Why is alternative energy so important?

Submitted by x0xNatix0x313 on November 19, 2008 - 9:35pm.

 Hello everyone!

Im a freshman at a community college near my home in New York. I was assigned a research paper and picked Alternative engery/sustainability as my topic. I just want to know what others think besides me on the matter. Im open to anything anyone has to say. 

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Why Alternative Energy is Important.
Submitted by jamyealexandra on November 20, 2008 - 3:28pm.

Basically there are two ways to look at why Alternative energy is important. I should also preface this by saying that more than just "alternative" sources we need to be looking at clean "renewable" sources.

Economically:

First. many of the earth's natural resources, such as oil, are depleting, so making a solid investment towards developing other forms of sustainable energy is necessary . Increased energy demands have contributed to higher prices at the vehicle dispenser and at the electric meter. Cost effective, sustainable power sources provide industry and consumers with alternative energy solutions. Many alternative energy sources are renewable so the supply never diminishes.

Environmentally:

Second, much of the energy sources that are being used today are extremely harmful to the environment. The relationship between mankind and the earth is a fragile one. With the worldwide concerns of pollution, ozone layer depletion and global warming, we need to reconsider our use of conventional fuels such as gasoline, diesel, coal and wood. Harnessing the power of clean, alternative energy sources has become a necessity. The electric utility industry is the largest source of pollution in our country. Electric utilities generate 66% of the sulfur oxide pollutants, for example. The average home generates about 22,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year through electricity use and heating. Choosing a source of electricity for our homes and businesses that generates less pollution by using renewable energy sources is a great way to act locally to solve a global problem. Reducing the environmental damage caused by individuals' use of cars should be a top priority for our nation. A recent book, The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices (Three Rivers Press, 1999) analyzed all the many things that consumers buy and do. It concluded that "personal use of cars and light trucks is the single most damaging consumer behavior."

 

 

Here are some resources that might help you learn more about alternative energy.

http://www.energyconservationinfo.org/altenergy.htm - this site is a list that give quite a few resources.

 

 

 

 

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