Thesis: A transition to using solar power coupled with other forms of alternate energy for our main sources of energy must be utilized in the near future. This must be done to eliminate the current rate of destruction of the environment and ecology's that currently is in place by the harvesting and burning of fossil fuels to meet our energy needs.
2) Pros of Solar Energy
a. The sun has a massive energy potential- enough to power the earth by 27 times if 100% of it's energy is utilized (Solar and Renewable Energy)
b. There is little harm done to the environment as compared to the large quantities of pollution given off by the utilization of fossil fuels.
c. Solar technology could easily be wired into the current power grid.
d. tax credits, federal loans and stimulus packages can be utilized to promote the use of solar power and its derivatives, which also could help stimulate the local American economy. As compared to spending billions of dollars on foreign oil for example.
3) Consequences of Not Making the Transition
a. the harvesting and burning of fossil fuels emits large quantities of hazardous chemicals into the environment.
b. According to the University of Michigan's geologists Osman Chughtai and David Shannon, at our current rate of fossil fuel production our sources will be depleted within 50-70 years.
c. we would continue to spend billions of American dollars on foreign oils and other fossil fuel production plants.
d. we don't know the exact long term side effects of mass fossil fuel use, but from what we do know now the long term outcome can not be beneficial to the environment and its inhabitants.
4) Economic Effects
a. The vast majority of money spent on the entire situation would be used locally. The technology, man power to make the transition, solar energy collection and utilization can all be done in the US alone, reducing the need for foreign goods and services.
b. The transition would create many jobs, helping fix the current unemployment crisis.
c. By not completely eliminating the use of fossil fuels, there will still be a market for them. This means a significant amount of jobs currently in place by using fossil fuels would still be available.
5) What Needs to be Done to Make the Transition
a. The public needs to make an effort to promote the use of alternate sources of energy to the different levels of our government.
b. Current Solar technology needs to be put in place, but allow for future advances in technology.
c. The current power grid can be utilized
d. Neither fossil fuels or solar power should completely phase each other out. I believe the best situation would be one where solar power is the main source of energy with fossil fuels being used to pick up the energy demands that solar can not.
6) Conclusion
Updated Bibliography:
(2010). Sustainable Energy. Retrieved Jan. 31, 2010, from Sustainable Energy, INC, New York, New York., Website: http://www.sustainabletable.org/.
(2009). Solar Energy. Retrieved Jan. 31, 2010, from Solar Energy Initiatives, INC. Jacksonville, FL., Website: http://www.solarenergy.com/.
(2010) Solar and Renewable Energy. Retrieved Jan. 31, 2010, from the Alternate Energy Organization., Website: http://www.altenergy.org/
Chughtai, O., and Shannon, D., Fossil fuels. Retrieved Feb. 21, 2010, from The University of Michigan Geology Department, Lansing Michigan., Website: www.umich.edu/gs265/society/fossilfuels.
Schmitz, Andrew. (2009) The Economics of Alternate Energy Sources and Globalization: The Road Ahead. Retrieved Feb. 21, 2010., Website: www.cnas.tamu.edu/orlandoenergyconf
(2007) Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages. Retrieved Jan. 31, 2010, from Solar Energy Advantages,. Website: www.solarenergyadvantages.org.
(2010) Solar Energy Revolution. Retrieved Jan. 31, 2010, from the American Solar Energy Society., Boulder CO. website: www.ases.org
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