Green Energy Basics

Green energy could be defined as energy produced in a way that has a minimal, if any impact on the well being of the planet. Most energy produced now comes from either oil, or coal; both have to be burned in order to release their stored energy, but they don't transform only in energy when burned. Combustion of coal and oil produce by-products such as CO2 and other gases that are harmful to our environment, and the quantity currently released to the atmosphere is staggering. This might be one of the leading causes of the phenomenon known as Global Warming.

Besides of the non-polluting characteristics of green energy, they posses more benefits. One of the most important is that unlike fossil fuels, green energy sources are renewable, which means that they are unlimited. This will provide a constant source of power that won't only satisfy two or three generations from now, but many generations to come.

There are several types of green energy, and each one comes with its benefits and challenges. Some of the most common sources of green energy are wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, hydro power, biomass, and even the digestion process, that transforms food into energy in our bodies.

Nuclear energy may sometimes get in the list as well because it can be considered renewable, but there is much opposition to this kind of energy as well. The main reason it is condemned by some people is that nuclear power uses radioactive materials and the by-products are extremely harmful. There are a lot of security measures to dispose properly these materials but a small leak in a container can result in a nasty accident.

Most of the time green energy is not 100% green either. The manufacturing and transportation of the equipment used to build these systems consumes energy and burns fuel for distribution, but the amount of pollutants they release is minimal compared to the constant gas production of coal power plants.

Recently, people have become more aware of the importance of cleaner energy for several reasons. One reason is our excessive dependence on foreign oil. We are sending billions of dollars each year to nations in the Middle East; this money can be used here in America to create jobs in green energy that will eliminate our dependence in oil. Another factor is the climate change caused by excessive production of green-house gases. Temperature on the planet is rising and events such as hurricanes and floods are happening more often and severely.