There are several problems associated with using fossil fuels as a source of energy. It took millions of years for plant and animal matter to decay, compress and turn into fossil fuels beneath the surface of the earth. It cannot be regenerated at the same rate at which we use them. Sooner or later, we are bound to run out of it.
The consequences of using fossil fuels as a source of energy have been devastating. Scientists have linked greenhouse gas emission to global warming, and climate change, which lead to more serious repercussion such as depletion of natural resources, melting of polar ice caps, rising of sea levels, changes in vegetation habitat and extinction of wild animals around the world.
With the advancement of science and technology, we have come to realize that we don’t need to burn fossil fuels any more to power our houses, automobiles and factories. We have sources that are sustainable and renewable. Here are five alternative energy sources that are infinite and green.
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1. Solar Power
“Solar cells near cargo terminal” by Binu jayakrishnan – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons.
Solar panels of today are cheaper, more energy efficient and easy to install, than ever before. Over the next decade, solar panels are expected to improve even more. Currently, solar cells are using common salt instead of silicon, which is making them inexpensive and flexible. Current photoelectric cells are very promising and have a lot of room for improvement. (The Independent)
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Source: SaveOnEnergy
2. Wind
Wind power is another sector which is making steady progress. It’s a clean and renewable source of energy that is available throughout the world. The only problem with wind was that historically we had to set up huge towers in order to mount our turbines. However, with the latest innovations, it’s no longer needed. There are wind turbines being developed that can be mounted up without any towers. There are also devices being developed that can stay low and catch low winds, or mounted on a balloon.
“The latest BAT or Buoyant Airborne Turbine makes it easy and affordable, by eliminating the need for large blades or large towers for mounting.” 9 Renewable Energy Sources of the Future | Environmental Professionals Network
3. Power from tides
Ocean currents and tides are also a common phenomenon around the world, which can be used to generate renewable energy. Generating power from tides or ocean currents use a similar technology as the wind turbines do. There are floating devices and submerged turbines that rotate and move up and down with ocean current. This kinetic energy is then converted to electrical energy with the help of dynamos.
Tides are constant and do not have limitations similar to wind or the sun. The only problem is you need to be close to a coastal area in order to harness energy from the ocean.
4. Geothermal energy
There is heat beneath the surface of the earth and can reach up to 4000 °C near the core-mantle. This energy naturally comes out via hot water springs or we can drill near the edges of tectonic plates where thermal resources are nearer to the surface of the earth. This energy can easily be used to heat homes, heat water and even turn water to steam, which would then be used to generate electricity. Geothermal energy is already being used in many parts of the world to power simple to complex power stations.
5. Human power
Tiny electronic devices such as your mobile phone, tablet PCs or watches are being developed and designed today to draw energy from human movement. These tiny electronics can draw energy from human movements or body heat and generate their own energy to run.
Using fossil fuels may seem cheap right now because it doesn’t require us to develop new technology or do more research. However, it could become an expensive commodity for us in the long run. Today, you might be able to buy cheap gas at the gas station, but think of the external costs of fossil fuels: costs associated with irreversible damage to the atmosphere, devastating climatic events and its effects on health.
We need more people to join us in our battle to combat global warming. Please join Environmental Professionals Network and help us spread global awareness. Click here to book a meeting, call us at 303-495-3705 or email us at [email protected] .
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Source: Environmental Professionals Network
Related articles and resources:
- 11 Actions You Can Take to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint | Environmental Professionals Network
- Pacific Environment: Fossil Fuels
- The External Costs of Fossil Fuels; Environmental and Health Value of Solar – Energy and Policy Institute
- The Pros and Cons of Powering Our Planet with Fossil Fuels
- 11 Things You Can Do Every day to Make the Planet Greener | Environmental Professionals Network
- 9 Renewable Energy Sources of the Future | Environmental Professionals Network
- Solar Panels – the Cheapest Power Source of the Future | Environmental Professionals Network
- 9 Renewable Energy Sources of the Future | Environmental Professionals Network
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Consume less, eat wisely, grow a garden, walk, bike wherever you can. If you need something, perhaps go to a store that recycles goods. Cook rather than order out which requires someone to deliver it (in a car typically in cold countries). Think of what we are leaving our kids and grand kids.
I’m here because of the Scientist Protest, I hope our government does this to avoid using fossils fuel and to help the environment. We only have 3-5 years here on Earth if we do not act! Pls listen to the scientist and help each other to save Mother Earth. #LetTheEarthBreathe