Major Domestic Problem Confronting the United States - Essay Example

Major Domestic Problem confronting the United s: switch from burning fossil fuels for energy for electri to cleaner alternatives Name Instructor Date Major Domestic Problem confronting the United States: switch from burning fossil fuels for energy for electricity to cleaner alternatives The primary source of energy in United States of America is from burning of fossil fuels that comprises of coal, oil and natural gas and fossil fuel energy accounts to 85% of the total energy. This is also the leading cause of air pollution and the largest producer of global warming in power generation. Burning of fossil fuels to produce energy produces several important pollutants, which include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and other hydrocarbons. They also produce dust, smoke, and other suspended matter that pose health problems and contributes to acid rain formation (Demain, 2009). This paper, looks at the social, economic and health related effects of over reliance on fossil fuels in energy extraction and the available alternatives renewable sources that can be adopted to help counteract these negative effects. Increased consumption of petroleum products in America, which is estimated to 20 million barrels of petroleum on a daily basis, has brought about severe climatic changes having many negative effects on the environment. Transportation of petroleum alone produces large amounts of ‘green house gasses’ especially carbon dioxide that is estimated to go up from 1.9 billion metric tons in 2004 to 2.7 billion in 2030 (Demain, 2009). Demain states that 85 million barrel oils in the world are used per day, which is seen to increase to 105 million barrels in a day by 2015. The transportation sector consumes a total of 220 billion gallons of gas and other petroleum products that constitutes 70 % of the total energy. Fossils energy forms the major source of global energy with 79% that is energy from, natural gas forms 23% while 21% is from coal. Hydraulic and nuclear energy is 9% of the total while the remaining 12% comes from firewood, wind energy and solar energy (Demain, 2009). According to Fusch, A. et al. (n.d), human activities forms the basis of all the problems affecting the environment. For example, burning of fossil fuels to produce energy for home and industrial use and running of automobiles. A paradigm shift from the use of gasoline to other renewable sources of energy will mean that burning of fossil will be minimized leading to the protection of the ice caps. The emission of ‘green house gasses’ are also bound to drop reducing the rate of global warming. The leading cause of global warming in United States of America is because of air pollution through the extraction of power from coal having more disadvantages than advantages. Overreliance on natural sources poses significant risks and does not provide solutions that are long term. For example, extraction of energy from coal that is a fossil fuel brings about global warming having economic, environmental and health risks. Production, transportation and use of oil cause water pollution because of oil spills resulting to plant loss and animals, which makes the place uninhabitable. Mining of coal causes water pollution as it contains sulfur compounds and pyrite which eventually forms dilute acid when wash dint the nearby rivers and streams (Union of Concerned Scientist, n.d). In addition, burning of fossil fuels to produce energy usually produces heat, and when this heat is released to the atmosphere, it causes thermal pollution. Thermal pollution has played a greater role in temperature increase in the arctic in the past few decades eventually leading to the melting of ice caps. The ice caps act as protective layers from radiations, and their destruction leads to an increase in global warming. Many animals depending on these ice caps are forced to migrate to other areas affecting their pattern of continuum (Fusch, et. Al., n.d). Delman, A. (2009) states that neglect of other alternative sources of energy has for more than 30 years led to the energy crisis. Since we are living in a time of history of humankind in relation to development of economy based on the available energy resources, the need of alternative renewable energy sources has been of great concern. Both technological and economic solutions have been suggested to try to deal with the overdependence on oil sources, which has eventually led to global environmental issues having both social and economical effects on the energy sector. United States of America have relied on for long on petroleum and its other composites, which has dominated its economy. This over dependence has put the economy at risk, poses energy security problems as well as the environment. The increase in energy demands has shown that the present global oil reserves will not be enough to be able to offer constant supply annually worldwide. Hence, there is need to come up with other available, and less costly source of energy that is environmental friendly (Delman, 2009). Scientists have come into conclusion that the earth’s temperature has gone up by 1-2 degrees in the last 100 years and if this