Alternative Energy: How to Fuel Tomorrow
On Planet Earth, approximately 2 million known species of organisms are in existence (Thompson). Although each individual species possesses unique attributes, one similarity present in all forms of life is the requirement of an external source of energy for the purpose of survival. One species in particular however, Homo sapiens, have engineered energy sources not only to survive, but also to flourish. Resources harvested from Earth have been manipulated to fuel vehicles, provide power to homes, and promote the quality of human life. Although the expenditure of energy sources has provided a means for growth and technological advancement, the extent to which the human race relies on energy has a detrimental effect on environmental equilibrium. Realistically, to cease the use of energy is not a feasible solution; however, the establishment of a diverse utilization of alternative energy could minimize the human effect on the environment, as well as, allow for a harmonious relationship with neighboring wildlife.
Modern society, speaking on a global scale, has found the use of non-renewable fuel as the primary means for providing energy. Non-renewable energy is characterized as a finite source, which in other words, makes this resource unreliable as time transpires. Fossil fuel is found in multiple modes; however, the most common forms in use are coal, natural gas, and petroleum. The name fossil fuel is derived from the origin of the source, which happened to be prehistoric organisms such as plankton or algae (Morgan, 6). Through an extensive refinement process, the harvested fossil fuels are chemically engineered to form petrol, fuel oil, and other various propellants. Extracting fossil fuels is a relatively simple process and while resources remain available, the amount of technology reliant on fossil fuel will not be altered. One legitimate argument posed by environmental groups, such as Green Peace, is the carbon output through the consumption of fossil energy. Scientific research suggests that climatic changes are a direct result of the carbon emissions from factories and automotive vehicles. Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has enacted statutes to regulate and minimize carbon emissions, industries, as well as automobiles, rely solely on fossil fuel. Scientific data used to claim that carbon contributes to global warming is based off of computerized models. Essentially, computerized models are a useful tool to conduct research, but cannot be solely relied on to predict causation of environmental effects. The lack of reliability of these models allow for the argument that carbon emission does not directly cause global warming. Although no direct evidence linking carbon emission to a negative effect on the ecosystem exists, the extraction process does have a dramatic influence as densely natural environments must be cleared for the production of pipelines hence affecting wildlife and embryophytic organisms such as trees and plants. The human reliance on this energy source is costly to economies and leaves a negative impression on the environment. Fossil fuel is relatively plentiful and provides an efficient means for energy provision, however, availability of this resource will dwindle and an alternative means of energy will be necessary.
An alternative form of non-renewable energy also used currently is nuclear power. This energy source accounts for 15% of power produced globally (Mayell, 10). Nuclear power harnesses immense energy through a reaction referred to as fission. Fission is the reaction caused via splitting atomic elements of radioactive materials. The most common element used for creating a nuclear reaction is Uranium. The energy extracted from 500 grams of Uranium would require 1400 tons of coal to achieve an equal reaction (Morgan, 42). A 500-gram portion of Uranium is comparable to a 16 oz. Gatorade bottle, and 1400 tons of coal is equivalent to 2800 GMC Yukon SUV’s. The efficiency of nuclear energy is staggering in comparison to fossil fuels, especially considering factors such as carbon emission. Nuclear reactors require water as a method of coolant; therefore, the emission from a power plant is comprised of steam. The benefits of utilizing nuclear energy, as an alternative to fossil fuels is an apparent solution, however, there are associated risks. Uranium, in expended form, is a highly radioactive substance. Current methods of disposal are inadequate and allow for radioactive emissions from expended uranium. Without proper disposal methods, environmental outcomes could be devastating. Improper storage of nuclear materials, as well as the possibility of nuclear catastrophe, deters governments from accepting nuclear power as primary energy sources. One specific nuclear catastrophe occurred on April 26, 1986 in the Soviet Republic of the Ukraine. The Chernobyl Power plant experienced a meltdown of the primary reactor resulting in an explosion releasing plumes of radioactive materials. The actual cause of the incident was an operator error, however, this represented reasons for public apprehension in accepting the safety of nuclear power. Chernobyl, as well as, the nuclear mishap on Three Mile Island outside of Harrisburg, P.A in 1979 epitomizes the public opinion of nuclear power. Government investigation has concluded that these mishaps were the result of operator error, insufficient failsafe systems, and poor structural surroundings (Metcalf, 48). Modern facilities, through stipulations set by the Governmental Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), uphold a standard of safety to negate risks associated with nuclear power. The human race is steadily increasing in population hence creating a higher demand for energy. Fossil fuel, with limited availability and detriment to environment, will be replaced. According to Patrick Moore, founder of Greenpeace, nuclear energy can help address global warming, as well as, produce affordable and clean energy.
