A Mad Scientist's Thoughts and Predictions
Energy Forms, Availability & Effects On World Health
Heavy investment in research and development in renewable energy is necessary for the implementation of a future mass scale renewable energy production infrastructure in order to ease the transition from our fossil fuel based economy to an economy based on sustainable production and use of energy. The global market’s emphasis on fossil fuels to meet the world’s energy needs is having a profoundly detrimental effect on public health, and the state of the planets diverse ecosystems. Point source and non-point source pollution, radioactive waste, and by products of mineral extraction and refinement operations, are all enormously destructive components of our present economy. Not only do they pose an immediate threat to our health and the health of the environment, but they constitute an ugly legacy that we will hand down to future generations.
"Combustion by-products can include CO, NOx, PAHs, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs), particulate matter, and metals [32]. Each of these pollutants has been associated with adverse impacts on human health, the environment, or the global climate [33-35]" ( Byproducts of Hydrocarbon Combustion). "Since the start of the Industrial Revolution, the atmospheric CO2 concentration has increased by approximately 40%, most of it released since 1945." "As of 2004, the earth's atmosphere is about 0.038% by volume or 0.053% by weight CO2" (CO2). Our bodies excrete carbon-dioxide as waste via our lungs, and in concentrations above 7% to 10% it is toxic (CO2). During and after combustion, hydrocarbons, sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen react to form oxides, aldehydes, and ketones, some of which contribute to the formation of smog. Sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. When released into the atmosphere these acids combine with water vapor and form acid rain (Air Pollution). While it is difficult to tabulate how many billions of dollars pollution costs us every year, it is certain that it negatively affects all of our health and the health of the environment (Cost of Pollution). Human health and the health of the environment are inextricably linked, and no amount of money can make up for the damage pollution does to them.
The environmental toll of non-renewable energy use has been plainly evident since the 1800's, from acid rain (History of Pollution), to modern radioactivity, contaminating vast swaths of eastern Europe after the Chernobyl reactor meltdown in the Ukraine (Chernobyl Disaster). Whether by accident or intentionally humanity has wantonly wrought environmental destruction across the globe in its pursuit of energy to satisfy our ever growing apatite for it. It seems that unmitigated consumption would soon destroy life on this planet, were it not for the EPA and other analogous regulatory bodies to keep industry in check. But industry alone is not responsible for the destruction we have wrought upon the Earth. We all vote with the ballot and the dollar. Were it not for the common belief in the individual’s lack of political efficacy (Voter Turnout), and a general disregard for material conservatism, the Earth could have been spared much of the damage we have done to it. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources and conservation through increasing energy efficiency are ways we can curb further destruction and spare what is left of the environment.
A definition of renewable is "Relating to or being a commodity or resource, such as solar energy, that is inexhaustible or replaced by new growth" (American Heritage Dictionary ). Conversely, energy derived from fossil fuels is non-renewable, which means that at our present rate of consumption, Earth’s supplies could be exhausted within our lifetimes (Fossil Fuel Facts). Fossil fuel formation occurs on a geologic time scale. All terrestrial life and most aquatic life derives its energy from the sun. When organisms perish and accumulate at the bottom of swamps lakes and oceans they become interred by successive layers of sediment. After millions of years of being subject to extremely high pressures and temperatures the organisms are reduced to their basic hydrocarbon form (Fossil Fuel Facts).
Renewable energy is created much more rapidly than we can ever consume it. "In just one second the Sun emits more energy than humans have used in the last 10,000 years" {Sun (astronomy) (sec IV, A)}. In fact, to satisfy all of the United State’s energy demand using present solar panel technology, it would take covering an area slightly larger than the size of Vermont (10,000 square miles) with panels. "All those panels could fit on less than a quarter of the roof and pavement space in cities and suburbs" (18). An added benefit is that overhead panel arrays would provide protection from the searing heat associated with the areas that would generate the most power. A win-win situation: shade in parking lots from harmful UV, a relief from the heat in our hopefully electric vehicles, and power!
