Alternative Renewable Energy the Salvation of a Brittle Climate

In our previous article we highlighted the Greenhouse Effects and how it impacts our planet. These adverse effects have caused a change in climate subjecting the earth to hash weather changes.

In today’s article, we look at Alternative and Renewable Energy as a means to curb the damage done over time by man and his quest for sustainable energy in everyday living.

In this article, we talk about Alternative Renewable Energy as the Salvation of a Brittle Climate. Alternative energy is any energy source that is an alternative to fossil fuel i.e. Non- Fossil Fuel. These alternatives are intended to address concerns about fossil fuels, such as its high carbon dioxide emissions, an important factor in global warming.

Marine energy, hydroelectric, wind, geothermal and solar power are all alternative sources of energy with their exploitation, comes improved public health and environmental quality. Generating energy by renewable means rather than burning fossil fuel offers not just significant public health benefits but opens up great investment opportunities in a sector yet fully explored.

The air and water pollution emitted by coal and natural gas plants is linked to breathing problems, neurological damage, heart attacks, and cancer.Renewable energy facilities generally require less maintenance than traditional generators. Their fuel being derived from natural and available resources reduces the costs of operation.

Even more importantly, renewable energy produces little or no waste products such as carbon dioxide or other chemical pollutants, so it has minimal negative impact on the environment. Renewable energy projects can also bring economic benefits to many regional areas, as most projects are located away from large urban centers and suburbs of the capital cities. These economic benefits may be from the increased use of local services as well as tourism.

Non-Fossil Fuel Renewable Energy Sources Include 

  • Nuclear 
  • Hydroelectric 
  • Solar
  • Others (Geothermal, Tidal, Wind, Wood and Waste)

These figures need to change in favor of non-fossil fuel sources to considerably avert the potential impact of global warming and its effects.

How Alternative Energy Methods Can Check the Greenhouse Effect  

Based on the statistics given, the use of fossil fuels raises serious environmental concerns. The burning of fossil fuels emits around 21.3 billion tonnes (21.3 gigatonnes) of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. It is estimated that natural processes can only absorb about half of that amount, so there is a net increase of 10.65 billion tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide per year which increases the radioactive gases that majorly contributes to global warming.

Major regions prone to the Greenhouse effect  

It is estimated that by 2050, floods droughts, and famine caused by climate change would have driven 250 million people from their homes. Most of these numbers will come from poor and developing countries were the government and citizens lack the resources adapt to the perils of a warming world effects such as rises in sea level, desertification and mass deforestation, melting ice, heat waves and droughts. These events will give rise to mass migration in search of more favorable climates. 

Fig 4. Indicators of Global Warming

Technology’s Contribution

Man-made problems require man-made solutions; technology engineered and advanced by Man has a big role to play in curbing the impending effects of global warming. The use of alternative energy in place of harmful emissions by conventional energy generating methods can greatly slow these effects. Some of these alternative measures have already been implemented but need to be actualized on a global scale hence the need for urgent sensitization on the use of these methods to curb the damage done to the unbalanced climate. Most advanced countries are harnessing the power of wind, solar and hydro to slow the effects of global warming. Today technology is coming up with innovations like electric cars, hybrids, alternative-fuel vehicles and smart houses in a bid to aid the necessary fight against global warming.

Conclusion

Awareness and education is key to using alternative renewable energy to check the greenhouse effects. Renewable energy comes from natural sources that can be replaced or 'renewed' without harming the environment or contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Renewable energy will not run out like fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Some renewable sources of energy include:

  • Solar – Using heat or light from the sun
  • Wind – Capturing wind movement to spin turbine
  • Hydro – Rivers or stored water to run a turbine
  • Biomass – Capturing gases emitted from landfill sites
  • Geothermal – Using heat in the earth core to run a steam turbine

Here are some simple and smart ways to live more sustainably at home and save energy.

  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent globes
  • Install a solar hot water system when your hot water system needs replacing
  • For short trips, leave the car at home and walk, ride or take public transport
  • Turn off appliances at the switch when you’re not using them
  • Set your thermostat to 18-20oC in Winter
  • Keep your showers to less than four minutes
  • Recycle household waste
  • Insulate your ceiling and walls

 

 

References

http://www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/the-greenhouse-effect-and-the-global-warming/

https://en.wikipedia.org

http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/different-energy-sources.php

http://www.alternative-energy-tutorials.com/energy-articles/greenhouse-gases.html

http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/energy/article/item/9ccfe09be60e33e.aspx

http://www.triplepundit.com/2016/05/technology-fighting-climate-change/

http://www.solarschools.net/resources/stuff/advantages_and_disadvantages.aspx

http://www.thealternativedaily.com/benefits-of-renewable-energy/

http://www.unhcr.org/climate-change-and-disasters.html