How Alternative Fuels Replacing Fossil Fuels - Assignment Example

Insert Introduction Mankind’s everyday activities are characterized by huge releases of carbon IV oxide into the atmosphere of the earth. This constant release ensures damaging levels of carbon IV oxide accumulation over time which consequently results in the gradual increase of temperatures on earth. This phenomenon is what we commonly refer to as global warming (Robertson, 24). Since its acceptance as a major environmental concern, man has ambitiously embarked on unearthing ways of checking it. A viable and everlasting solution to this unpalatable phenomenon is the substitution of contemporary technologies with those that offer better performance and conserve the environment by minimizing or eliminating green house gas emissions. This is called alternative energy. This speech delves on the numerous benefits of replacing fossil fuels with alternative energy in great detail. Fossil Fuels Basically, fossil fuels are those obtained from natural occurrences like the anaerobic decay of dead organisms buried underground. These kinds of fuels usually contain high levels of carbon, and include petroleum, coal and natural gas. The can be divided into two broad categories which are the volatile fuels such as methane and non-volatile ones like anthracite coal (Gross, 103). The use of fossil fuels results in major environmental degradation with the combustion of fossil fuels, for instance yielding about 21.3 gigatonnes of carbon IV oxide annually. This translates to a resultant carbon IV oxide atmospheric accumulation of 10.65 gigatonnes in a year. Carbon IV oxide is perhaps the most stubborn and prevalent greenhouse gas that results in global warming and has been demonstrated by scientists across the globe as a dangerous phenomenon with adverse effects. In as much as fossil fuel sympathizers argue that fossil fuels have been in place since time immemorial and that its combustion yields far greater energy per unit weight, the disadvantages of using fossil fuels both on the individual and the environment (long-term and short-term) far outweigh the benefits that have been advanced so far (Gross, 106). Furthermore, apart from the products of its combustion, fossil fuel mining/ harvesting, processing and distribution significantly injure the environment. Coal mining procedures, for example, such as strip mining, mountain top removal, offshore drilling and oil refineries considerably inflict damage on the environment and its resources. Economically, fossil fuel prices continue to soar astronomically. In many regions and nations, these inflated prices are measures enforced to ensure minimum fossil fuel use and hence reduce the pollution associated with its use. These prices are also heightened to generate revenue to counter the degrading effects of fossil fuels. Furthermore, economies have time on end suffered the costs of importation, drilling transportation and storage instead of focusing the funds on other matters such as emerging diseases (Ebola, HIV, Alzheimer’s, Cancers, and so on), terrorism, poverty, and many more. This calls for the use of alternative sources of energy, and urgently so (Gross, 105). A Case for Alternative Energy (Definition, Examples and their Benefits) Alternative energy sources are the kinds of energy sources that lack the consequences of fossil fuels (such as pollution) and have reduced emissions of carbon compared to fossil fuels. They are not based on the burning of fuels or splitting of atoms. Examples of alternative energy include wind energy, geothermal energy, hydro-electric energy, solar energy, biomass energy and alternative fuels. Coupled with their renewability, alternative energy is the future of the world and a safe one too. Examples of alternative fuels are bio-alcohols (methanol, butanol, ethanol, and so on), biodiesel, chemically stored energy, non-fossil natural gas, non-fossil methane, propane, hydrogen and other biomass sources (Hordeski, 345). Algae based bio-fuels is reported to be capable of yielding up to 2, 500 gallons of fuel per acre every year and are presently being successfully tested by the United States Navy. Algae plastics are predicted to greatly minimize waste incidences lower the general prices of plastics. Bio-diesel produces far fewer amounts of environmental pollutants than normal diesel, and burns cleanly and efficiently. And since it is free of sulfur, bio-diesel is relatively safer for the environment than diesel fuels (Hordeski, 365). Ammonia is also an important source of alternative fuel. Apart from the benefits of low costs and globally distributed production which minimizes on transport costs and associated pollutions, ammonia also boasts zero emissions. Hydrogen also prides itself as an efficient emission-less alternative energy source with water its bi-product. Liquid nitrogen is equally similar to hydrogen. It is an emission free fuel. Compressed air another important alternative energy source since it is also free of emissions and is an economically friendly alternative. Cleaner alternatives to liquid automobile fuels are the LNG (liquefied natural gas) and the CNG (compressed natural gas) (Hordeski, 400). Another alternative energy under consideration is thorium. Thorium is 5 times more abundant than uranium and monazite (its ore) is commonly found in sands along the shores of water masses. Thorium as an alternative energy boasts a lengthier fuel cycle, yields wastes with very levels of toxicity and is resistant to proliferation. It is touted as capable of powering earth for millennia to come. Carbon neutral fuel is another fertile alternative that does not contribute to the levels of atmospheric green house gases but rather removes carbon from the atmosphere (is therefore a greenhouse remediation technique). In Germany’s Werlte, the Audi has set up a carbon neutral liquefied gas plant with other such projects currently underway in regions of Darlington in England, South Carolina, California and Columbia (Gross, 104). Harnessing power from the sun, another alternative energy and perhaps the most potent, has been a long time coming and is now becoming a happy