Provisionally spread across the globe, water and air and are our resources most in peril and must be imported to the forefront of conservation. Stopping the use of fossil fuels as our main energy supplier guarantees air and water quality, which without we cannot sustain life. Selecting a variety, or an array, of renewable options will ensure power despite cloudy or calm days and safeguard our ability to supply the exponentially growing population of the future. While expansion of wind energy will be the cornerstone of clean energy production, saturation of alternatives like hydroelectric dams requires allocation into other options. Propagating the use of tidal, geothermal, biomass, and solar energy is where the trial lies. Each alternative has its shortcomings and evidential obstacles have been overcome, while new ones are realized. Comprehending the state of our current water and air quality forces us to reconsider contemporary limitations.
Ingeniously simple in design, tidal energy affords power supply four times a day as the tide sweeps in and out of proposed inlets through turbines. Each turbine can produce an immense amount of energy to the grid. France is the only nation to utilize tidal power with their La Rance station producing 240 megawatts of power. Alaska holds more than half the coastline in the United States. So what hindrances prevent the use of such a powerful and clean energy source? Proposed sites in the U.S. are on hold due to the potential for marine life loss and available locations relative to the populace as energy decreases through travel. Influent and effluent movement of tides through the massive turbines could likely destroy marine life on a great scale, but a solution may be simple. Ultrasonic sound waves could prove effective. Displacement of some species may occur as a result, but keeping them out of harm's way is the alternative to their demise. Determining sites calls for careful consideration of estuaries and habitats.
Geothermal energy is another method currently being pursued. Many homes are already utilizing nature's boiler. Energy produced from the radioactive decay of materials deep below the earth's crust introduces corrosive elements that can easily deteriorate pipes while expelling fumes that threaten air quality. Careful management is critical in preventing increased emissions. Building geothermal plants is a wise investment; however, subsidence can occur if replenishment of the water drawn is not considered. Utilizing appropriate metals and containment could ensure radiant heat and power to many homes where the geothermal hot-spots are available. Reduced consumption can be employed by the use of ground-source systems where the constant temperature of the earth's subsurface can exploited for heating and cooling. Solar power is already a part of our energy mix. The element silicon is present in more than 25% of the earth's crust. Originating from the Latin word for flint, it is readily available for use in making photovoltaic cells. While today's PV cells are amazingly conductive, they require further development and can be cost prohibitive; whereas, solar thermal plants adequately afford power to local metropolises. Redirecting the sun's rays via parabolic mirrors onto a single source to produce steam and turn a turbine is an ingenious concept. Dedication of land for these large scale operations should be considered. Passive solar systems are another method for reducing usage. Mass conductors, like cement walls, are used to retain heat from the sun while additionally cooling buildings through shielding. Sub-ground structures also require less energy as constant ground temperatures maintain comfort. Future construction and modification of buildings must be innovative in promoting conservation.
Contributing massive amounts of pollutants to the atmosphere is the partial combustion of fossil fuels. Prevalently emitted from nearly all modes of transportation, the influx of pollutants will inevitably increase with the population if not addressed. Biofuels can change this scenario. Ethanol proves the ability for researchers to find a solution, yet providing a cost effective alternative is still in the future. Currently in production is a viable transposition of fuels. Algae uses carbon dioxide as food and produces organic carbon in its place. This algae oil shows the greatest potential to date and once produced on a large scale may prevent dependency on foreign oils.
Waging wars over finite resources while enabling one to drive a block to the grocery store is not acceptable. The responsibility of finding a solution is no longer a choice or someone else's job. Discussing, researching, and challenging ideas will bringn answers. Renewability options are vast and it is an exciting field we all have great stock in. Adopting a way of life conducive to our intermediary term of discovery will conserve resources now. Let's think about it the next time we proudly display our overflowing bin of recyclables on trash day. Saying, "Look at everything I've recycled!" instead of realizing everything we have consumed. We cannot accept one renewable resource as the definitive answer to the energy deficit. Adopting an array of renewable resources will provide a sustainable future.
Allyson Labrum
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