The Federal Government's Effect on Renewable Energy in the United States
In an article posted by Reuters on October 24, 2006, the global conservation group, formerly known as the WWF, stated that “humans are stripping nature at an unprecedented rate and will need two planets' worth of natural resources every year by 2050 on current trends” (Blanchard). The report indicates that, if every other country were to use the same amount of energy as America does, five planets worth of resources would be needed to support the world. America, as one of the largest consumer countries of energy, has been making attempts to implement methods for using alternate energy sources in order to preserve the already dwindling resources of its
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However, very few realize the urgency in dramatically improving our living conditions in order to preserve the resources that are diminishing in front of our eyes. In the early 1990s, scientific researchers began recognizing the shifting experienced in global climate change. Upon acknowledging the fact that global warming did exist, scientists sought after ways to alleviate this developing social problem. In order to use sources already existing in our environment, alternative energy resources, such as solar energy, have come to the forefront in solutions. The implementation of technologies that use solar energy, that is any form of energy radiated by the sun, date back to A.D. 100 when Northern Italian summer homes with windowed rooms were constructed using thin sheets of mica or selenite (Skylar and Sheinkopf 7). From that time forward, inventors have created ways in which solar energy can be used to fuel our daily lives. Innovations in solar water heating, solar pool heating, solar electricity, and even solar cooking are currently offered as an alternate means of energy. The question remains, however, as to why more Americans are not taking advantage of these accessible energy-saving resources. In comparison to other energies used to fuel the nation, “solar energy is the cleanest, safest, most environmentally gentle energy option” the United States has
"But her story lasts for six." This quote is saying that her story lasts for six more months, but there is more foreshadowing to the end of this passage then this single excerpt. The fact that it said it was a ‘calm night' makes you wonder if something is going to happen. If this night is calm, then another is most likely going to be chaotic. Also, it says the calm will last for three more months, then things will dwindle into chaos. So three months of calm, and Liesel's story only last for six months. ‘What is going to happen that will end all of this?' The foreshadowing excerpts seem to ask the reader. Though life is good now, it was not going to last. Something is going to happen that will change Liesel, but it does not hint at whatever
The federal government should work on promoting either nuclear or solar energy. Energy is important for survival on a daily basis. In fact, the development of any nation depends on the long-term availability and increase of clean and safe energy that also supports the environment. Currently, no energy source can be said to be sufficiently capable of meeting future needs that a nation requires. It is important therefore to promote any particular type of renewable energy. Promoting and enhancing solar energy would be a better move to take. It is better for the environment if the federal government work on improving solar energy usage. Installation of solar panels by Americans continues to increase with each passing day. Despite this positive progress, this avenue of power is not fully exploited because of lack of infrastructure to store solar energy. Solar energy was ranked as the third electricity-producing source after natural gas and wind energy thus accounting for fourteen percent of the total electricity produced. This significant contribution of the solar energy shows that when properly exploited, solar energy can be a major source of electricity for the country. However, there is need for the issues surrounding its maximum exploitation to be addressed. The government should subsidize infrastructure. The most important infrastructure that the federal government should look into includes connection to the power grid, conversion of the solar
There are seven continents in the world made up of many powerful nations, big and small. These nations all have one thing in common, they struggle with the large consumption of our nonrenewable resources. Using these nonrenewable resources are harmful for the environment. Among these powerful nations is the United States. The United States is one of the biggest consumers of our nonrenewable resources. In this paper, I will provide an analysis of the United States’ consumption of resources. I will also compare the United States to Uruguay, a small yet more effective country when it comes to utilizing our renewable resources.
The U.S obtains more than 84% of its energy from fossil fuels including oil, coal and natural gas. This is because people rely on it to heat their homes, power industries, run vehicles, manufacturing, and provision of electricity. It is apparent that the country’s transportation industry highly depends on conventional petroleum oil, which is responsible for global warming, thus threatening economic opulence and national security. Apart from that, increasing consumption of fossil fuels have elevated health problems in the state, destroyed wild places, and polluted the environment. After conducting Environmental Impact Assessment, projections showed that the world energy consumption would increase by more than 56% between 2010 and 2040. However, fossil fuels will cater for more than 80% of the total energy used in 2040. Sadly, it will be a trajectory to alter the world’s climate, as well as, weaken the global security environment. Importantly, the rate at which the US relies on fossil fuels needs to reduce since it has adverse effects on the planet’s supplies. The society needs to realize that fossil fuels are nonrenewable, thus taking millions of years to form (Huebner, 2003). Notably, the country can reduce dependency on fossil fuels by practicing energy conservation and efficiency,
Solar power is one of the most environmentally benign energy sources available. Just 20 days of sunshine produces the same amount of energy as everything stored in Earth’s reserves of oil, coal, and natural gas—yet does not come close to producing the same amount of environmental damage as even one of those options (Greentips, 2005). Solar farms are a clean renewable source that can meet high energy demands and can creates thousands of jobs in the future. It is also used during peak demand for electricity. During the hottest days, the panels are absorbing more energy while homeowners have the a.c. on full blast. They can be installed anywhere
