Energy Resource Plan
Because of the limited amount of renewable energy sources on Earth, it is important to conserve our current supply or to use renewable resources so that our natural resources will be available for future generations. Energy conservation is also important because consumption of renewable resources impacts the environment. Specifically, our use of fossil fuels contributes to air and water pollution. For example, carbon dioxide is produced when oil, coal, and gas combust in power stations, heating systems, and car engines. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere acts as a transparent blanket, that contributes to the global warming of the earth, or “greenhouse effect.” It is possible that this warming trend could significantly alter our weather. Possible impacts include a threat to human health, environmental impacts such as rising sea levels that can damage coastal areas, and major changes in vegetation growth patterns that could cause some plant and animal species to become extinct. Sulfur dioxide is also emitted into the air when coal is burned. The sulfur dioxide reacts with water and oxygen in the clouds to form precipitation known as “acid rain.” Acid rain can kill fish and trees and damage limestone buildings and statues. You can help solve these global problems. In the U.S., the average family’s energy use generates over 11,20 pounds of air pollution each year. Therefore, every unit (or kilowatt) of electricity conserved reduces the environments impact of energy use. Renewable energy sources are constantly renewed or restored and include wind (wind power), water, (hydropower), sun (solar), vegetation (biomass), and internal heat of the earth (geothermal). About 9.0 percent of electricity in the U.S. is generated by renewable sources. Nonrenewable resources are natural resources that cannot be replenished (fossil fuels such as oil, Gas, and coal). About 71.5 percent of electricity in the U.S. is generated from nonrenewable resources. In addition to...
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