Save
our Earth: Renewable Energy
Alternative energy is more often than
not a phrase used to describe anything other
than fossil fuels - and most of these
alternative energy solutions fall into the
category of
renewable energy.
Renewable energy is important to us for two reasons. First, it
helps save the environment from future harm
caused by fossil fuels and the
greenhouse effect.
Renewable forms of
energy are typically safe for the earth,
making them a much cleaner option.
Second, renewable energy sources are
exactly what their name implies -
"renewable".
Therefore, these sources of energy
will not run out or become scarce and
expensive, as fossil fuels eventually will.
As renewable energy technology is researched
and becomes more cost-effective, we may see
a switch to these forms of energy from
fossil fuels by all the major energy
companies in the world.
Some have already started to switch.
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There are many
different types of renewable energy, including solar,
wind, water, geothermal, biomass,
and tidal. Most will have a positive effect on
the environment because there is nothing produced by
these methods that could cause major harm the
environment.
Solar energy refers to power from the sun. We see this in everyday
life as solar covers are placed on swimming pools to
help then gather and retain heat. When you wear a black
on a sunny day, you feel the effects of solar power.
Solar power takes this heat and turns it into useful
energy, which we can use to heat our homes and power
other electronic devices.
Wind energy is one of the oldest forms of alternative energy,
along with water power, windmills and waterwheels were
used as early as the middle ages to produce energy, and
are still being used in many countries today in refined
forms. By using generators, it is possible to
convert wind power into electricity.
Geothermal energy taps into the heat from the earth, by using
geological hotspots such as volcanic sites, to produce
energy.
Biomass is also a very earth-like way of producing heat. This form
of renewable energy refers to the use of once living
organisms to produce heat and other forms of energy.
Tidal waves can make energy or power through the use of ingenious
flotation devices. The ocean can also be used for its
heated surface temperatures and cool deep-water
temperatures to convert heat energy into useful
electricity.
The major drawback to using renewable energies in the
place of fossil fuels happens to be the current cost
of use. It is expensive, but it can do a lot of good for
the environment
However,
as these technologies are further researched, cost of
production is sure to go down, making these forms of
energy production more efficient. Solar, wind, water,
geothermal, biomass, and tidal energies are just a few
of the renewable alternative energies being studied
today.
Critics agree-fossil fuels will not last forever,
and so, it is time to begin looking for healthier and
less expensive means of producing energy to run the
world. |
TOPICS
◙
Renewable Energy -
Saving our Earth
◙
Building a Green Home
◙
Wind Power
-
Advantages
◙
Solar Cells - How
they Work
◙
Biofuel as an
Alternative
◙
Ethenol - Gas of the
Future
◙
Hybrid Vehicles
◙
Generators - How
they Work
◙
The Greenhouse Effect
◙
The Future of
Hydrogen Energy
◙
Geothermal Energy
◙
Tax Incentives
◙
Goodbye Fossil
Fuels?
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