There's a lot of talk these days about fossil fuels and it looks like this will continue for the foreseeable future. What are the major causes for concern, and what if anything can we do about it?
These fuels have provided the developed world with a cheap source of energy, and this energy has allowed technological and financial success. This is almost entirely due to the ready availability of coal, oil and natural gas. Those fuels are responsible for running the power stations, our cars, factories, and even the production of food through large scale farming and fertilizers.
Why is this a cause for concern? Coal and oil have been fuel sources for thousands of years, so why has this become an issue now?
The reasons are population and lifestyle. In less than 80 years the human population has swelled from around two billion to over six billion. At the same time technology has advanced steadily so that now almost all the devices we use require electricity. Add to this the fuel cost of personal transport and the size of the energy bill starts to become clearer.
The pollution caused by use of fossil fuels is not always obvious. We can see it when we drive behind a truck or bus, but pollution caused by using electricity from a power station is far less obvious. While there are some alternative energy power stations in operation, the majority of household electricity comes from coal or oil burning power plants.
Power stations burn fuel to boil water. The steam is used to turn turbines which rotate huge copper wire coils inside giant magnets, and it is these turbines that generate our electricity. This electricity is then transported to our homes by a series of power lines and substations. The burning of the fuel produces carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas, meaning it has the effect of trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Consider the electrical devices we use on a daily basis. Computers, televisions, mobile phones, MP3 players, heaters, air conditioners and so on. Then multiply that by the number of people using these devices and we can start to appreciate the scale of our electricity use. The more electricity we use the more pollution we create.
In spite of the size of the problem there are things we can do to improve the situation. We can reduce our personal energy consumption simply by switching off devices when they are not in use. Televisions and stereos, for example, continue to consume electricity when in standby mode, even as much as 80% of the amount of electricity they use when active. An added bonus of switching off devices not in use is a lower energy bill.
Buying electricity from a green energy provider is another way we can make a difference. Unfortunately these alternatives are still more expensive than electricity from coal or oil.
Investing in home solar electricity and hot water systems is a bigger step. The up-front cost of these systems is daunting, particularly for solar electricity. However they are a good long term investment and add value to your home. Buying an electric or hybrid vehicle is also a high up front cost, though with gas prices going ever upwards it's easier to see this as a faster return investment.
The problem of dependence on fossil fuels is something we can have a personal impact on. If we reduce our personal energy use and learn more about the subject of fossil fuel use we can leave a smaller footprint on the earth.
These fuels have provided the developed world with a cheap source of energy, and this energy has allowed technological and financial success. This is almost entirely due to the ready availability of coal, oil and natural gas. Those fuels are responsible for running the power stations, our cars, factories, and even the production of food through large scale farming and fertilizers.
Why is this a cause for concern? Coal and oil have been fuel sources for thousands of years, so why has this become an issue now?
The reasons are population and lifestyle. In less than 80 years the human population has swelled from around two billion to over six billion. At the same time technology has advanced steadily so that now almost all the devices we use require electricity. Add to this the fuel cost of personal transport and the size of the energy bill starts to become clearer.
The pollution caused by use of fossil fuels is not always obvious. We can see it when we drive behind a truck or bus, but pollution caused by using electricity from a power station is far less obvious. While there are some alternative energy power stations in operation, the majority of household electricity comes from coal or oil burning power plants.
Power stations burn fuel to boil water. The steam is used to turn turbines which rotate huge copper wire coils inside giant magnets, and it is these turbines that generate our electricity. This electricity is then transported to our homes by a series of power lines and substations. The burning of the fuel produces carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas, meaning it has the effect of trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Consider the electrical devices we use on a daily basis. Computers, televisions, mobile phones, MP3 players, heaters, air conditioners and so on. Then multiply that by the number of people using these devices and we can start to appreciate the scale of our electricity use. The more electricity we use the more pollution we create.
In spite of the size of the problem there are things we can do to improve the situation. We can reduce our personal energy consumption simply by switching off devices when they are not in use. Televisions and stereos, for example, continue to consume electricity when in standby mode, even as much as 80% of the amount of electricity they use when active. An added bonus of switching off devices not in use is a lower energy bill.
Buying electricity from a green energy provider is another way we can make a difference. Unfortunately these alternatives are still more expensive than electricity from coal or oil.
Investing in home solar electricity and hot water systems is a bigger step. The up-front cost of these systems is daunting, particularly for solar electricity. However they are a good long term investment and add value to your home. Buying an electric or hybrid vehicle is also a high up front cost, though with gas prices going ever upwards it's easier to see this as a faster return investment.
The problem of dependence on fossil fuels is something we can have a personal impact on. If we reduce our personal energy use and learn more about the subject of fossil fuel use we can leave a smaller footprint on the earth.
About the Author:
Learn more about fossil fuels. Stop by Roger Vanderlely's site where you can find out all about solar power facts and how solar energy can benefit you.
No comments:
Post a Comment