Green Energy – Alternatives To Fossil Fuels
Today we live in a world where fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and coal) provide more than 90% of the total energy. The energy needs are increasing and it is estimated that fossil fuels will be depleted in not so distant future. The need to look for alternative sources of energy is therefore a priority.
There are two main reasons – energy supply problems and environmental problems. As we know, fossil fuels are in limited supply. They are non-renewable and will eventually be depleted. They were formed millions of years ago from dead plants and animals and cannot be replenished. When they run out, they run out. By some estimates, they will be depleted by 2050.
One of the biggest problems with fossil fuels is pollution. Coal fueled power plants are the largest source of air pollution in the U.S. Burning fossil fuels produces many pollutants – carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and many other harmful compounds. This causes many health and environmental problems – acid rain, smog, ozone hole, and global climate change just to name a few.
So what can we do? The future is definitely not in fossil fuels, we know that. It belongs to renewable energy. Solar power, wind power and hydro power are the leading renewable energy technologies of today.
Our overly dependence on fossil fuels is not a good thing and we should start making serious efforts to decrease it. Being dependant on something that will soon run out, is not very healthy.
One of the biggest reasons why renewable energy is not used more often is the cost. But this is positively changing. The technology is improving and the costs for solar, wind, and other renewable sources are going down.
Alternative energy sources are definitely the way of the future. But how smooth will the transition from fossil fuels be? That’s up to us and is certainly something to consider sooner rather than later.
Individuals can start using renewable energy today and greatly reduce or even eliminate their power bill. Learn how to make your own electricity and see Earth 4 Energy guide. It’s easier and cheaper than you think.
