By Lucy Diamond
There has been a lot of press recently concerning the Global Warming issue. Experts have predicted the polar caps will melt much quicker than anticipated which will cause world wide chaos. These predictions have been met with disclaimer as evidence has been uncovered concerning the data utilized by scientists. Whether you agree or not, I believe you only need open your eyes to see the amount of pollution man has generated. We live in a mobile world, and driving has become a necessity in the US and other industrialized societies. You don't have to be a 'tree hugger' to observe the damage man has done to the Earth.
What about acid rain? Smog? Where do we dispose of nuclear waste? Have you grown tired of paying those inflated monthly fees to the utilities for electricity and gas? Are you angry at the fee increases that you have no control over? If residing in the desert, you are faced with the necessity of using air conditioning almost year round, elevating profits for the "Power Companies". The same holds true in colder climates where heat is a continual necessity. And what about pollution?
Rather then depend on depleted and overpriced oil and gas, and the environmental consequences which invariably follow, why not turn to the alternative energy resources offered by nature. In areas with an abundance of sunlight or wind, these and other natural resources are renewable and do not give off greenhouse gases that harm the environment.
note: When you consider how many millions of years old the Earth is, do you realize that we have created most of the pollution, greenhouse effect and global warming in approximately the past 100 years, beginning around the time of the "Industrial Revolution!" Alternative energy refers to energy sources that have no undesired consequences such as fossil fuels or nuclear energy. They have lower carbon emissions compared to conventional energy sources, and the demand for low carbon emissions is on the rise. The alternative energy resources include Biomass, Wind, Solar, Geothermal and Hydroelectric Energy sources.
Solar energy extracts its power from the sun and uses photovoltaic cells to convert photons to electricity. These cells can be assembled into panels for heating and cooling homes, powering automobiles and supplying power stations. The drawback with solar power is that electricity can not be produced without direct sunlight, however it can be stored and other forms of power sources used as a back-up.
Wind energy is taken from the air and converted to mechanical energy with a turbine that is used to create electricity. The electricity produced by this alternative energy resource is collected by a grid at the local utility station. For centuries wind has been used in grinding grain. Wind energy is not realistic for all parts of the world, however it would prove beneficial in areas where there is constant trade winds.
Biomass is organic matter that has stored energy through the process of plant photosynthesis and may be transferred through the food chain to animals waste. This alternative energy resource can be converted through combustion, releasing carbon dioxide stored in the plant material. Biomass fuels come in the form of wood products, dried vegetation, crop residues, aquatic plants, has become one of the most commonly used renewable sources of energy in the last two decades, is low cost and indigenous.
Geothermal power is the heat contained inside the Earth via molten magma. The heat generated from these hot spots flows toward the surface as volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. Hot water and steam can be tapped by energy conversion technology to generate electricity or produce hot water for direct use.
Hydroelectric Energy requires water to produce electricity, and the earth's hydrologic cycle naturally replenishes the fuel supply. Hydro turbines are capable of converting approximately 90% of available energy into electricity.
With these alternative energy resources, the energy is virtually free after installation of required equipment, and the equipment requires minimal maintenance. The best news is that they are pollution-free and eco-friendly.
Solar and wind energy are ideal in remote areas such as farms or countries with under developed utility infrastructures. With the astronomical use of fossil fuels, and the rate at which we are polluting the environment, alternative energy resources are not only financially feasible, they are necessary for our survival. If you would like to save on utility bills while doing your part to save the environment, check out the following website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lucy is concerned with wildlife conservation and the effects of pollution.
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Thank for your time and have a wonderful day!! --Larry
“The Earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.” --Baha’u’llah
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