Renewable Energies

If we are to combat the problems that our world faces to held protect our wildlife then we must start on a better energy plan. Renewable energy is a source that we must utilize to have a happier healthier life for ourselves and for those we share this planet with. What are some renewable energy sources we could utilize and what do we still use that is not renewable?

Solar power is one method that can help combat climate change and give us a healthier alternative for our planet. Using panels that absorb solar energy from the sun which has no drawbacks other than the fact when the sun isn't out there isn't much energy being absorbed.

Another method we could utilize is wind turbines which allow us to harness the power of the wind to spin around large turbines which produce energy. The drawback of this source is that if the wind isn't blowing the turbines are not spinning which means they produce little energy. Both solar and wind methods could easily supply 40% of the US power grid with power.

One method that is widely used and has been the most successful is the use of dams which block off water flow and slow it down. The water travels through the dam and powers a hydroelectric turbine to give off energy. The problem is there are not many areas effective for dams and thus can only be used in certain areas.

Geothermal power plants use heat from the Earth itself to power the plants which create energy for our planet. It uses heated water or rocks from several miles below our surface, sometimes even deeper into the surface where magma can be found to power the plant. Using our own planet without actually harming it to power our electricity? If you ask me this is a great alternative to burning up our atmosphere.

The alternative to these, fossil fuels and coal, are widely known to give off extremely high levels of gas when burned into our atmosphere. This effect causes our ozone layer to become fragile and allow more harmful rays to make it to our planet. This causes global warming when the suns harmful rays are able to exploit our o-zone layer and heat up the planet. If we however, combine efforts to find new ways and use the ways currently implemented to create better sources of energy we can stop using these sources of energy. Which are slowly starting to dry up and become harder to produce and harmful to our environment.

If you want to help change the way we use our energy then get in contact with your local Senators and elected officials and tell them you want them to support cleaner renewable energies. You can also support groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists. Their site is below with other useful references:

http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy

https://energy.gov/science-innovation/energy-sources/renewable-energy

Images courtesy of: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy