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The Human Addiction to Fossil Fuels

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The Human Addiction to Fossil Fuels
The Human Addiction to Fossil Fuels:
Converting to Green Energy Is Easier Said Than Done
I chose this topic because I hope to pursue a career in a field dealing with the development of renewable energy. I also believe it is a prevalent issue that must be dealt with, or result in unfavorable consequences sooner than people think. This paper showed me that renewable energy is such a large issue that there a plethora of factors to take into account, and the complete conversion to renewable energy may take much more time and effort than people assume.
Exploitation of the earth’s resources is inevitably leading to a worldwide power crisis. Energy deficiency is one of the issues on the forefront of the environmental movement. While energy shortages are not yet affecting people, studies show they are imminent if steps are not taken toward prevention. The human race is notoriously known for its ability to exploit resources. One of the most obvious showcases of this unique ability is the exhaustion of nonrenewable resources. This concept is relatively modern in the sense that human use of these resources has increased exponentially since the discovery of nonrenewable resources as major power generators. Although, the adverse environmental consequences caused by the use of nonrenewable resources is immediately affecting the people. Further progression of nonrenewable resource use also raises questions concerning sustainability of the current human environment. Alarmingly, research of their depletion and impact on the environment is an even newer concept. The recent knowledge has given birth to the novel idea of using the earth’s natural forces as an efficient, renewable energy source on a large scale. While these green energy sources are environmentally friendly and prove to be a key factor in the modern energy crisis and sustaining our lifestyle, they are not used universally due to a combination of factors, including consumer awareness, availability of resources, and



References: Armaroli, N., & Balzani, V. (2010). Energy for a sustainable world: From the oil age to a sun-powered future. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH. Chen, F. F. (2011). An indispensable truth: How fusion power can save the planet. New York, NY; Dordrecht: Springer. Fuchs, E. F., & Masoum, M. A. S. (2011). Power conversion of renewable energy systems. New York, NY: Springer. Honnery, D., & Moriarty, P. (2011). Rise and fall of the carbon civilisation [sic]: Resolving global environmental and resource problems. London, England: Springer. Hordeski, M. F. (2011). Megatrends for energy efficiency and renewable energy. Lilburn, GA: Fairmont Press; Boca Raton, FL: Distributed by Taylor & Francis. Rogers, G. (2011). Consumer attitudes about renewable energy: Trends and regional differences. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

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