Since the start of the modern era, energy production and consumption have been major players in the world economy. Much of the developed world’s society and industry is heavily reliant on energy production. The United States total consumption of energy is 40% coal, 27% natural gas, and 19% nuclear. All the combined renewable energy sources are less than 13% of the total energy consumption in the US (“US Energy,” 2014). As the nation’s economy grows, consumption rates rise, and energy plants produce more. Increased production means that byproducts of producing energy increase. Global warming and other degradations to the environment are directly linked to burning fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. In addition, coal and oil deposits are
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Erosion caused by strip mining creates ecological hazards as sediment from mines gets flushed into nearby streams and refills aquifers. This is problematic because it disrupts ecosystems, and pollutes water used by humans and livestock (Studlick, 1980). Some mines have been known to leak polluted water for 20 years after mining has ended. Less is known about the effects of fracking on the environment. Fracking companies are not required to list the chemicals used, and are not held accountable for proper disposal of waste water (Finkel, 2011). There is substantial evidence that points to environmental degradation from fracking. Waste water mixed with toxic chemicals is a byproduct of fracking and is released into the environment (Finkel, 2011). All these negative effects are a direct result of extracting fossil from the landscape. A possible solution to this problem is for the government to favor renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal. These sources do not incur external costs on the environment that effect the planet for …show more content…
Continued reliance on fossil fuels only prolongs an inevitable end. An alternative resource to fossil fuels will arise when we have no other option, and we will shift our dependence. This inevitability is encouragement for prompt action. Since moving away from fossil fuels will happen, sooner action equates to more of the environment protected. The strength of the fossil fuel industry can only be overcome with support from the government. The government must shift the focus for non-renewable energy, to a sustainable plan. The government must support and encourage innovation in renewable energy sources starting
Erosion caused by strip mining creates ecological hazards as sediment from mines gets flushed into nearby streams and refills aquifers. This is problematic because it disrupts ecosystems, and pollutes water used by humans and livestock (Studlick, 1980). Some mines have been known to leak polluted water for 20 years after mining has ended. Less is known about the effects of fracking on the environment. Fracking companies are not required to list the chemicals used, and are not held accountable for proper disposal of waste water (Finkel, 2011). There is substantial evidence that points to environmental degradation from fracking. Waste water mixed with toxic chemicals is a byproduct of fracking and is released into the environment (Finkel, 2011). All these negative effects are a direct result of extracting fossil from the landscape. A possible solution to this problem is for the government to favor renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal. These sources do not incur external costs on the environment that effect the planet for …show more content…
Continued reliance on fossil fuels only prolongs an inevitable end. An alternative resource to fossil fuels will arise when we have no other option, and we will shift our dependence. This inevitability is encouragement for prompt action. Since moving away from fossil fuels will happen, sooner action equates to more of the environment protected. The strength of the fossil fuel industry can only be overcome with support from the government. The government must shift the focus for non-renewable energy, to a sustainable plan. The government must support and encourage innovation in renewable energy sources starting