reality. Despite skeptics arguing that the manufacture and implementation of solar panels can be expensive, solar power still offers a plethora of formidable benefits. For one, it is a potentially infinite supply of energy and also implies that single households can have their own electricity. A 2 kilowatt system of PV for instance can keep up to 150, 000 pounds of carbon IV oxide out of the atmosphere over the next 3 decades and prevent 60, 000 pounds need for coal burning resulting in the absence of urban smog, acid rain and pollution (Lee, 377). Hydro power (HEP) is an important source of clean alternative energy that can be used over long distances from the source. This energy is obtained from the movement of water in lakes, dams and rivers and creates reserves of water as well. In this case, one project can yield multiple benefits in terms of water security, environmental preservation from clean energy production and sustainable source of energy. Wind energy also generates electricity by turning turbines. This can be on household or industrial scales. It is also a possible source of infinite energy (is readily available, pollution free and affordable) (Lee, 411). Burning wood for heat is the simplest form of biomass energy production. It is an advantageous alternative source of energy as it is readily available and can provide a long-term source of sustainable energy. Geothermal energy, just like wind and solar energy can yield energy both on small and large scales. It is also a potential infinite source of energy and has been successfully utilized in nations like Iceland and New Zealand. In addition, tidal energy can provide a viable alternative source of energy from the driving of turbines using tidal movements, construction of tidal barrages and proposed underwater turbines. It is an ideal source of clean energy for islands and has the ability to produce large amounts of energy. A tidal barrage can also be used as a bridge as in dams and help alleviate floods (Lee, 418). Ethanol, another alternative energy example, offers numerous advantages over gasoline for instance. Vehicles fueled with this alternative have substantially reduced nitrogen, carbon IV oxide and carbon monoxide emissions and fewer volatile parts which translate to reduced evaporation emissions. Ethanol as an alternative energy is widely available and easy to use. It supports farmers, reduces dependence on foreign oil and is generally economically friendly. More Benefits of Alternative Energy Basically, alternative energy beats the use of fossil fuels on matters environmental conservation. The main feature of alternative energy remains low to zero emissions of damaging bi-products such as carbon. Also, unlike fossil fuels that are unevenly distributed across the globe making several countries dependent on other few, alternative energy sources on the other hand reduces this unhealthy dependence therefore enhancing energy security and promoting more stable and lower prices of energy (Ramadhas, 78). Fossil fuels take millions of years to form and their scarcity in the world has often led to conflicts both internal and external in the producing regions. Dependence on particular nations can also be affected by such things as political instabilities, trade disputes, wars and high prices. Alternative energy therefore serves also to promote efforts of global peace and reconciliation (Ramadhas, 98). Alternate energy production also requires less maintenance compared to conventional set ups. The energy produced through alternative sources therefore reduces the costs of operations which in turn lowers the price of energy on the planet. Shifting to alternative energy also implies that the global future of energy is returned to the people, communities, farmers, families and individuals. This also offers a source of employment, business ideas/ innovations from alternative energy sources and stable income generation from a multiplicity of companies/ industries bound to spring up if this alternative is sufficiently pursued. Localized use of energy efficiency and alternative energy yields jobs across the globe and not just where the traditional energy reserves are found and therefore provides a more equitable environment for employment and not the cyclical kind from fossil fuel endeavors but a permanent one (Kaplan, 224). The wind industry has reportedly created over 20,000 jobs in the United Kingdom and another 45,000 in Germany (Kaplan, 289). Conclusion According to estimates in 2011, the main sources of energy were fossil fuels with the use of petroleum amounting to a whopping 36%, natural gas 23% and coal at 27.4% (denoting close to 86.4% energy use in the planet coming from fossil fuels). On the other hand, the survey indicates very low use of alternative energy kinds with hydroelectric power at 6.3%, nuclear power at 8.5% and solar at 0.9%. Annually, global energy use was increasing by approximately 2.5% (Ramadhas, 100). With current trend of use and resulting pollution, it is vital that the present generation shifts from its incessant use of fossil fuels that threaten to deplete natural resources to the use of alternative forms of energy (Robertson, 901). All the evidence and benefits articulated above are shouting pointers of the need to embrace alternative sources of energy and ensure the safety of today and that of future generations. At the present rate, there will be very little of the world left for our children to enjoy. It is important that we start to walk the talk. Works Cited Gross, Michael. "Looking for Alternative Energy Sources." Current Biology: R103-106. Print. Hordeski, Michael F. Alternative Fuels the Future of Hydrogen: 345, 365, 400, Lilburn, GA: Fairmont ;, 2007. Print. Lee, Sunggyu. Alternative Fuels: 377, 411, 418, Washington, D.C.: Taylor & Francis, 1996. Print. Bottom of Form Ramadhas, Arumugam S. Alternative Fuels for Transportation: 78, 98, 100, Boca Raton, FL: CRC, 2011. Print. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Kaplan, Elizabeth W. Fuels: 224, 289, Washington, D.C.: Transportation Research Board, 1988. Print. Robertson, William C. Energy: 24, 901,Arlington, Va.: NSTA, 2002. Print. Read More