The perseverance of the World: Alternative energies

The perseverance of the World: Alternative Energies vs Destructive Sources of Energy

Eddy Gonzalez
Liberty High School

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Research shows that solar energy does not produce any pollutants and is one of the
cleanest sources of energy.(Stefan Reichelstein, April, 2013) Everyday, the world uses nonrenewable energy sources that leave carbon based footprints in the Earths atmosphere.
Increased carbon dioxide emissions are adding to the warming up of planet. This will continue to
happen until a day comes where alternative energy sources replace what is currently powering
most societies. The answer to the problem, and prayer of others would be the elimination of
current technologies with an alternate. Solar energy. Solar Energy is not only equal in
comparison to carbon based technologies, but is better and more efficient and would in fact
preserve this planet. Technologies such as photoelectric electricity that allow the direct
conversion of light into electricity. At an atomic level, solar thermal collectors can, for example,
heat your swimming pool. Methods like passive solar designs and solar concentration systems
using mirrors to concentrate heat would be a revolutionary way in order to drop the initial
electric/gas bill being received monthly. Solar energy could be used in many ways to make this
happen. The human population needs to change and contribute to the elimination of carbon
dioxide emissions that pollute the atmosphere daily in order to strive and survive in the long
run. Solar energy would be the answer to this catastrophic problem.
According to CBS reports, an estimated amount of around 2.4million pounds of carbon
dioxide is released into the air every second. (CBS, Dec 2, 2012) Alternative energy sources
are not only renewable but are also considered as "free" energy sources. According to the film
documentary Zeitgeist Addendum, energy sources that come from places like sun, wind, tides
and waves of the ocean as well as deep in the earths core, such as Geothermal energies could,
all replace what is used today. Imagine a world with little to no global warming effects, a world
where peak oil would not be a problem. The human population is producing a significant
overload of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, trapping heat and creating a harmful impact to
the health and fundamental well being of others as well adding effects to the environmental

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climate of the world. Our sun could be a huge distributor of energy for the growing population of
the world. It sounds Ironic to use to use the hottest object in our universe in order to cool down
what we heated up, but like the saying goes. Sometimes you must fight fire with fire.
Throughout the day, the sun beams its ray on the surfaces of the Earth, producing
warmth and vital energy for photosynthesis as well an essential source of vitamin D. Not only is
the sun a key component for agriculture and the the feeding of the population that inhabits this
Earth, but in fact could power our cities, businesses as well as fuel our means for transportation.
Derived from the sun, solar energy has a huge abundance on this planet. In one
hour(4.3 1020 J) of sunlight at high noon contains more energy than the entire world
consumes in a year(4.1 1020 J (Nathan S. Lewis, California Institute of Technology). If a
method is to be created that could initially capture one hundredth of a percent of this energy the
world would be in amazing shape toward perseverance. Fossil fuels would never have to be
used again. All that is needed is a type of technology that could harness the suns energy and
convert it to a useful more efficient use. The United States has the people, money and
resources to make this happen.
Theres a technology out there by the name of photovoltaics electricity. Using material
that can absorb photons of light to release electrons, harnessing these electrons could
ultimately create an electric current that in result, can be used as electricity. A major benefit from
the creation of solar cells would be that their basic building block is centered around Ne 3s2
3p2, other known as silicone. One of the more abundant elements on this earth. We dont have
an abundance of fossil fuels but do have abundance in alternatives.
We are in the ideal place in this galaxy where we are not too close nor too far from the
sun to the extent where Earth could inhabit and create life in the ideal situation to sustain it with
resources as well. Using the sun as an advantage rather than taking it for granted would be
foolish to do. Alternative energies make so that we would not have to burn negative impacting

