Fossil fuels have been the world’s main energy source since they were discovered, however, they carry harmful side effects such as pollution and climate change. Forms of alternative energy such as solar, wind, and nuclear power are possible replacements of fossil fuel energy. Controversy surrounds both fossil fuels and alternative forms of energy due to each energy form having consequences. Some believe that alternative energy brings just as many disadvantages as fossil fuels, while others argue that alternative energy is better for the environment and its population. While people have different beliefs pertaining to alternative energy, both forms of energy have been used throughout history. Fossil fuels are created from the remains of decayed animals and plants and then burned to make energy. Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels grew in popularity during the Industrial Revolution when the first coal deposits were found (Mason). This discovery prompted a new age of energy and eventually led to the use of oil, another fossil fuel. Fossil fuels continued to grow and eventually became the world’s main energy source, but burning fossil fuels gives off carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that causes climate change. The climate change created by fossil fuels produced the controversy that surrounds this form of energy. Another popular energy source is alternative energy. Alternative energy is any form of energy besides fossil fuels, such as solar, wind, and nuclear power. Similar to fossil fuels, ideas of alternative energy began during the Industrial Revolution, however, these designs were not created until the 1950s (Mason). During the 1950s, the renewable forms of alternative energy were the most popular, due to the realization that fossil fuel sources would eventually be depleted. Today, research about alternative energy is still being done as this energy source is also controversial. Alternative energy is said to be less reliable and even more dangerous than fossil fuels. Although both alternative energy forms and fossil fuels are controversial, they remain relevant in today’s world because energy is necessary in people’s daily lives. In support of alternative energy is the
` The continuous use of fossil fuels is leading the Earth on a path to destruction. Generations of advancement and technological innovation being brought down to rubble. Natural disasters wreaking havoc on innocent people across the world. Temperatures soaring above 125℉ globally. These are the results of the excessive use of fossil fuels. A chief concern in the 21st century is global warming and climate change, and the continued use of fossil fuels for the technology and daily lives of humans is key to blame. Decades ago, these problems were much more daunting and seemingly unsolvable than they are today, with the use of alternative energy sources and new
Due to high costs of oil, many countries have taken the act of turning to renewable energy sources. Burning fossil fuels also has a downside to the environment, polluting the air and water, and damaging the health of plants and animals. The BP Oil spill of 2010 is one example of how dangerous fossil fuels are when they are exposed to the environment. There is much controversy in the United States for renewable energy sources being funded, but the facts are on the rise. Having a cleaner and more efficient source of energy is important for both environmental, political, and financial reasons.
Although there is a common misconception that fossil fuels will cause pollution, mankind should rely on fossil fuels for energy not only because they are cheap and plentiful, but also because alternative energy is very unreliable.
Fossil fuels are criticized for contributing to the “global warming” theory, and the “greenhouse effect” blamed on unregulated industry, and transference pollution in our atmosphere. While energy preservation and education are important, it doesn’t solve the long-term problem: energy is needed and is increasing in demand as technology and our way of life advances. It is not possible to install a solar panel on every house, or a windmill on every hill. Fueling the future is a growing challenge for the world. At the current rate of consumption, fossil fuels will soon run out. Nuclear energy is clearly one of the best answers to our energy problems. Nuclear power system produce a tremendous amount of energy for their mass and are very safe when
People argue whether or not people should make the switch to alternative fuels instead of fossil fuels. Although fossil fuels are a favored source of energy there are many issues that come from the use of fossil fuels. People can’t continue to rely on fossil fuels because they will eventually die out. If people continue to rely on fossil fuels they will be condemning themselves from the negative effects fossil fuels have on the environment can be irreversible. Alternative fuels can be a more reliable source of energy since they are efficient and you do not have to worry about any transportation. Non-polluting, renewable, and an efficient source of energy, such as alternative fuels, can help make the world a better place for future generations.
