Resource Environment - need in 12 hours - Essay Example

Biofuels are an environmentally friendly source of energy that should be used in lieu of Fossil Fuels Death of the natural environment Traditional fuel sources, like gas, have been slowly diminishing and because of this, alternative fuel sources have increased its value. Fossil fuel and biofuel are two of the alternative sources of fuel. The importance of these fuel sources are influenced by the effectivity and efficiency of using it. Another factor that is considered in using these sources is the impact of these fuel sources in the environment.

It is important to consider the environmental impact of the use of these alternative sources because of the value of the environment for human existence. The environment is the primary source of life and energy that allows all living things to exist, thus, it is important to consider whether innovations, technology and developments will damage or harm the ecosystem. Determining the environmental implications of using alternative fuel sources will enable the government and the concerned groups to understand and analyze how it should be used, or if it should be used at all or it is needed to find other alternative sources.

Biofuel comes from living, renewable sources, such as corn and palm oil as opposed to fossil fuel, which comes from fossilized remains of plants and animals. In contrast to biofuel, fossil fuel is considered as non-renewable because of the nature of its existence. It is expected, then, that fossil fuel supply will be depleted depending on the rate of the human consumption of such fuel source. Right now, the main alternative source of fuel is the fossil fuel. Because of the abundance of the fossilized remains of plants and animals, fossil fuel is easy to find though it is non-renewable and considered as a limited resource (Richards, p.134). Because of this, biofuel has been discovered and there is a debate in its use as an alternative to fuel source.

The main argument of biofuel proponents is the impact of fossil fuel against the environment in contrast with the environmental-friendly components and use of biofuel. Biofuel claims that there is no carbon dioxide release when it is produced because of the photosythetic process of the plants as opposed to fossil fuel production (Pimentel, p.479). This is partly true, however, carbon dioxide is observed to be released during biomass production and its conversion to fuel (Pimentel, p.479). This is an important factor when looking at the environmental impact of a fuel source since cardon dioxide has an effect in climate change, ecological disturbance and potential damage on humans and animals.

This proves that biofuel is not at all environment friendly. It may have less harmful effects in the environment than fossil fuels, but all the same, it bears damaging impact on the ecosystem. Growing crops for use on biofuel production uses fertilizers that poses harmful effects on the environment. Also, because of the needed growth of these crops, monocultures are used to tender large number of crops. Monocultures deny growing of plants in their natural environment. Also, chances of deforestation increases to allow more land for the growth of these crops for biofuel production.

This definitely impacts negatively the environment. It is important, then, for the government to develop laws that will prevent biofuel production from causing deforestation. It is also important to look at the use of harmful agricultural products to increase growth of crops needed for biofuel production. But what is most important is to research for other renewable alternative sources of fuel that will not harm the environment, like the use of solar energy or wind energy.Works CitedPimental, D.

Biofuels, solar and wind as renewable energy systems: benefits and risks. Netherlands: Springer, 2008.Richards, J. Future energy, 2nd ed. South Melbourne: Macmillan Education Australia, 2007.