Many calculators are powered by a
small solar cell so you don’t have to buy batteries. Many houses get their
power from hydroelectric water dams instead of natural gas or oil. The trick is
to start replacing non-renewable energy sources with renewable ones so that
everyone can live healthier and happier lives.
What are the
advantages of renewable energy? Free Energy
The sun shines for all of us, free of charge. And the wind blows for free. But
nonrenewable energy sources can cost a great deal. We must remove fossil fuels
from the earth and ship them long distances. Oil must be refined before it can
be used. This is expensive. We also have to pay to clean up the pollution they
cause. And as coal and oil resources become more scarce, their prices increase.
The equipment to collect and use solar and wind energy, such as solar panels
and wind turbines, costs money. But when you consider that the resource is free
for the taking, the overall cost of using solar and wind energy can make them
smart choices, especially since solar and wind energy do not pollute our
planet.
Power independence
Imagine being in the middle of the dessert or sailing across the ocean, far
away from any power lines or gas generators, but still having the power you
need to run a radio, satellite phone or laptop computer. It’s possible! All you
need to do is tap into Mother Nature’s renewable power sources to produce
electricity. Solar panels and wind turbines are now used by families, companies
and countries to supply power for houses, buildings and even entire cities.
Renewable energy: The way of the future
Using renewable energy sources to power homes and businesses will soon become
the norm. Many researchers believe that by the year 2030, most people will be
using alternative energy sources to supply the power they need to heat their
houses, drive their car, or just watch television. Many new laws and
regulations are envisioned that will encourage us to use renewable energy
sources in order to protect the environment. Eventually people might not have
any other choice but to use renewable energy. Why not stay ahead of the game?
Get educated now and teach others. Maybe you will one day win the Nobel Peace
Prize for coming up with new and innovative ways to reduce pollution and help
improve everyone’s quality of life. The choice is yours!
|
