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The Need for Renewable Energy Sources

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The Need for Renewable Energy Sources
The Need for Renewable Energy Sources
Columbia Southern University

Abstract
An every growing population results in an every growing demand for energy. Energy is needed to power almost every aspect of our lives. Energy sources are defined as either non-renewable or renewable, with each having different impacts on the environment and the economy. Most of the environmental impacts today are a result of the dependence of fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass have far less of an impact to the environment. All means of producing energy sources face challenges to the environment with renewable energy having the least amount of damage. The most beneficial part of sustainable energy is that they are an abundant source of energy that can be harnessed almost anywhere. Studies show that new and less expensive ways to harness and incorporate renewable energy are starting to evolve. One way is in the housing market, which has started integrating solar power into the building of houses to save people money on utilities. This boosts the economy by opening up a new industry and providing new jobs.

The Need for Renewable Energy Sources
As the population continues to grow so does the demand for energy, because energy is the ability to do work. Energy is needed to power cars and factories, heat schools and homes, refine metals, and make many of the things we take for granted. The earth provides many types of energy sources that can be harnessed to provide this energy. These energy sources are both non-renewable and renewable. We have chosen to rely on non-renewable energy, fossil fuels, for our primary source of energy and have since the industrial revolution. The reason is fossil fuels are easy to use and generate because they only require a simple direct combustion. However, a problem with fossil fuels is their environmental and health


References: Cardwell, D. (2013, July 26). On rooftops, a rival for utilities. The New York Times, PB1 Doom, Justin (2013). Solar panel is next granite countertop for homebuilders. Retrieved from: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/solar-panel-next-granite-countertop-161321343.html Figdor, E. (2009). The high cost of fossil fuels why America can’t afford to depend on dirty energy. Retrieved from http://www.environmentamerica.org/sites/environment/files/reports/The-High-Cost-of-Fossil-Fuels.pdf Reinders, A., Diehl J. C., Brezet, H. (2013). The power of design product innovation in sustainable energy technologies. West Sussex, United Kingdom, John Wiley & Sons. Repanich, J. (2010). The deepwater horizon spill by the numbers. Retrieved from http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/coal-oil-gas/bp-oil-spill-statistics Union of Concerned Scientists (2013). Benefits of renewable energy use Retrieved from: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/public-benefits-of-renewable.html Zatzman, G.M. (2012). Sustainable resource development. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New Jersey. Salem, Massachusetts: Sctivener Publishing.
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