Thursday, January 29, 2009

Wind and Solar Power (Renewable Energy) towards a Renewed Environ

By Ashley Patrick

The concept of renewable energy is best understood along with the understanding of other forms of energy present in the world today. At the moment, the chief sources of energy are coal, electric power, and carbon-containing substances. Despite the presence of said elements on earth, they exist in scarcity and are irreplaceable. The process of generating electricity from coal and fossil fuel is by burning, as such, it poses some harmful effects to the environment.

Why is the use of the said elements dangerous to our environment?

The process of burning elements such as coal and fossil fuel threatens the atmosphere due to the fact that it emits amounts of carbon dioxide in toxic levels into the environment. As a result, the ozone layer is damaged and may result to negative effects that are irreversible. In addition to this, respiratory diseases may arise such as bronchitis, asthma, and more. Also, fossil fuels and coal are not renewable; it is possible that they will run out and vanish. Since the resources are scarce and the need is unlimited, there is a disparity that causes the price to increase quickly.

The earth has another form of energy"renewable energy"that the earth always have. Comparing it to the substances containing carbon, it is present in abundance and can be replaced. Solar power, wind and water energy are examples of sources for this kind of energy. The examples mentioned are non-hazardous and earth-friendly. Once brought together with modern technology, the said natural resources are less destructive and less harmful to the environment. Also, said energy is better in terms of economy and practicality.

Some of the benefits of renewable energy are enumerated below:

1. Vast supply " the sun will not stop shining, the wind will not stop blowing, and the water will not stop flowing. This goes to prove that these elements are always in existence on earth. Actually, these are the exact elements that compose the earth itself.

2. Cost efficiency " although access to some renewable forms of energy may be difficult, the ones that are abundant have proven their ability to decrease the necessary costs. Since the supply for renewable energy is high, production costs are perceived not to go up. Moreover, the sources of renewable energy such as wind and solar power provides for financial incentives.

3. Ecological health " the earth, humans and animals are less prone to health hazards if natural renewable energy such wind and solar power is utilized. They are actually safe to use and prolong the earths existence. They are not polluting the earth in any way and as such, all living and non-living things are safe.

Besides the reasons mentioned above, there are more benefits that are less known to us; decrease in economic exchanges with foreign countries, reduced dependency to foreign resources, and the decrease in pollution and contamination. Renewable energy such as wind and solar power can best provide for countries which lack the availability of electricity and other power resources. And to reduce your electric bill, you can build your own home wind or solar power generator. You can do this by having a step by step instruction guide. With this, you can save energy and increase the value of your home. - 17913

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