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fuels rather than putting nature to work and benefit the planet rather than pollute it. A Fifth
Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that the
human populations influence on the global climate system is clear and obvious. (IPCC, 2013).
The International Energy Agency states that, Among the many human activities that produce
greenhouse gases, the use of energy represents by far the largest source of emissions
(International Energy Agency, March 17, 2015). This is crucial information because solar energy
could replace the energy source causing these greenhouse gas emissions. Finding alternatives
is not a hard thing to do. Alternatives are all around us. Solar thermal collectors offer one of the
most efficient replacements that exist today.
Generating heat through solar thermal collectors would be a prime choice in the cooling
of this planet. Solar thermal energy ultimately results in using solar energy to produce heat. The
way this method works is the same as when getting into a car on a hot sunny day. Solar thermal
energy works in that same way, only the heat that is created is put into actual use. Solar thermal
collectors can be used in a mix with heat pumps to cover the heat demand for space heating
and domestic hot water preparation. Domesticated uses like warming up the swimming pool,
shower water or the heating up of a certain space or room. Solar thermal collectors and using
heat pumps for the heating of space and domestic hot water preparation have increased in
recent years (EHPA 2010; Weiss & Mauther 2011). The solar collectors retain the suns rays,
and convert it to heat, transferring the heat to a heat-transfer fluid (Daniel Trie. August, 2012).
Efficiency of a solar collector depends on the ability it has to absorb heat and how slow it loses
it once absorbed. This could raise many questions among those looking to purchase this
technology. The way this sort of tech would be beneficial in order to reduce Co2 emissions,
would be the fact that we no longer would have to use gas powered heating systems. According
to geothermal and Greenhouse gas experts, Methane (CH4)one of the most prevalent
greenhouse gases emitted in the United States is due to human activities.

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A common question being asked through the solar energy world would be, whats the
cost for something like this and how would I benefit. According to research, depending on the
type of system, the cost would differ. Also the way it is decided to be used. The system being
purchased would initially pose a factor in that cost. Water heating for the common household,
pool heating as well as where you live would all differentiate those costs. But in most cases,
solar thermal systems cost between $2,000 and $4,500 (U.S Department of energy, 2003). This
might sound a little pricey compared to what youre paying for gas and or electricity. But when
you consider the total energy costs over the entire life of the system, the difference would be
greatly beneficial. The bills being received would be lower and more predictable. In that same
token, solar energy protects you from the rising fossil fuel costs over periods time.
According to the US Department of energy, Solar thermal systems could in fact increase
the resale value of the home if a solar energy system installation is decided. Other benefits such
as earning an annual 6% to 25% tax-free rate-of-return also come with the purchase of the
alternative. That tax return depends on how much hot water is being used and how much
energy is being consumed. This would still be better for the consumer and the perseverance of
the planet. A planet that is shared upon billions of people both rich and poor. Upon purchasing
this technology, people would be getting a product that is environmentally friendly, and would
have made a conscious decision to help reduce harmful emission committed by the everyday
man. The U.S Department of energy states that, Solar heaters, can offset the equivalent of
40% to 100% of the carbon dioxide emissions... This is significant for the fact that global
warming is an issue being caused by carbon and methane gas emissions. Trying to reduce
these numbers would be significant for the future. When looking at the bigger picture, this could
easily bring the solution to global warming, one solar panel at a time.
The Florida Solar Energy Center conducted a study to explore costs and savings over
time of installing solar water heaters to households. What they found was that solar water

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heaters offered the best potential savings from electric and gas. The annual utility costs for solar
water heaters is 50% to 85% in costs, and proves that solar energy costs are lower than those
for electric/ gas powered water heaters. Fossil fuels are becoming way more costly and the
availability of it is decreasing (U.S department of energy, December, 2003). The reason behind
that being that they arent renewable and take millions of years in order to come to use. A key
term being Peak oil. Peak oil, is the event based on M. King Hubbert's theory, that there is a
point in time when the maximum rate of extraction of petroleum is reached, and after which the
rate of production is expected to enter a terminal decline(Russell Gold,Sept. 29, 2014 4:26 p.m.
ET) If we run out of the resources that power the communities of the world, what happens when
they run out? Civilizations would no longer have a solid energy source for the things people take
for granted today.
People are choosing electric and gas related energy means because, in ways is Easy
to install repair and relatively inexpensive(Joel Gonzalez, March 10, 2015) in comparison to
solar energy sources. Solar energy sources arent applicable to just everyone either. Natural
gas prices have also had a significantly decrease over the past decade making solar energy( a
renewable source) the better choice. (Stefan Reichelstein, Graduate School of Business
Stanford University). This is an issue because getting solar panels installation is not cheap,
approximately $2,000 and $4,500. This price comparison makes people question what they
want. But in the long run, solar energy would be better for your pockets as well as adds a better
for the planet. Americans for Prosperity (AFP) released their statement on solar energy. They
state that renewable mandates cost tax paying Americans. AFP sites that in reference to
Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT) and a recent Forbes online article (July 7),
the government has spent $14 billion since 2009 propping up renewable energy projects.
Claiming that, They wouldnt have to do that if the technology was more market ready. But it is
human nature to pose the current moment bias. Louise Cooper says in one of her commentary

