Renewable energy effectively uses natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat, which may be naturally replenished. Renewable energy technologies range from solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity/micro hydro, biomass and biofuels for transportation. Source
Who knew that there was a difference between the concepts of alternative fuel and alternative energy? Not many people on Planet Earth!
We have made ourselves so dependent upon power from fossil fuel sources, that the entire world is being held captive by a very few oil-rich countries. How did these few sources come to have so
much and other countries so little?They got it by eminent domain — it was on their land when they arrived.
At first, it was generally believed that the solution to our dependence on fossil fuel would be some form of alternate fuel source. However, after much consideration, these alternatives would still be limited by the amount that could be produced, as is the case of corn becoming the source of ethanol.
The movement towards decreasing dependence on fossil fuel sources began in the late 1970s and by the mid 1990s hybrid energy became the new buzzword. The general consensus was that gasoline would power a motor and some other form of energy (electricity) would keep the object in motion. This might decrease the amount of fossil fuel used for power, but it did not totally remove our dependence on upon it.
Other concerns became apparent by the beginning of the new millennium. The carbon footprint, climate change, global warming, environmentally responsible, eco-friendly, renewable and alternative energy sources became the new vocabulary for powerconscious individuals. Finally, people were willing to admit that a higher power knew best and talk turned to renewable energy.
What Is Renewable Energy?
This term refers to natural power sources that can be replenished in a short period of time. These sources include solar, water, wind, geothermal heat and the use of biomass. Surprisingly, the use of renewable energy is not a new concept. As our country was being settled, pioneers of the westward movement used wind and sun to provide heat and pump water.Renewable energy does not create greenhouse gases. It reduces demand for fossil fuels and is only limited by climate changes. On cloudy days, solar energy (unless it is stored) would not be available. Wind turbines will not turn on calm days and areas prone to drought could not depend upon water for power.
Greenhouse gas is a natural element that exists in the earth’s atmosphere. It sifts out unwanted solar heat, absorbs carbon dioxide and generally helps to control the climate of our earth. So why are we so concerned about greenhouse gases? These gases are a natural element of earth’s atmosphere – along with carbon dioxide, ozone and a few others – and all of the gases are delicately balanced with each other.
When these gases become unbalanced, excessive sun rays can pass through to the ground surface. In turn, earth will experience global, significant temperature rises and any significant rise changes climate and weather conditions, the water temperature, land and sea life – and life as we now know it.
Alternate Fuel vs Alternate Energy
So, in a nutshell, what is the difference between alternate fuel sources and alternate energy sources? Alternate fuel sources lack abundance, emit gases into the atmosphere and still increase the carbon footprint that we will leave for future generations to clean up. Alternate energy sources can move us away from any dependence on fossil fuel sources and back to the natural sources of energy which are renewable, atmosphere-friendly, eco-friendly, easily replenished and healthy.We made this world what it is today and, together, we can clean up our mess. If each person will take responsibility for changing just one lifestyle element, scientists predict that the speed of global warming and climate change can be slowed dramatically and allowed to occur naturally.
Together, we can do this. Yes, we can!
RELATED:
Funds For Green Energy Investors
Renewable Energy Companies By State
I’m passionate about global warming and environmental issues.
