Environmental Decision Making in UK - Assignment Example

Environmental Decision Making in UK Introduction Energy as a component of economic development and its connection with the environment has brought into focus the use of renewable sources. The rise in population and the increased use of sources of energy have serious impact on the environment. The growing concern regarding the environment protection is due to the fact that energy generating methods for example electricity generation are harmful for the environment and polluting the ecosystem. For this reason it has become essential for every country to maintain a balance between demand and supply of energy (Tiwari & Mishra, 2011). The use of fossil fuels has resulted increase in environmental pressure. Some of the factors that effects energy production and consumption includes growth of population, development of technology and various government policies with respect to the energy sector. The level of energy consumption determines the demand for energy. For the sustainable development of society it is essential to use the energy sources that cause no environmental impact. The process involved in energy generating releases harmful gases and elements into the environment. This has raised the importance of renewable and natural sources of energy (Bergmann & et. al., 2007). The paper mainly focuses on the use of renewable sources of energy and its impact on the environment. In addition to this the impact of individual renewable source of energy has been discussed in the paper. The renewable sources of energy is preferred more because it uses sustainable manner of providing energy services that in turn minimises the negative impact on climate. The emission of global harmful gases linked with the use of energy sources has resulted increased use of renewable sources of energy. Some of the renewable sources of energy include solar energy, bio energy, wind, geothermal, wind and other sources of energy. The main aim of the paper is to analyse the impact of solar energy as an alternative source of energy and to examine the replacement of coal energy. The importance of solar energy in replacing coal has been discussed in the paper with the help of analysing the case of Germany and Britain. The case of Germany and Britain has been used in the paper because it gives a good comparison of the different approaches being used by both countries in achieving the same objective of environmental protection (Michaelides, 2012). Environmental Impact Of Renewable Energy The use of non-renewable sources of energy and increasing concern due to the environmental damage because of global warming has resulted increased use of renewable sources of energy. On the other hand the, burning of fossil fuels has significantly contributed to global warming as a result of which the renewable sources of more preferable as compared to the non-renewable sources of energy. According to Panwar & et. al., (2010), optimal use of renewable sources of energy has minimum effect on environment and produces less materials. The renewable sources of energy are also known as alternative sources of energy because it is the vastest source of energy. The use of renewable sources of energy has increased because the excess consumption of fossil fuels not only raises the threat of global warming but also results into reduced fuel reserves. The negative impact of renewable sources of energy has also increased health risk for the individuals. The sources of energy have been classified into three main categories including “fossil fuels”, “nuclear resources”, and “renewable sources” (Panwar & et. al., 2010, pp. 1514). Renewable source are the natural form of energy and occurs naturally in the environment therefore can be used to repeatedly. The environmental impact of existing sources of renewable sources of energy can be examined by considering different form of energy that is wind, solar energy, hydro power and biomass. Wind energy is one of the renewable sources of energy that is widely used globally because it generates no pollution in generating power. Wind energy is used by a number of countries including North America and Europe for generating electricity (Herzog & et. al., n.d.). Some of the positive impact of using wind energy is absences of toxic materials, air pollution and reduced threat to safety of individuals. Wind energy is one of the environmentally sound renewable sources of energy but yet has some negative aspects. Some of the negative impact of wind energy is that it requires clearing of the trees, which may result in soil erosion or reduced soil fertility. According to Herzog & et. al., (n.d.), Germany has increased its production of wind energy as compared to other developed nations. The “Electric Feed-in Law” of Germany ensures benefits to the producers of renewable sources of energy. Moreover, low interest loans are provided to ensure increased use of wind as a source of energy. Considering the case of Great Britain, it has been much slower in utilizing wing energy as compared to other European nations. However, the use of wind energy is uncertain in case of UK. Hydro power source of energy depends on the level of water in reservoir. In this case water is used directly to generate electricity. The hydropower plants have positive impact on environment as it leaves pollution in air. The sources of energy are more preferable as compared to the other sources because it is renewable and does not destroy water in producing electricity. One of the problems identified in the use of hydropower source of energy is the change in the quality of water. Biomass is one of the principal sources of energy and is likely to have positive impact on environment it is managed properly. Its advantage is that it can be stored for the purpose of power and heat generation as well as transported. However, the modern system of bio energy is likely to have negative impact on the environment. Another negative impact of bio-energy on environment is the introduction of pesticides and other harmful substances in the environment. This in turn affects the health of the individuals. Promotion of renewable energy in UK The use of non-renewable sources of energy has raised the emission of harmful gases in the environment as a result of which UK government has taken initiative to reduce