Solar Energy as Ideal Alternative Energy Source - Research Paper Example

Discuss an alternate energy source and how it may affect the ‘spheres’ of the Earth and society in general. Introduction The use of alternative energy sources has brought tremendous changes in the energy sector. Many nations have moved towards the use of alternative energy sources, which are deemed to be cheaper and environmentally friendlier than oil. In comparison with nuclear power and traditional fossil fuels, alternative energy sources have numerous advantages to the environment. In addition, the alternate sources of energy can affect the society in tremendous ways. One of the most commonly used alternate energy source is solar power, which is tapped from the sun. This study seeks to explore solar power as an alternate energy source, how it may affect the spheres of the earth, and its impact on society. How solar energy may affect the spheres of the earth and society in general Every method of generation and transmission of energy can have notable effects on the environment. Obviously, conventional methods of energy generation can cause serious damage to climate, air, land, water, wildlife, and raise the levels of harmful radiation. Renewable energy sources such as solar power can be regarded as safer than fossil fuels; it offers solutions to many environmental problems caused by fossil fuels. Solar energy may affect the spheres of the earth by bringing numerous environmental advantages. For instance, solar energy makes a significant contribution towards a sustainable environment. Solar energy can be attributed to a massive reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide in the environment. Therefore, the use of solar energy maintains the environmental resources and reduces the depletion of vital resources (Callahan, par. 2). The use solar energy as an alternative energy source will have considerable impact on land and water resources. This is because the use of solar power makes it possible and easy to reclaim land, which may be degraded through the use of nuclear energy and fossil fuels. In addition, water resources can be saved and improved through the use of solar power. This reduces pollution in the water bodies such as the seas and lakes. Consequently, the aquatic environment will become conducive for livings things occupying this habitat (Justin, par. 1). Another impact that the use of solar energy will have on the spheres of the earth includes the preservation of habitats, which may be affected by mining. The reliance on conventional energy sources such as coal and uranium calls for mining, an act that may cause devastating impacts on the local environments (Callahan, par. 3). The waste products, heavy equipment, and the massive disruption of local habitats can lead to barrenness of the land that surrounds a mine. Consequently, the land, which might have been previously productive, may become no longer in use and unproductive. The use of solar energy eliminates such dangers to the environment, which may be associated to the mining of coal and uranium for energy. The mining of coal also poses immense dangers and hazards to the workers in the mines. Solar energy eliminates the probability of such dangers in society. Solar energy has an impact on the spheres of the earth in that it reduces the pollution of the air, which may be generated by power plants that produce coal and oil. The emissions from industries using such energy sources as coal and oil contribute to environmental pollution of the air. The toxic particles from these industries penetrate the atmosphere and may cause global warming and environmental degradation. For instance, power plants that engage in the production of coal may emit pollutants such as Mercury. This can contaminate ecological systems, cause harm to plants, animals, and human beings. With the use of solar power, which does not have any emissions, the environment and society will be much safer (Justin, par. 2). Solar energy has a significant impact on the earth’s spheres and society in general, especially because it has proved to be a renewable energy source. As a result, its use encompasses the harnessing of the resources available in the environment. It becomes cheap and affordable to rely on solar energy upon its installation as compared to other energy sources such as oil, which may be expensive to afford. The sun can be regarded as reliable since it consistently provides power; as such, it will be there all days. The society no longer worries about the source of energy since people can undoubtedly rely on solar power. Thus, the use of solar energy rekindles the hope of the society even with the extremely high oil prices (Anderson, par. 2). Solar energy can be regarded as essential and beneficial to the society and spheres of the earth since it does not cause environmental changes. As a result, people who rely on solar energy are assured that environmental degradation will not happen in their localities. The use of solar energy has allowed the society to embrace environmental sustainability. Consequently, this leads to sustainable development since the society can be able to protect the environment and preserve it for future generations. This enhances food productivity and notable development without any negative impact on the environment. A society that relies on the use of solar energy can pride itself of being able to embrace sustainable and modern sources of energy (Anderson, par. 3). Unlike other alternative energy sources like geothermal energy, solar power does not need the use of water to create energy. Studies indicate that electricity production in the U.S. accounts for more than 40 percent withdrawals of daily freshwater. Solar photovoltaic systems do not rely on any water in the process of generating electricity. As such, use of solar energy will affect the spheres of the earth positively by maintaining the level of water in water bodies such as seas and rivers. With the reliance on solar power, the spheres of the earth will not be robbed of their water sources (Justin, par. 4). Although the use of solar energy has numerous environmental benefits, there can be negative impacts of solar power on the environment. This stems from the fact that solar energy relies on photovoltaic cells in the production of solar power. The manufacture of these cells to aid in the production of energy requires the use of silicon and may produce some waste products in the environment. In some instances, the materials used in the production of these cells may be mishandled; this may lead to exposure of humans and the environment to hazards. Therefore, solar energy may also pose some environmental challenges similar to those brought by use of fossil fuels and nuclear power as energy sources (George, par. 1). Another negative impact of solar power on the spheres of the earth has to do with its impact on land. The need for the installation of solar power plants calls for the utilization of large pieces of land. This may have a considerable impact on the ecosystem since it may lead to occupation of the land meant for plants or animals. Solar energy production plants may also have considerable impacts on the spheres of the earth, especially coolant change, which may cause significant environmental pollution. The leakage of coolant systems may lead to the release of gas and fire from vaporized coolant, an action that can affect the safety and health of the public (George, par. 2). In conclusion, solar energy can be regarded as one of the alternate energy sources that affect the spheres of the earth as well as the society. Solar energy has brought tremendous environmental benefits, which include considerable reduction in the environmental pollution. Solar power has also changed the society in significant ways. It has brought along with it a reliable and sustainable source of energy, which the society can always rely on trust. Through the use of solar power, it may be possible for a society to move towards environmental sustainability and sustainable development. Works Cited Anderson, David. Positive & Negative Effects of Solar Energy. National Geographic, 2007. Web. 6 June 2012 greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/positive-neg Callahan, Rob. Why Are Solar Panels Important in Our Society? 2010. Web. 6 June 2012. http://www.livestrong.com/article/151450-why-are-solar-panels-important-in-our-society/#ixzz1x1rlNkbZ. George, Nikolaou. Pros and Cons of solar energy, 2008. Web. 6 June 2012 ezinearticles.com › News and Society › Energy  Justin, Ronald. 10 Benefits of Solar Energy, 2009. Web. 6 June 2012 ezinearticles.com › ... › Energy Efficiency Read More