While solar panels are the most direct method of harnessing power from the sun, there are two other major types of ‘clean’ renewable energy that indirectly use the Sun’s energy: wind and hydroelectric, both of which are controversial. Critics of wind power accuse fields of massive wind turbines of presenting a hazard to birds and of being an eyesore (Wind Detractors). While it is true the blades of wind turbines can spin very quickly and have killed birds, it is purely subjective whether or not they are ugly, some people think smokestacks and smog are uglier. As for hydro-power, there is no question of it’s destructiveness. After a dam is put in, the water that accumulates behind it inundates a vast area of once dry Earth, and because river valleys are so fertile, this often displaces many people and destroys complex ecosystems. "Dams have flooded a vast area of land -- approximately 400,000 sq km worldwide. This has included terrestrial and river ecosystems of every habitat type, including a considerable tropical forest habitat, particularly in Latin America and Southeast Asia, with its particularly rich biodiversity. Especially significant is the fact that the land lost is of importance out of proportion to its size, as it includes river habitats, and terrestrial habitats on flood-plains and along banks of rivers, that are often among the most diverse ecosystems in world" (Hydro Detractors). Fish are often injured and killed when passing through turbines, and if fish ladders are not present, whose efficacy are not great anyway, fish can no longer migrate as they normally would, and their populations are severely impacted (Hydro Detractors). Wood and plant based fuel is also renewable, but it is important to note that unless used in a sustainable manner they can become non-renewable. For example, if we cut trees faster than we replanted them, or faster than they grow back on their own, we would eventually run out of them.
Geothermal energy is produced by the extreme heat present in the Earth’s molten interior. It is only feasible to utilize it when magma makes its way near the Earth’s surface via fissures in tectonic plates, and other volcanically active areas along the seams of tectonic plates. The heat within the Earth has two causes: the decay of radioactive elements, and left over heat from the initial violent formation of the earth (Geothermal Facts). We harness geothermal energy using three methods. Each of them have in common the tapping of an underground pocket of superheated water. The water is piped to the surface and allowed to vaporize. Then the steam spins turbines; the turbines spin generators, and the generators produce electricity (Geothermal Basics). Geothermal energy only constituted about 0.2% of world electricity production in 1999 {Geothermal Energy (sec IV)}. But according to the Union of Concerned Scientists "The amount of heat within 10,000 meters of the [Earth’s] surface contains 50,000 times more energy than all the oil and natural gas resources in the world" (Geothermal Basics).
The perils associated with dependency on oil are accurately summed up in the following statement: "Humanity’s way of life is on a collision course with geology - with the stark fact that the Earth holds a finite supply of oil. The flood of crude from fields around the world will ultimately top out, then dwindle" (88). What will happen if we are not prepared for the moment when we hit peak production, and energy industries come back the next day with less fuel than civilization needs? Perhaps anarchy, or a swift consolidation of the remaining resources by those in power? Would civilization collapse if we no longer could drive to the supermarket, and when we finally got there on foot there was no food, because the trucks that were supposed to deliver it no longer move? It probably would, at least here in America. This is a preventable future. It is preventable because people are talking about it now. People realize the consequences of dependency, and many earnestly wish they could do something about it if only they knew how.
The bad news is that the thinking part is easy; it is the doing that takes work, and maybe even risk or sacrifice. The good news is that it is not difficult to integrate renewable methods of electricity production into our existing infrastructure, and the things we depend on - lights, refrigerators, computers, etc.- do not care how their electricity is produced. Likewise, our existing cars could run on ethyl alcohol, and bio-diesel with only minor modifications. There are so many alternatives that the challenge is definitely not whether to embrace renewable energy and sustainable living, but how to go about doing it in the wisest manner as to not leave anyone behind, and to bring the people that are currently left behind in this system into harmony with the first world.
While it is not within the scope of this paper to offer comprehensive solutions to the energy problems confronting us, I will end with two quotes from the federal government from a hearing on The Impact of Federal Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy R&D Programs from the House Committee on Science and Subcommittee on Energy.
Over the past two decades, the U.S. has become increasingly dependent on foreign sources of energy, particularly oil and natural gas. The U.S. imported 27 percent of its energy (61 percent of its petroleum, of which 70 percent is used for transportation) in 2001. Assuming that current conditions continue into the future, often referred to as a "business-as-usual" scenario, imports are projected to grow to 39 percent of total energy use, and 76 percent of petroleum use by 2025. As the country looks to reduce its dependence on imported energy, there are four potential options: increase the Nation’s energy efficiency, increase the domestic production of fossil fuels, increase the use of nuclear power, and increase the use of renewable energy (3-4).
Most experts agree that if the United States is going to reduce it dependence on imported energy, renewable energy and energy efficiency will need to meet an increasing percentage of energy demand in the United States over the next 20 years. This is particularly true in the near-term since energy efficiency improvements can reduce demand more quickly than long-term development of new sources of nuclear or fossil-based energy can expand supply (4).
