How To Renewable Energy In America

Carbon dioxide levels in Earth’s atmosphere reached 400 parts per million in 2013, and have been increasing since then. This is the highest it has been in thousands of years (UXL Encyclopedia of Science). This change in atmospheric chemistry has been created by air pollution, which mainly comes from the burning of fossil fuels as a fuel source or for electricity. Alternative energy, also known as renewable energy, is a solution to the problems caused by fossil fuel burning. Many countries around the world are beginning to switch to renewable energy. Following this example, switching to alternative energy in America is a realistic solution to the problems caused by obtaining energy from nonrenewable sources. Fossil Fuels are natural materials
Nuclear power is generated at nuclear power plants. The power plants create energy by splitting atoms of radioactive material, usually uranium, to create a nuclear reaction. A downside to this is that nuclear power plants leave behind toxic waste and can cause nuclear disasters if destroyed (“Alternative Energy Sources”). Wind power is the oldest form of energy; even predating fossil fuels. Windmills generate electricity by using the fins to catch the wind. As the fins spin, a system of gears turn and rotate a generator, creating an electrical current (Wind Energy ed K. Lerner). Water power functions similar to wind power. Water flows through man made dams and rotates built in generators (“Alternative Energy Sources”). Solar energy is energy harvested from the sun. It can either be used as a heat source or to generate electricity. Solar electricity is created using solar panels that convert light into electricity (“Alternative Energy
Financially, switching to all renewable energy would be expensive and nearly impossible. Instead, a possible law for the United States could be; American cities must receive no less than 25% of electrical power from renewable energy sources by 2021. This would give time for businesses and power suppliers to make the change, and it limits the bill’s effect to the areas that release the most carbon into the atmosphere. This idea is also less demanding and balances out the financial burden. To review, both Alternative Energy and Nonrenewable Energy have their pros and cons. However, fossil fuels are limited and hazardous to the environment so renewable energy is needed to take its place. Many countries have already begun this process. Based on this, America can and should begin to switch to renewables as a source of electricity and fuel. If climate change and greenhouse gas emissions are not addressed soon, there will be major consequences on Earth’s climate and environment. These changes will not only be dangerous to plants and animals, but to humankind as