Although the most common means of energy are in a non-renewable form, renewable energy exists to supplement demand. A rapidly developing technology is bioenergy, which entails the extraction of natural resources, such as corn, in developing fuels. Corn is the most common form of bioenergy, as it is used in making ethanol. Bioenergy, although renewable, is not the most efficient replacement of fossil fuels because it does have negative effects such as high carbon emissions and impacts on landmass. Much more effective alternatives exist and provide sufficient means for the demand of energy. Hydroelectricity has become an efficient energy source and due to the lack of emission and the simplicity in hydroelectric concepts, foreign governments have undertaken extensive efforts to provide energy via water power. The Chinese government in particular has begun constructing an enormous dam on the Yangtze River known as the “Three Gorges Dam”. Although the Three Gorges Dam project will provide zero emissions energy to 10% of Chinese citizens, construction will result in the relocation of over 1,500,000 people (Morgan, 32). Ultimately, hydroelectricity can be highly beneficial, however, projects such as the dam project in China could cause more harm than the use of fossil fuels. When building a dam, reservoirs must be constructed to maintain a level of water pressure; therefore, redirection of a water source is necessary for hydroelectricity to be effective. The Three Gorges Reservoir will require flooding over 262 square miles of land, destroying homes for other species, and altering the area’s entire ecological system. The immensity of a dam requires abundant funding and correct geography. To use hydro-energy, an adequate water source must be present which is not present in all locations, and government economy does not always permit a project of this magnitude.
Non-renewable energy is established as the cleanest and most environmentally sound method. The use of bioenergy and hydroelectricity, although renewable, do still have significant effects on the environment. Science has permitted the discovery of alternative means that do provide energy, while having virtually no impact on non-human life. Solar power, hydrogen fuel, wave energy, and wind turbines are an excellent means of energy provision. The complications with methods such as these are financial and/or geographic. The concept behind solar power is capturing light and storing that energy in cells. As well as energy, solar power provides a heating source for water in homes. Solar power is beneficial because it provides the same energy as fossil fuels or nuclear power, without the dramatic effects on biodiversity. Solar light is also an infinite source, which solves any issues with supply. However, as with the previously mentioned sources, complications arise. Large solar panels must be constructed and strategically placed to ensure the most energy is stored. Also know as solar farms, large flat plains are dedicated solely for the purpose of capturing sunlight. These plains are generally in desert like conditions, requiring no clearance of the land, however, to utilize solar power in the Midwest would require clearing thousands of forested acres, which with the goal of minimizing environmental effects, is not the most appropriate method of energy for all geographies. Science used theory based off of hydroelectricity, and concluded that although the inertia of water may not be used in all locations to provide energy, the use of water itself is abundant and clean. Hydrogen fuel is a derivative of applying a method of electrolysis to water or harnessing the byproduct of nuclear power. The hydrogen itself is not a source of energy, however, when combined with oxygen, it does provide energy yielding capability. From refinement to application, the net emission of hydrogen fuel is nothing. Factually speaking, hydrogen fuel can provide the energy necessary to fuel vehicles and provide power to homes. However, the disadvantage to hydrogen fuel is the cost of development. Hydrogen fuel technology is being applied to automotive designs in the form of fuel cells. The use of these cells is only accomplished with the aid of fossil energy. Hybrid vehicles are more costly to develop due to the highly advanced technology of hydrogen engines versus the standard petrol fueled, internal combustion motor. As this is not a valid solution now, with proper development and funding, the final result could be energy with no carbon emission, and virtually no environmental impact.
Finally, a common form of clean and renewable energy is wind turbine technology. Generally found in European countries, wind turbines provide 1% of the worlds energy needs (Bily, 154). By converting the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy, power is produced. The complication with the wind turbine is the space required for proper execution. The British government proposed increased dependence on wind turbines to 10%, which would require 600 square kilometers (approximately ½ of Qatar). Governments should be selective when utilizing wind turbines to maximize efficient land use, and ensure that ample wind is available to power the turbine. Generally, the only locations permitting turbine use are areas with consistent wind such as coastal cities and lakeshore lands. The limitations do not permit wind turbine to become a primary energy source, however, it does exist and is an efficient method of energy production.
In conclusion, the human demand for energy has had adverse effects on the environment through the destruction of the homes belonging to other species, and contributing to altering climate. Due to geographic differences on the planet, to select one method of energy would not be feasible. The use of non-renewable and renewable energy sources, when combined in proper ratio could be highly effective. Through integrating multiple methods of alternative energy, a symbiotic balance could be established resulting in miniscule environmental impact, and providing ample energy. The destructive patterns of the human race have created a situation that endangers the safety of all living organisms. Only through conscientious efforts, will the human race be able to appreciate the connection of all living species and discover new and improved processes for energy production. The future is uncertain, but the continual research conducted by government agencies, as well as taking individual actions, such as energy preservation, is the establishment of a balance between humans and the surrounding ecosystem is possible.
