Global dependence on fossil fuel is continuing to increase, while the amount of oil available is declining. This presents a clear and major problem to the energy demands of the modern world. As a global population we must act to combat this problem through the uses of alternative energies. In addition, the burning of fossil fuels harms the environment through the emission of greenhouse gasses. Through the use of alternative energies we can end our dependence on foreign oil and help our environment. Some of the major alternative energies that we have at our disposal are solar power, ethanol, and wind power.
Solar power is one of the most promising alternative energy sources. The suns power is almost limitless and if we can effectively use it to power our society, we can eliminate our dependence on oil. We currently use solar cells to capture incoming sunlight and convert it to electricity, which can be uses to power our households and electric cars. The only draw back of solar energy is the cost. If the cost of producing solar energy can be reduced it is a great alternative to oil.
Another possible alternative energy to replace fossil fuels is ethanol. Ethanol is a great alternative because it can be used in our current vehicles and gas stations with little modification. This would make the change from gasoline to ethanol inexpensive and easy. Ethanol is natural and renewable and can be made from a variety of crops, such as sugar cane, grass and corn. If gas prices continue to increase or ethanol can be produce cheaper it would make an excellent alternative energy source.
Finally, wind power could be a good replacement for fossil fuels. Wind power uses wind to turn large turbines that produce electricity. This electricity can then be used to power a wide variety of items. Wind power is currently being used in Utah and around the world. It is very easy to use and is relativity inexpensive. Many people even create their own small wind turbines and put them in their backyards or schools to provide power. The only requirement is the wind turbines must be placed in areas with lots of wind. Finally, wind power does not produce any Carbon Dioxide, so it does not cause global warming or harm the environment. Wind power is very promising and is a great alternative to fossil fuels.
Fossil fuel is unsustainable, but as nation we depend on it for powering our cars, producing electricity and heating our homes. Eventually we will run out of oil in the United States and we will have to rely more and more of foreign oil. In the next few hundred years we may run out of oil altogether. To combat this growing problem we must turn to alternative energies. Solar power is a promising alternative, if we can harness the power of the sun will have an unlimited energy supply. Another promising alternative is ethanol, which can be used in our cars with very few modifications. Finally, wind power is a great possibility. Not only do alternative energies reduce the dependence on oil they also help our environment by reducing greenhouse gasses. As a global society we must act to reduce our dependence on oil through the use of alternative energies such as solar power, ethanol, and wind power.