Energy is
the source of life. Energy that we gain from food helps us to survive. It
implies that food is a source of energy for us. The vehicles that we use, the
industries that manufacture different products are all dependant on some kind
of energy source. The source may be electricity or fossil fuel but it is clear
that everything needs an energy source to run. In the old days firewood was the
energy source. After the invention of automobiles and airplanes in early 20th
century, fossil fuels have been the most prominent source of energy. Fossil
fuels fulfill most of the energy requirement of the world because of which
energy produced from other sources are regarded as alternative energy. Fossil
fuels are found in a limited amount which puts it into a high risk of depletion.
So, it has become very important to explore alternate forms of energy.
Fossil fuel
governs the world economy as it is proved to be the prominent source of energy. It can be a benefit to those countries which have a large abundance of fossil
fuels. Countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico are the major providers
of fossil fuel in the present world. They are rich countries with their supply
of fuel but when the fuel runs out, their economy may be thrashed. It will not
only affect these nations but it will affect the global market. It will cause
recession bigger than that of 2009/10. For instance, the increase in price of
oil increases the monetary value of gold but when there is an Energy crisis it
could drop down the monetary value of gold. It would cause inflation and
developed or under developed, all nations will have to suffer. Saudi Arabia
exports nearly 267 barrels of oil a year and UAE exports 98 billion barrels per
year. Energy crisis will doom their economy not to mention it cause a lot
people to lose their job.
This is exact reason why we should explore other
forms of energy. We should explore it to balance our economy. Research in
alternative energies could mean more jobs. Car manufacturers will be bankrupt
if there is an Energy crisis. Japan exported 923000 cars to U.S.A in 2006 which
used fossil fuels and the data relates 6 year ago. There is a steady 5%
increase of cars sales each year. It means the cars and automobiles around the
world would have to run on some other source if the trend is to follow and it
can be stopped if we follow our duty. Our duty is not only provide ourselves
with a steady economy but for our future generations also. If we explore and practice
the use of alternative forms of energy now, we can even prevent an economic an
energy crisis from happening.
The economy
is not only the fossil fuels are destroying, it’s the environment too. The emission
of harmful gases from the use of fossil fuels is destroying the water cycle and
causing a worldwide climate change. Global warming is another problem created
from the use of fossil fuels. The use of hydroelectricity and solar power could
minimize these harmful effects of pollution and Global warming. Sea levels are
rising and it is endangering many countries such as Maldives, Nepal, and
Philippines. These all harmful effects are caused by the use of fossil fuels
and it causing billions of dollars worth damage. The use of alternative energy
is inevitable if we do not want floods and landslides. The disturbance in water
cycle has caused change in season and disturbed wild flora and fauna.
Alternative energy doesn’t only mean using electricity and solar power only but
it also means nuclear energy and using ethanol in vehicles. They are less
pollutant than fossil fuels. Fossil fuels pollute the environment but it also
affects the health of wildlife and not to mention human life. The importance of
alternative energy is that it can help create a healthier life than we live in
today by saving our environment.
Environment
issues have become important to many countries. The use of alternative energy
has been a prime example to deal with those in many countries. For instance in
U.K. apart from nuclear energy, offshore windmill has been implemented. Denmark
has 20% of its population using public transportation and electric vehicles. It
aims to eradicate fossil fuels by 2020. In 2008, consumption
of renewable sources in the United States totaled 7.3 quadrillion Btu or about
7% of all energy used nationally. Germany is extending its arms towards solar
power and India has building projects of onshore windmills. This shows the
importance of alternative energy as it is explored by the leading nations also.
We are living on an economy which is dependent upon fuel and
its transaction and we have to search new ways to produce fuels. Alternative
energy is a step toward tomorrow. It can create a better tomorrow for all of
mankind and the environment. It could help us sustain our future.
