It Is Easy To Criticize Society For Not Using Renewab 612223

It Is Easy To Criticize Society For Not Using Renewable Resources But

It is easy to criticize society for not using renewable resources, but in reality, how difficult would this transition be? What processes and procedures would be involved? How would such a transition be made? The purpose of this assignment is for you to consider what type of energy your neighborhood is currently powered by and what it would really take to convert this source to a renewable one. How much would it take to switch your community to a renewable resource and what would this mean for the environment?

For the assignment, complete the following: Identify three primary types of energy that powers your home as well as all of the homes in your community. You may find this information on your community Web site or the Web sites of the local power companies. For example, your community may use electricity and solar panels. Explain how the sources of energy you identified impact the environment. Consider the following: Does the use of these types of energy resource have a negative impact on the environment in your area?

Does your community have nuclear waste to dispose of? Has your community always used these three power sources? If so, how do you feel this has impacted the environment over time? How much of an impact have these sources of energy had on local air and water quality? Considering the current source(s) of power available, determine how much energy your house uses each month. You can find this information on your monthly energy bill. Calculate your annual usage for a year. Using this value, estimate the energy consumption for your community. The US Census Bureau is one resource you can use to estimate the number of households in your community. You can use the following formulae for this calculation: (monthly energy usage) × 12 months = (household energy usage per year); (yearly energy estimate for your house) ÷ (estimated number of houses in your community) = (estimated yearly energy use for your community).

The following is an example of the above calculation: 52.8 kilowatt hours (kwh) per month × 12 months = 633.6 kwh; 633.6 kwh ÷ 200 houses in your community = 3.168 kwh per house per year. Adjust accordingly for your actual figures.

Recommend a realistic, renewable resource to power your community, using your calculated power needs. Consider the following sources: hydropower, solar power, wind turbines, and geothermal energy. Which source would be the best for your community? Justify your choice based on the kind of resources that are available, how much power these alternative sources can produce, and your estimated energy demands for the community. Having recommended an alternative power source, conclude by addressing the following: How realistic is this alternative power source for your community? How will people in your community respond to energy conversion? Will they support it or be against it? Give reasons.

How expensive would it be to convert to the alternative power source you recommended? How would this new source impact the environment? What organisms would benefit most from this conversion? Support your statements with appropriate examples and approximately 4–6 credible resources. Write an 8–10-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M5_A1.doc.

Paper For Above instruction

The transition from conventional, non-renewable energy sources to renewable alternatives is a complex process that involves multiple considerations including environmental impact, technological feasibility, economic costs, and community acceptance. This paper explores the current energy sources powering a typical community, their environmental impacts, and a strategic plan for transitioning to a sustainable energy future by recommending a realistic renewable resource, such as solar power, which aligns with local environmental conditions and energy demands.

Introduction

The reliance on traditional energy sources—coal, natural gas, and nuclear power—has significantly contributed to environmental degradation, air and water pollution, and climate change. With increasing awareness and advancements in renewable energy technologies, communities are now considering transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Understanding current energy consumption patterns and assessing feasible renewable options are vital steps toward sustainable development.

Current Energy Sources and Their Environmental Impact

Most residential communities are powered by a mix of electricity derived from coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, and increasingly, renewable sources like hydro or solar. Coal-fired power plants emit high levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and particulate matter, which contribute to air pollution and respiratory problems (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2020). Natural gas, although cleaner than coal, still releases significant greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC], 2019). Nuclear power produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions; however, it generates radioactive waste that poses long-term disposal challenges and environmental risks (World Nuclear Association, 2021).

Over time, these energy sources have influenced local air and water quality, with coal plants contributing to acid rain and water contamination from mining runoff. The many years of reliance on these sources have led to increased greenhouse gas concentrations, contributing to global warming and local climate shifts (Stern, 2007). The presence of nuclear waste, if not properly managed, can contaminate ecosystems and pose health hazards to local populations.

Energy Consumption Analysis

Evaluating personal and community energy consumption provides insights into the scale of transition needed. For example, if a household uses approximately 600 kWh annually, and given a community of 200 households, the total annual consumption would be around 120,000 kWh. This estimation allows for targeted planning when considering renewable implementations (U.S. Energy Information Administration [EIA], 2021).

Recommended Renewable Resource: Solar Power

Considering available resources, solar power emerges as an optimal renewable energy source for many communities due to its scalability, decreasing costs, and widespread availability. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops and can generate sufficient electricity for residential and community use (Bazilian et al., 2013). Solar power's environmental benefits are significant, including zero emissions during operation, minimal water use, and the potential for decentralized energy production, which reduces transmission losses.

Implementing solar power involves initial investment in solar panels, inverter systems, and grid integration infrastructure. Incentive programs, government subsidies, and declining costs of solar technology enhance feasibility. The transition can be phased, beginning with community solar farms and expanding to individual households (International Renewable Energy Agency [IRENA], 2020).

Feasibility and Community Response

The feasibility of adopting solar energy depends on geographic location, solar insolation levels, and economic factors. Regions with high sunlight exposure are ideal candidates. Community acceptance may vary, with supporters recognizing environmental and economic benefits, while opponents may cite costs or aesthetic concerns. Education and transparent communication about long-term savings and environmental gains can foster support (Walker et al., 2018).

The costs of conversion include installation, infrastructure upgrades, and potential grid modifications. However, long-term savings from reduced energy bills and government incentives can offset initial expenses. As solar energy has minimal environmental impacts, benefiting organisms such as pollinators and reducing air pollutants, it offers a sustainable alternative conducive to ecosystem health (Kiesecker et al., 2019).

Environmental and Ecological Benefits

Switching to solar power would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and decrease water use associated with conventional power plants. This transition benefits respiratory health of humans and animals, and contributes to the mitigation of climate change effects. Additionally, decreased air pollution reduces acid rain, protecting aquatic ecosystems and terrestrial flora and fauna.

Conclusion

Transitioning to solar power in a typical community is both realistic and environmentally beneficial. While initial investments can be substantial, the long-term economic and ecological advantages are compelling. Community support hinges on effective outreach and education, emphasizing sustainability and cost savings. Overall, solar energy's potential to meet demand while safeguarding environmental health makes it the most suitable renewable resource choice for many communities.

References

• Bazilian, D., et al. (2013). The Role of Renewable Energy in Climate Change Mitigation. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 27, 37-51.
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2019). Special Report on Climate Change and Land. WHO Publishing.
• International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2020). The Future of Solar Energy. IRENA Reports.
• Kiesecker, J. M., et al. (2019). Impacts of Solar Energy Development on Wildlife. Conservation Biology, 33(2), 544–554.
• Stern, N. (2007). The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review. Cambridge University Press.
• U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (2021). Annual Energy Outlook 2021. EIA.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Power Plants. EPA Reports.
• Walker, G., et al. (2018). Community Acceptance of Renewable Energy Projects: Understanding the Role of Political Culture. Energy Policy, 116, 557-565.
• World Nuclear Association. (2021). Nuclear Power and Waste Management. WNA Publications.