a. Define alternative energy.
As defined by the Universe Today source, alternative energy is the energy that does not come from fossil fuels, therefore it produces little to no greenhouse gases like the usual carbon dioxide (CO2). Meaning that the energy produced from alternative sources do not contribute to the greenhouse effect that continues to harm the environment and cause climate change. The writer of the article, Matt Williams, explains that "the term is also used to refer to what are currently considered to be non-traditional methods of energy – such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and other recent additions."
These energy sources are referred to as “alternative” because they could represent the alternative to coal, oil, and natural gas, which are normally seen as the most common sources of energy used since the Industrial Revolution.
b. Describe arguments for alternative energy in general.
It seems as if the label 'alternative energy' is a popular debate topic that could seemingly relate to the previous 'clean coal' blog posting activity I created. However, alternative energy sources and methods have more explanations and evidence to prove that they are anything but just a myth. Although some individuals might negatively associate the 'alternative energy' topic with the term 'clean', I think these sources of energy are so much more than that. They are actual beneficial alternatives that aren't as difficult to use or comprehend in comparison to what some might associate with 'clean coal'.
With my opinion aside, some popular arguments that arise alongside the 'alternative energy' sources, include the effect they may or may not have on global warming. Though these energy sources are used with our environment's best interest in mind, there will always be flaws and unsatisfied individuals that have at least one complaint to address. This is mostly because global warming is one of the most controversial topics in itself.
In addition, alternative energy shouldn't be confused with renewable energy, although many renewable energy sources can also be considered alternative. As explained in our text, "energy sources that are more or less continuously made available within a timeframe useful to people are called renewable energy. Renewable energy sources are often considered alternative energy sources because, in general, most industrialized countries do not rely on them as their main energy source. Instead, they tend to rely on the conventional energy sources such as fossil fuels or nuclear power that are non-renewable."
Wind Energy
Wind power is a renewable energy source that uses the energy of moving air to generate electricity. Winds are caused by differences in atmospheric pressure across the globe. These various pressures are largely caused by the temperature differences that result from uneven solar heating across the Earth. Similarly, certain locations of the Earth’s surface generate greater wind speeds than others, and therefore serves a greater capacity for producing wind energy. Because of this, I discovered how wind energy is actually a byproduct of the sun, or indirect form of solar energy. The reading also included that "since wind is in plentiful supply, it’s a sustainable resource for as long as the sun’s rays heat the planet." Little did we know, our alternative energy resources actually work together to create a safer functioning environment.
In continuation, windmills, or as they are now called, wind turbines, are how we are able to use wind energy. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy does a great job explaining the process and how the turbines work to "collect and convert the kinetic energy that wind produces into electricity to help power the grid." Our text does an even better job at notifying readers of the difference in how windmills work versus wind turbines, (which I was just made aware of after reading). "While traditional windmills used wind energy to pump water or grind grain, modern wind turbines convert this energy to electricity through the use of a generator. Wind flows over the blades of a turbine creating lift (similar to the effect on airplane wings), which causes the blades to turn. The blades are connected to a drive shaft that turns an electric generator, which produces the electricity we need."
It is insane to think of the acres of land around the world that are solely dedicated to the wind turbines we rely on for our energy. I think, next to solar energy, wind is one of the most natural and safe resources we could possibly continue to use. But, like other renewable resources, we must be careful in how we use it, and how frequently we tend rely on it.
Cited Sources:
Mutiti, S., Mutiti, C., Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D. (2018). Introduction to environmental science (3rd ed.). Biological Science Open Textbooks. University System of Georgia
Williams, Matt. “What Is Alternative Energy?” Universe Today, 29 Dec. 2016, https://www.universetoday.com/74599/what-is-alternative-energy/.
“Wind Energy Basics.” Energy.gov, https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/wind-energy-basics.
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