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Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy Sources – Helping Out in Times of Energy Crisis

by Wayne Wargo (PenWay.org)

How important is awareness and usage of alternative energy sources? People most commonly get the energy to power many types of equipment, appliances, etc. from natural resources - the non-renewable kind. These types of natural resources include petroleum (oil), electricity, and coal.

With the increase in industries that rely heavily on the consumption of energy resources, particularly non-renewable natural resources, the negative effect on the environment is also on the rise. In addition,during manufacturing and processing,many factories emit harmful chemicals that can be destructive to the environment. Numerous facilities also require the consumption of enormous amounts of energy just to continue their normal operations. Add to this the fact that there is a continual increase in global population. It is helpful to consider both the positive and negative effects of an energy crisis on our planet. Here are some of the harmful effects that are caused.

1. Sophisticated, advanced technologies are on the rise. However, the development and utilization of these technologies requires increased energy, most of which currently comes from non-renewable resources. Needless to say, this results in irreversible damage to nature and the environment. Not everything that is "new and improved" also causes positive effects to our surroundings. And many technological advances add substantially to the factors that utilize available (but non-renewable) energy, causing these resources to diminish at a faster and faster rate.

2. Inventive people find new ways to use old resources in new and innovative ways. But frequently,the harmful effects that such activities can cause the environment are overlooked. If this practice continues, the time will come, in the near future, when even the renewable, sustainable alternative sources of energy will not be able to provide for our ever-increasing global requirements.

3. Many environmental agencies that have done surveys regarding energy consumption. It was determined that with the current trend in the consumption of petroleum products four decades from now, all the reserves for such products will run out. New methods must be found, beginning immediately, in order to avoid a world-wide catastrophe.

4. People have become too dependent on non-renewable power resurces for all of their various energy needs. If this behavior pattern continues, there soon will be little or no more left of these resources. Without viable energy resources, thousands of activities and businesses will cease to exist. Transportation - both public and private - that is fueled by non-sustainable resources will stop. Trade of virtually every commodity will be affected. Communications will be stopped. Factories and other kinds of manufacturing businesses will be prevented from operating. Growth will be hindered as well as success.

To stop the lack of dependence on non-renewable resources,or to at least begin to slow it down to avoid cessation of transportation, communication, business operations, etc. in the very near future, everyone must do their part in finding ways to conserve the resources that remain available. They must also use their geniuses to find new ways and techniques to turn alternative resources into the kind of energy that can replace the diminishing ones.

First, people must be serious about energy conservation. They must do everything in their capacity to limit or eliminate their use of the available energy resources. For example, if you can do without cars or substitute the use of public transportation, or simply walk, then you you are making a contribution towards energy conservation. Even if it is only a small step by a single individual,it is part of a huge contribution towards better results in conserving energy.

Second, people must be responsible in whatever they do when it concerns the environment. You must remember that nature gives you a lot, and that you owe it to maintain our natural resources as well as possible.

Finally, it is people’s overall duty to look for alternative energy sources to help us in living our daily lives. We must also aim to alleviate the negative effects that over-consumption of our non-renewable energy resources may cause to humanity - especially future generations - and the environment.

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