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on the current moment bias,...We sell winners so quickly because we want to make...profit. In
this case, The profit being less harmful emissions in our atmosphere. Wanting instant
gratification isnt always a bad thing. To want the perseverance of the planet as quick as
possible is logical thought, considering the fact of how quickly the world's glaciers are melting.
Higher temperatures cause seas to rise in two ways. First, they melt glaciers, and since warmer
water expands, the oceans volume increases. (Mark Hertsgaard, pg 33, Hot: living through the
next 50 years). Bringing yet again another problem to the emissions caused by CO2 and adds
to the why alternative energy means need to be implemented as well as all the more reason
for change. Americans for Prosperity also justify their opinion on the negative outcomes of solar
energy by stating, SOLAR COSTS JOBS. In their research they found that, a recent study
reveals that the presence of solar electricity could cost over 3,000 job losses by 2018! Charles
Koch, an American businessman and philanthropist, makes a statement that in regards to AFPs
comments, It Takes Courage To Turn Down An Investment In A Solar Energy Firm That Is
Guaranteed To Be Profitable. As a businessman he should know how the politics behind profit
and how involving solar energy to our everyday lives would be be beneficial from his business
standpoint. Mark Hertsgaard suggests in his book Hot: Living through the next 50 years,
suggest that We have to accept that there will be losses. He mentions that there must be a,
corresponding shift in policy and behavior from individuals, governments, businesses, and civic
institutions, in order to bring this planet back on the right track toward success in saving what
we have left of this earth for future generations.(pg, 34). Hertsgaard talks about adaptation and
and the need to apply it to society in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Mentioning
that mankind needs to, Pursue the traditional goal of climate policy. (pg, 34) Solar energy is
one of the most abundant, simplest energy sources out there. Solar energy is for a fact better
for the environment in more ways than one. Its also more beneficial for your pocket book in the

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long run. The CO2 emissions being caused everyday is having an unintended consequence on
a global scale.
The people inhabiting this Earth need to start taking actions to limit the magnitude and
rate of long-term climate change. Climate change mitigation will not be reached if individuals
act independently in their own selfish interest. Solar energy would be a major mitigation
strategy. It is a renewable energy that is derived from a natural process and is replenished
constantly. Unlike fossil fuels that take millions of years to form (U.S Department of Energy).
Using solar technologies would be playing a part in this mitigation effort to decrease CO2
emissions by replacing sources that to leave a carbon footprint.
Carbon dioxide emissions are killing this planet. Making it warmer resulting in the melting
of glaciers and the destruction of ecosystems and societies. In Hot, Hertsgaard visits the village
of Antapara in Bangladesh ang meets the Mayor of the village. Anisur Rahman states, This
river comes from India. For some reason, the water in india is increasing, so the floods here are
bigger.They are sweeping away our houses, even the land beneath them. (page, 18) This really
stands out because that river leads from the Himalayan Mountains. The snow is melting quickly
causing the unintended consequence of flooding and home destruction. There are many ways
this could all change. Alternative energies being a key role in the perseverance of this beautiful
planet and the millions of organisms that call it home. It is the human races responsibility to
correct the mistakes mistakes it made and change its ways for the better. Solar energy creates
a gateway to save money and decrease the amounts of gasses released into the atmosphere
polluting it and make it warmer. If societies want to strive and thrive for millions of years ahead,
it is going to have to start one solar panel at a time. The human race made an unconscious
decision in creating greenhouse emissions in order to have a better life here on this earth. Now
a conscious decision needs to made in order for the perseverance of future generations. There
needs to be change and contribution to the elimination carbon dioxide emissions that pollute the

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Earths atmosphere. Making it easier to survive in the long run and making innovation for the
future better than it has ever been. Inovation is something everyone should be a part of for the
perseverance of the human race.