Informative Explanatory Synthesis Green Power - Assignment Example

The threat of environmental degradation can be significantly eradicated because nature has provided mankind with alternative sources of sustainable or renewable energy and the power to exercise discretion in policy making. There are several features of the environmental crisis, as a result of the burning of fuels. One of the features of burning fossil fuels is the release of an array of pollutants such as carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere. The crux of the matter is that carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide are greenhouse gases which directly generate the Greenhouse Effect.

While the Greenhouse Effect may be important in supporting life, the significant increase in the quantity of greenhouse gases causes global warming (an increase of temperature on the earth’s surface) (Gartland, 42). Again, since burning fossil fuels releases sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide, it is clear that pulmonary and non-pulmonary diseases and health conditions are bound to ensue. Asthma is the commonest pulmonary disease which may emanate from the burning of fossil fuels. Conversely, burning petrol and diesel releases lead in the atmosphere, yet lead deters mental development.

It is also important to note that burning fossil fuels in the environment brings about the cocktail effect. The cocktail effect refers to a situation whereby harmless gases combine with other gases in the atmosphere and become harmful. It is a fact that there are alternative sources of energy as has been envisioned by Lemonick, Friedman and Gore. Nuclear power, compressed natural gas, biomass, geothermal power, radiant energy, hydroelectricity, wind energy, solar power, wave and tidal power are some of these alternative sources and forms of energy.

Compressed natural gas CNG) as a fossil fuel, is also considered as a viable alternative to diesel, gasoline and propane fuel. CNG is environmentally cleaner, safer (since it does not spill