Heavy investment in research and development in renewable energy is necessary for the implementation of a future mass scale renewable energy production infrastructure in order to ease the transition from our fossil fuel based economy to an economy based on sustainable production and use of energy. The global market’s emphasis on fossil fuels to meet the world’s energy needs is having a profoundly detrimental effect on public health, and the state of the planets diverse ecosystems. Point source and non-point source pollution, radioactive waste, and by products of mineral extraction and refinement operations, are all enormously destructive components of our present economy. Not only do they pose an immediate threat to our health and the health of the environment, but they constitute an ugly legacy that we will hand down to future generations.
"Combustion by-products can include CO, NOx, PAHs, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs), particulate matter, and metals [32]. Each of these pollutants has been associated with adverse impacts on human health, the environment, or the global climate [33-35]" ( Byproducts of Hydrocarbon Combustion). "Since the start of the Industrial Revolution, the atmospheric CO2 concentration has increased by approximately 40%, most of it released since 1945." "As of 2004, the earth's atmosphere is about 0.038% by volume or 0.053% by weight CO2" (CO2). Our bodies excrete carbon-dioxide as waste via our lungs, and in concentrations above 7% to 10% it is toxic (CO2). During and after combustion, hydrocarbons, sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen react to form oxides, aldehydes, and ketones, some of which contribute to the formation of smog. Sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. When released into the atmosphere these acids combine with water vapor and form acid rain (Air Pollution). While it is difficult to tabulate how many billions of dollars pollution costs us every year, it is certain that it negatively affects all of our health and the health of the environment (Cost of Pollution). Human health and the health of the environment are inextricably linked, and no amount of money can make up for the damage pollution does to them.
The environmental toll of non-renewable energy use has been plainly evident since the 1800's, from acid rain (History of Pollution), to modern radioactivity, contaminating vast swaths of eastern Europe after the Chernobyl reactor meltdown in the Ukraine (Chernobyl Disaster). Whether by accident or intentionally humanity has wantonly wrought environmental destruction across the globe in its pursuit of energy to satisfy our ever growing apatite for it. It seems that unmitigated consumption would soon destroy life on this planet, were it not for the EPA and other analogous regulatory bodies to keep industry in check. But industry alone is not responsible for the destruction we have wrought upon the Earth. We all vote with the ballot and the dollar. Were it not for the common belief in the individual’s lack of political efficacy (Voter Turnout), and a general disregard for material conservatism, the Earth could have been spared much of the damage we have done to it. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources and conservation through increasing energy efficiency are ways we can curb further destruction and spare what is left of the environment.
A definition of renewable is "Relating to or being a commodity or resource, such as solar energy, that is inexhaustible or replaced by new growth" (American Heritage Dictionary ). Conversely, energy derived from fossil fuels is non-renewable, which means that at our present rate of consumption, Earth’s supplies could be exhausted within our lifetimes (Fossil Fuel Facts). Fossil fuel formation occurs on a geologic time scale. All terrestrial life and most aquatic life derives its energy from the sun. When organisms perish and accumulate at the bottom of swamps lakes and oceans they become interred by successive layers of sediment. After millions of years of being subject to extremely high pressures and temperatures the organisms are reduced to their basic hydrocarbon form (Fossil Fuel Facts).
Renewable energy is created much more rapidly than we can ever consume it. "In just one second the Sun emits more energy than humans have used in the last 10,000 years" {Sun (astronomy) (sec IV, A)}. In fact, to satisfy all of the United State’s energy demand using present solar panel technology, it would take covering an area slightly larger than the size of Vermont (10,000 square miles) with panels. "All those panels could fit on less than a quarter of the roof and pavement space in cities and suburbs" (18). An added benefit is that overhead panel arrays would provide protection from the searing heat associated with the areas that would generate the most power. A win-win situation: shade in parking lots from harmful UV, a relief from the heat in our hopefully electric vehicles, and power!