total carbon emission to 60 percent by the end of 2050. In addition to this the government has decided to supply the electric needs of the people by using renewable sources of energy. Further initiatives have been taken to double the supply of renewable sources of energy. In order to achieve this aim wind energy was considered as the principal source due to its cost advantage. Moreover initiatives have been taken to use tidal as well as wave energy to meet the requirement of energy by 2020. In order to expand the use of renewable sources of energy policy instruments were introduced by government that includes “Renewable Obligation (Scotland) (ROS)” (Bergmann, & et. al., 2007, p.2). Comparison Between Environmental Impact Of Renewable Energy And Non-Renewable Energy Sources The use of non-renewable sources of energy has resulted reduction in deposits of fossil fuels. This in turn reduces energy reserves and has negative impact on environment. Some of the non-renewable sources of energies used extensively are oil, natural gas and coal. The conversion of non-renewable sources into useful form of energy is likely to emit harmful carbon or other elements that in turn has negative impact on environment. On the other hand, the renewable energy is mainly linked with nature. The renewable sources of energy are more preferable as compared to the non-renewable sources of energy because it occurs in nature and has the characteristic to be used repeatedly. The processing of non-renewable sources of energy for example fossil fuels emits green house gases in the environment. The emission of the harmful gases in the environment damages the ozone layer that is essential to protect humans from the harmful radiation of sun. In addition to this the harmful gases results into increased air pollution that in turn affects health. Another negative impact of burning the fossil fuels is acid rain. The emission of sulphur and other chemical substances in atmosphere results acid rain. It is harmful for natural environment due to the corrosive nature of acid rain. The renewable sources of energy are less harmful to nature as it can be replenished. The major sources of renewable energy are sun, wind and water and are now successfully being used globally for producing electricity (Herzog & et. al., n.d.). The non-renewable source of energy has the potential to contribute to economic progress, but on the other hand is damaging human health as well as environment. The major difference between the use of renewable and non-renewable sources of energy is with respect to consumption and combustion. The renewable sources of energy occur naturally and therefore require no external sources of energy. On the other hand, the non-renewable energy depends on the sources of fuel those are finite in nature. One of the positive aspect of non-renewable sources of energy is that has the potential to generate and supply power continuously, but that depends on the availability of fuel. On the other hand, a renewable source of energy depends on some irregular situation for example to generate sufficient amount of solar energy a continuous availability of sunlight is required (Tiwari & Mishra, 2011). The major concern linked with the use of non-renewable sources of energy is sustainability. The renewable sources are limited and therefore have the potential to diminish. Another concern linked with the consumption of renewable sources of energy is air pollution that is the result of established coal power plant. The burning of petrol and allied products emits harmful substances in air and therefore has negative impact on ecosystem. Solar Alternative Energy Heating Solar energy is one of the renewable sources of energy and has more significant environmental benefits as compared to the sources and therefore has positive contribution with respect to sustainable development. Solar thermal energy is the most abundant form of renewable sources and is derived from solar radiation. The production of solar energy is linked with the direct utilization of sun’s energy in different forms. According to Michael (n.d.), solar energy technology can be classified into two different categories that is solar photovoltaic and solar thermal energy. Solar radiation is directly converted into electricity under solar photovoltaic. On the other hand, in case of and solar thermal energy, the electromagnetic waves of sun sis converted into heat energy. The heat energy so generated is used directly for the purpose of cooking, heating and many more. In addition to this, it may be indirectly used in form of electric energy. The use of solar energy is beneficial to environment as compared to non-renewable sources of energy. The major advantage linked with the use of solar energy is less emission of carbon dioxide that in turn implies absences of air pollution. In addition to this, the use of solar energy has improved the quality of water resources due to reduced emission of toxic substances in the atmosphere (Tsoutsos & et. al., 2005). Environmental Impact Of Solar Thermal Heating The production of solar thermal energy requires less quantity of materials as compared to other sources of energy. In addition to this the potential harmful substances are released only in the process of coolant change and that can be controlled by efficient use of technology. According to Tsoutsos & et. al., (2005), the leakage in the cooling system of solar thermal energy has the potential to release harmful chemicals in the environment that is likely to have negative impact on environment as well as health of individual. It has been further argued with respect to environmental context that the use of solar thermal energy in large scale has the potential to minimise the burning of fossil fuels. In addition to this increased use of solar energy is likely to reduce the negative impact of non-renewable sources of energy. As soon as the solar thermal heating system starts operating, it becomes essential for the operator to change the coolant liquid on regular basis. The pollutants discharged from the coolant system are harmful for environment. One of the visual impacts of solar thermal energy is the use of solar panels. The solar panels are closely fitted to the roof walls and therefore involve fire risk or water disturbance into the roof (Tsoutsos & et. al., 2005). Read More