This crisis entails many areas of concern, from problems humanity faces to the clear and present hazards for the environment. It is widely accepted that climate change is very real and affecting us all. Although some extremists still argue that the effect of human activity on global warming is negligible, a broad coalition of scientists offer strong evidence that the burning of fossil fuels is having a significant effect on global warming, far beyond the natural cycles of climate change. This is a problem that will not go away, and until people can agree on how to solve it, the whole world will have to deal with the consequences. Unfortunately, due to the enormity of their impact we may not be able to deal with these consequences. This energy crisis may seem insurmountable, but we have already created and continue developing viable energy solutions. Although there are a diverse range of alternatives from which we need to choose, not all of them are equal, and some have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
The hydrogen fuel cell is one alternative that has been around for several years, and it has revolutionized many previous thoughts and ideas, and may replace gasoline engines one day. However, one major drawback is its current cost, as well as the new infrastructure that it would require. As of now, hydrogen fuel cells still need improvements to truly solve the energy crisis.
Another alternative encompasses nuclear fusion and fission, both apply Einstein's formula, E=mc², to manipulate atomic particles to create massive amounts of energy. Fission, separation of an atom, is used today in nuclear power plants to create energy for millions. Radioactive wastes, as well as adverse environmental factors prove to extinguish its practicality as a long-term solution to the crisis. On the other hand, fusion, merging of atomic particles, has no real shortcomings besides the fact that we have not figured out a way to absorb its energy yet. If or when we do find a way to do this form of energy, this engineering feat may solve all our energy problems in an instant.
However, as of this moment our best way to minimize our energy problems may be to use solar and wind-driven energy. Several wind turbine projects now produce as much energy as oil or coal fired power plants. The industry also has developed an economic turbine for the individual residential homeowner, during which the power produced not only supplies the home, but can produce an excess which can be sold back to the energy company that supplies the larger power grid. Similarly, the light energy of the sun is also one of our best immediate solutions that are also being used by many homeowners presently. By harnessing the sun's energy through solar cells, we can transform this clean energy into electricity and use that for all our needs. Furthermore, recent improvements in the lithium battery industry have launched this energy source to the top in real-life practicality. Advancements in this battery's chemistry have opened a door in electric car prospects which have more voltage, longer run time and less weight than conventional batteries. The recent developments in this industry allow electrical engineers to transform the future with this technology and we could make long strides toward solving the energy crisis. In addition, potential solar solutions to the problem could create a better future for the world and create ways to solve our own difficulties.
If we can successfully implement these energy alternatives, we will reduce our foreign dependence on oil, create American jobs, and begin to relieve some of our economic difficulties. By employing these alternatives, we will limit the damage of climate change, and leave a clean and healthy earth for years to come.
Andrew Tully
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