Fossil Fuels And Alternative Energy Resources Worksheets
Fossil Fuels And Alternative Energy Resource Worksheetsci256 Version
Fossil Fuels and Alternative Energy Resource Worksheet SCI/256 Version University of Phoenix Material Fossil Fuels and Alternative Energy Resource Worksheet Using the textbooks, the University Library, or other resources, answer each of the following questions in 150 to 200 words. 1. Select a fossil fuel. How is this fossil fuel used? What are the adverse effects on the environment?
2. Select a local or regional alternative energy resource. How might this resource be used to supplement or replace fossil fuels? 3. If you were given the option, would you choose to purchase your energy from alternative resources? Explain your reasoning.
Paper For Above instruction
Fossil fuels have historically been the backbone of global energy production, supplying the majority of electricity and transportation fuels worldwide. Among these, coal stands out as one of the most widely used fossil fuels. Coal is primarily used in electricity generation through combustion in power plants, where it burns to produce steam that drives turbines and generates electricity. Additionally, coal is used in various industrial processes, such as steel manufacturing. However, coal combustion releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), which contribute to climate change. It also emits sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, leading to air pollution and respiratory health problems. The mining process itself causes land degradation, habitat destruction, and water pollution. Therefore, despite its utility, coal's adverse environmental impacts make it a contentious energy source that needs to be replaced or supplemented with cleaner alternatives.
On a regional level, wind energy offers a promising alternative to fossil fuels like coal. Wind power involves capturing kinetic energy from wind via turbines, which convert it into electricity. Wind farms can be installed onshore or offshore, depending on regional wind availability and land accessibility. In many regions, wind energy has the potential to supplement existing power grids significantly, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. For example, wind energy can offset electricity produced from coal, thereby decreasing air pollution and conserving finite fossil fuel resources. The integration of wind energy into regional grids requires infrastructure upgrades and investment but offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly option. As technology advances and costs decrease, wind power is becoming increasingly viable as a substantial component of regional renewable energy portfolios.
Personally, I would choose to purchase my energy from alternative resources such as wind or solar power. The primary reason is the environmental impact; renewable resources produce minimal to no greenhouse gases during operation, helping to mitigate climate change. Additionally, investing in renewable energy supports the transition toward more sustainable and resilient energy systems, reducing dependence on finite fossil fuel resources and their associated environmental degradation. Economically, the decreasing costs of renewable energy technology make it more accessible and financially viable in the long term. Moreover, supporting renewable energy encourages innovation and job creation in the green sector. Given the urgency of addressing climate change and the availability of cleaner options, I believe that opting for renewable energy sources aligns with both environmental ethics and sustainable development goals.
References
- Ramachandra, T. V., Shwetmala, & Ahalya, N. (2011). Environmental impacts of coal mining and utilization. Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(4), 255-266.
- U.S. Department of Energy. (2020). Wind Energy Basics. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/wind-energy-basics
- World Coal Association. (2023). Coal & the environment. https://www.worldcoal.org/environment
- International Renewable Energy Agency. (2021). Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2020. IRENA Reports.
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2022). Wind Power for a Sustainable Future. NREL Publications.
- Hughes, L. (2003). Wind energy: A sustainable option? Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 7(2), 135-165.
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2014). Climate Change 2014: Mitigation of Climate Change. IPCC Fifth Assessment Report.
- Li, Y., & Liu, Y. (2019). Solar energy utilization and its environmental impacts. Solar Energy, 187, 276-286.
- Solid Waste & Recycling. (2020). Environmental challenges of coal mining. SWR Publications.
- Bloomberg New Energy Finance. (2022). Renewable Energy Investment Trends. BNEF Reports.