Fossil Fuel energy accounts for 85% of America’s energy usage, but what if Fossil Fuel Energy was no longer around (“The Hidden”)? How would schools, factories, houses operate? For many years, America has relied on Fossil Fuel Energy to generate energy for nation. Although Fossil Fuel energy has been used for many years, some oppose the use of Fossil Fuel energy. Recent Studies in the Nuclear energy persuades some to believe that Nuclear energy is more suitable for the nation in the future. Using Coal in order to produce energy has been practiced for several centuries now. Thinking all the way back to caveman, they produced energy through by burning coal or other natural resources, such as charol. Even though there are indeed other natural
The argument of alternative energy sources vs fossil fuels is a long-lasting argument. Though there are many pros and cons to both sides, alternative energy sources is the better choice than fossil fuels for many reasons. One reason is that fossil fuels isn’t a renewable energy source while all alternative energy sources are. Another reason is that fossil fuels is a big contributor to global warming. Lastly fossil fuels also contribute to pollution.
Fossil fuels is a major energy source right now. However, fossil fuels can harm our environment. Many machines use fossil fuel, what will we do when it is gone? Luckily, we can use alternative energy sources, or natural energy, to produce power. Natural energy comes from the sun, volcanic heat, water currents, etc. It can be found almost anywhere. Fossil should be replaced with alternative energy sources because natural energy is money saving, not harmful to our environment, and contains an infinite amount of energy that can be obtained.
The reliance and dependence on fossil fuels is a scary notion once the realization sets in that they will not be around forever. For centuries there has been a dependence on a finite resource that has aided science and technology to get society to where it is today. However, the coal that provides for electricity and the oil that is necessary in many forms of transportation, to name a few fossil fuels, will eventually be gone. Alternative energy sources will need to be utilized and flourish if societal demands increase and fossil fuel resources decrease. Sources such as solar and wind energy are coming more and more into public and private favor, albeit very slowly. The trouble with some of these alternative energy sources, is that they are
In order to gain a more complex understanding of alternative energy sources, one would first need to comprehend the meaning of alternative energy. Virtually any new type of energy discovered by humans made the respective concept alternative to earlier energy sources. Coal was an important alternative energy source during the Middle Ages as people performed massive deforestations and had little to no wood left. Petroleum also represented an alternative energy source during the early nineteenth century as it came to replace whale oil (History of Alternative Energy).
account for a very small percent of the energy used by the U.S. (nearly 2
As humans continue to generate more carbon emissions and other harmful gases to the atmosphere, climate change and global warming slowly happens. People have sought ways to reduce carbon emissions by switching to other sources that are both renewable and clean. Over the centuries, people were able to harness energy from other resources besides coal and petroleum. Alternative energy resources produce little to no carbon at all thus, reducing carbon emissions. Alternative energy sources include wind energy, solar energy, hydroelectric energy, biomass energy, and nuclear energy. Only twenty-two percent of the world’s electricity is from renewable energy leaving seventy-eight percent to fossil fuels. Although all alternative resources reduce carbon emissions, most of these energies are not affordable, efficient, or portable, making alternative resources not able to fully eliminate all fossil fuel usage. Out of all the renewable resources, it seems nuclear energy rises to the top with the lowest land and location usage,and highest availability and efficiency.compared to other alternative energy sources. Nuclear energy is the best. (Toshi)
The most of global energy production produces from fossil fuel such as coal, oil and natural gas. The vast fossil fuels generate energy which use for many purposes for instant residential, transportation and industrial sectors. While the rate consumption of fossil fuel higher than their formation leads to oil price crisis. Another concern of fossil fuel combustion is the impact on the environment. Global warming is a significant problem which results in increasing concentrations of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. These problems drive researchers and societies to search alternative energy such as switching to renewable energy or carbon-free energy to replace fossil fuels. For example Nakata et al., (2011:465) show ‘low-carbon society’
For years man has relied on energy in order to be successful in life. The industrial revolution relied on coal for the new inventions brought into the world. Life as has never been the same since then. However since that time, there has been little done to improve on energy efficiency and humans still primarily rely on fossil fuels for energy. For over a hundred years the Earth has become more polluted and dirtier than ever before. Now, with new, innovative technology there is an opportunity to change that and to rely on renewable, cleaner sources of energy. The main source of energy for the world should be alternative energy instead of energy from fossil fuels.