continues, it is anticipated that unexpected environmental consequences are bound to be felt. These changes may have alterations in rainfall patterns, many effects in human, animals and plants and may bring a rise in the sea level. These fears have led to the need of coming up with energy sources that are clean and environmental friendly. Current research on a global environment such as a decline in biodiversity and decline of ozone layer have been realized (GlobalEd, n.d.). United Nations environmental program has accounted up to 25% of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It is, therefore, critical for nations to come up with solutions that are applicable to try and stop the destruction of the environment. These solutions must be effective, time conscious, efficient and affordable. They should also work towards bringing sustainable development that puts into consideration the present needs and those of future generations. The only way to counter the negative effects of relying on burning of fossil fuels to produce energy is by adopting alternative renewable sources of energy, which has little or no pollution or global warming emissions. There are many forms of renewable energy sources. They include solar, wind power, hydroelectric energy, biomass and geothermal power (Alternative Energy, n.d.). However, these forms of energy are expensive leading to an increase in economic problems and can cause shortages if adopted as the only source of power. On the other hand, these sources are reliable, beneficial for our health, economy and friendly to the climate. Solar energy can be collected and used in different ways. It relies on the nuclear fusion of the sun. Use of solar water heaters with solar collectors for domestic use and the direct conversion of it to produce electrical energy (Alternative Energy, n.d.). These solar water energy converters are not in abundance in the modern society hindering the exploitation of this renewable source. Dinnel & Russ (2007), states that wind energy is produced when the atmosphere is driven by the changes of temperature on the surface of the earth being ignited by sunlight. Wind energy can be used to produce electricity and to pump water. The main drawback of wind energy is that it requires an extensive area to produce a good amount of energy. Production of hydroelectric power relies on gravity as water from oceans is lifted by sunlight (Alternative Energy, n.d.). This is the most developed source of energy in most developed countries. Fusch et al., (n.d), asserts it is very hard for a country to produce 100% renewable energy. The argument is that none of these sources are abundant to be used as a substitute for fossils fuels even after putting into consideration the negative effects associated with fossil fuels use. According to Demain (2009) bio-ethanol and other biofuels, can also be adopted to foster production of energy and minimize emission of gas. Production of ethanol from corn became commercially accepted in USA in 1980s where cooperatives and private companies started the production. Over the years, production of ethanol has increased. In 2004, it had grown to 4.6 billion gallons while by 2006, 6 billion gallons had been realized. This growth is because of increased production facilities having an effect in the USA economy, transport sector, energy, and agricultural sector. In conclusion, the use of renewable energy sources will help deal with the problems associated with global warming and melting of ice caps. Reducing the rate at which we consume energy will also help to slow down global warming. For example, adopting to work rather than drive, turning off lights when not in use and minimizing in the use of gas. These measures have direct and indirect positive effects on the economy and environmental conservation. The advantages associated with the use of renewable sources of energy outweigh the cons as compared to the use of fossil fuels. This means that a country will be well placed if it can adopt these sources and do away with burning of fossil fuels to obtain energy. Environment conservation starts from the individual level before proceeding to the national level. This is to mean that people should be advised to take measures that are appropriate and can foster sustainable development. References Alternative Energy. (n.d.). Alternative Energy Solutions for 21st century. Retrieved 15 December 2014 from http://www.altenergy.org/renewables/renewables.html. Demain A. L. (2009). Biosolutions to the energy problems. Microbial biotechnology, 36, 319-332. Dinnel, A. M. & Russ, A. J. (2007). Power as an Alternative Energy source in the United States; creative and comparative solutions. Legal hurdles to wind power, 27, 535-589 Fusch, A. et. Al. (n.d). Melting of the polar icecaps. 1-6. GlobalEd. (n.d.). Alternative Energy Sources: Is Nuclear Energy the Ultimate Solution? Retrieved 15 December 2014 from http://www.globaled.uconn.edu/GlobalEdI/Spring08/GE_scenario_f.htm. Union of Concerned Scientist. (n.d.). The Hidden Cost of Fossil Fuels. Retrieved 15 December 2014 from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/coal-and-other-fossil-fuels/the-hidden-cost-of-fossil.html#.VI8T8Mk7UXQ. Read More