As more natural resources are being used, the earth takes longer to rejuvenate itself. Friedman indicates, “The world also has a problem; It is getting hot, flat, and crowded” (Source C). A world that is becoming hotter, flatter, and more crowded is hardly a description of a healthy, comfortable environment for future generations. A national and international movement towards a greener future would bring people together and provide a powerful basis for offsetting a hotter, flatter, and more crowded world. Friedman confirms, “America is always at its most powerful and most influential when it is combing innovation and inspiration, wealth-building and dignity-building, the quest for big profits and the tackling of big problems” (Source C). Americans as a people must all work together to create a greener future for the generations to come. The earth’s climate and it’s environment is becoming worse, and without the participation of the American people, these two issues will only increase in
My current role as an employee is working towards becoming a supervisor. Unfortunately the company I am currently working for is different than the last and I believe the industry that I am in now is just a phase to save up money and understand what I truly want to make out of my life and have as a career. Ultimately the goal is to be my own boss someday having control over a self-operated business. As for now I am currently working for a landscaping company and due to lacking skills in proficiently driving and backing up a trailer I believe I will lose the spot of the supervisor although I have more knowledge overall and a higher expertise and experience. I enjoy my job, it is very hard work and it is rewarding, the pay may not be as high as I like it but I am not complaining. I would rather have a job with less
Individuals who are antagonistic towards renewable energy feel that it’s more beneficial to use fossil fuels because of the energy they provide us with. Individuals that are supportive of this decision of whether to choose renewable energy over nonrenewable, are tired of the amount of money being spent on coal, oil, and natural gas to produce probably the same among of energy. Myself being a strong advocate of using different forms of renewable energy such as geothermal and wind energy because of the longevity of them and the benefits they have for the economy.
Conserving energy is what Americans should start doing because it will save money. Saving money is a very good reason, because we could spend less money on the electricity if they kept the lights off. The lightbulb that amerians use could also be a big reason why our energy bill is so high. If we started using CFL’s or LED’s then we would save 30% to 80% on energy bills.
The three cultures; Ancient Greeks, Romans and Modern Western Christianity share a gradual progression through time that has affected these cultures. My research has primarily focussed on these cultures attitudes to death. Starting with the greeks I will show from the fall of the Greeks, to the Romans and from the Romans to Western Christianity how these attitudes were passed on or eradicated to make room for something new.
The United States is the second largest producer of greenhouse gases in the world, and yet is doing very little to fix this startling statistic (Dennis). The US’ reliance upon outdated energy sources continues to harm both the environment and the economy by producing millions of tonnes of pollution every year and costing the government billions of dollars (“Fact Sheet: Clean Power Plan”). Fossil fuels have been the main energy sources in America since the industrial revolution, and it is time to make a change. Renewable energy is energy harnessed from sources like the sun, wind, or water, and has little to no negative effects on the environment (“Renewable Energy Technology Basics”). The United States needs to integrate and increase the use of these types of energy across the country, as well as implement positive environmental policies, to prevent further pollution of the earth and combat the effects of climate change.
Greeting Mrs. Gayer, I hope all has been well. I am writing to you today about an issue that not only affects you and everybody else around, but also our environment. Throughout the years, we have been living on fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources as our source of energy. The problems with using these as a fuel source is that not only are they depleting at a fast rate, they also release many harmful chemicals, acids, and radioactive materials. With the advancement in our technologies, researchers have found many ways to provide our homes with a safe and renewable form of energy. One of these sources of energies that could change the world is solar power. Not only is source of energy reliable, it is clean and will not leak any harmful toxins into the atmosphere.
In order for one to further understand the importance of solar energy, the problem of global warming must be explained. As defined by Webster’s Dictionary, “Global Warming” is an increase in the earth’s average atmospheric temperature that causes corresponding changes in climate and that may result from the greenhouse effect. With an average increase in atmospheric temperatures, our planet is slowly deteriorating. In order to stall or halt this global destruction, countries must turn to solar energy as a cleaner alternative to the depletion of fossil fuels. Solar energy creates a homeostasis for the climate. Due to its ability to decrease global climate changes, solar power can address global warming in several ways.
The United States of America produces the second highest rate of carbon dioxide emission per capita. We just barely trail China in this deadly race for energy that we call industrialization. “The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warns that, given the current trends, energy-related emissions will increase by seventy percent by 2050” (Rogers). At this rate our planet is doomed to become a wasteland. Investigations have shown that inconceivable catastrophic changes will take place if the global temperature continues to rise. The polar ice caps are already melting, which can lead to rising sea levels. In addition, extreme weather such as droughts, floods, and storms will become a huge problem. The world will become
Solar energy is the most plentiful and purist renewable energy source available. Because it is completely natural, it is considered to be a clean energy source. It does not disrupt the environment or threaten the Eco-systems the way oil and some other energy sources tend to. Nor does it cause greenhouse gases, air or water pollution. Solar energy is an immensely important aspect of life and has been since the beginning of time. Increasingly, we are learning how to harness this important resource and use it to replace traditional energy sources. Modern technology can utilize this energy in a variety of ways, such as; generating electricity, providing light or a comfortable interior environment, and heating water for domestic, industrial, or commercial use. One day solar energy may well become our primary form of energy. This would lead to a clean environment, less money spent on utilities, and a healthier world. It is highly important because it has the potential to allow technology and nature to co-exist peacefully.