While solar panels are the most direct method of harnessing power from the sun, there are two other major types of ‘clean’ renewable energy that indirectly use the Sun’s energy: wind and hydroelectric, both of which are controversial. Critics of wind power accuse fields of massive wind turbines of presenting a hazard to birds and of being an eyesore (Wind Detractors). While it is true the blades of wind turbines can spin very quickly and have killed birds, it is purely subjective whether or not they are ugly, some people think smokestacks and smog are uglier. As for hydro-power, there is no question of it’s destructiveness. After a dam is put in, the water that accumulates behind it inundates a vast area of once dry Earth, and because river valleys are so fertile, this often displaces many people and destroys complex ecosystems. "Dams have flooded a vast area of land -- approximately 400,000 sq km worldwide. This has included terrestrial and river ecosystems of every habitat type, including a considerable tropical forest habitat, particularly in Latin America and Southeast Asia, with its particularly rich biodiversity. Especially significant is the fact that the land lost is of importance out of proportion to its size, as it includes river habitats, and terrestrial habitats on flood-plains and along banks of rivers, that are often among the most diverse ecosystems in world" (Hydro Detractors). Fish are often injured and killed when passing through turbines, and if fish ladders are not present, whose efficacy are not great anyway, fish can no longer migrate as they normally would, and their populations are severely impacted (Hydro Detractors). Wood and plant based fuel is also renewable, but it is important to note that unless used in a sustainable manner they can become non-renewable. For example, if we cut trees faster than we replanted them, or faster than they grow back on their own, we would eventually run out of them.
Geothermal energy is produced by the extreme heat present in the Earth’s molten interior. It is only feasible to utilize it when magma makes its way near the Earth’s surface via fissures in tectonic plates, and other volcanically active areas along the seams of tectonic plates. The heat within the Earth has two causes: the decay of radioactive elements, and left over heat from the initial violent formation of the earth (Geothermal Facts). We harness geothermal energy using three methods. Each of them have in common the tapping of an underground pocket of superheated water. The water is piped to the surface and allowed to vaporize. Then the steam spins turbines; the turbines spin generators, and the generators produce electricity (Geothermal Basics). Geothermal energy only constituted about 0.2% of world electricity production in 1999 {Geothermal Energy (sec IV)}. But according to the Union of Concerned Scientists "The amount of heat within 10,000 meters of the [Earth’s] surface contains 50,000 times more energy than all the oil and natural gas resources in the world" (Geothermal Basics).
The perils associated with dependency on oil are accurately summed up in the following statement: "Humanity’s way of life is on a collision course with geology - with the stark fact that the Earth holds a finite supply of oil. The flood of crude from fields around the world will ultimately top out, then dwindle" (88). What will happen if we are not prepared for the moment when we hit peak production, and energy industries come back the next day with less fuel than civilization needs? Perhaps anarchy, or a swift consolidation of the remaining resources by those in power? Would civilization collapse if we no longer could drive to the supermarket, and when we finally got there on foot there was no food, because the trucks that were supposed to deliver it no longer move? It probably would, at least here in America. This is a preventable future. It is preventable because people are talking about it now. People realize the consequences of dependency, and many earnestly wish they could do something about it if only they knew how.
The bad news is that the thinking part is easy; it is the doing that takes work, and maybe even risk or sacrifice. The good news is that it is not difficult to integrate renewable methods of electricity production into our existing infrastructure, and the things we depend on - lights, refrigerators, computers, etc.- do not care how their electricity is produced. Likewise, our existing cars could run on ethyl alcohol, and bio-diesel with only minor modifications. There are so many alternatives that the challenge is definitely not whether to embrace renewable energy and sustainable living, but how to go about doing it in the wisest manner as to not leave anyone behind, and to bring the people that are currently left behind in this system into harmony with the first world.
While it is not within the scope of this paper to offer comprehensive solutions to the energy problems confronting us, I will end with two quotes from the federal government from a hearing on The Impact of Federal Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy R&D Programs from the House Committee on Science and Subcommittee on Energy.
Over the past two decades, the U.S. has become increasingly dependent on foreign sources of energy, particularly oil and natural gas. The U.S. imported 27 percent of its energy (61 percent of its petroleum, of which 70 percent is used for transportation) in 2001. Assuming that current conditions continue into the future, often referred to as a "business-as-usual" scenario, imports are projected to grow to 39 percent of total energy use, and 76 percent of petroleum use by 2025. As the country looks to reduce its dependence on imported energy, there are four potential options: increase the Nation’s energy efficiency, increase the domestic production of fossil fuels, increase the use of nuclear power, and increase the use of renewable energy (3-4).
Most experts agree that if the United States is going to reduce it dependence on imported energy, renewable energy and energy efficiency will need to meet an increasing percentage of energy demand in the United States over the next 20 years. This is particularly true in the near-term since energy efficiency improvements can reduce demand more quickly than long-term development of new sources of nuclear or fossil-based energy can expand supply (4).
posted by IGUS at 2:36 PM
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