Why Should We Use Renewable Energy Sources More Than Fossil Fuels?

Renewable energy sources are just that, renewable. Fossil fuels are limited. While we still have plenty at the present time, current oil reserves may only last another 30 to 70 years. Fossil fuels are used much more quickly than they can be formed by nature. The sun is expected to last another 4 or 5 billion years.

The main fossil fuels that are in use include coal, petroleum, lignite and natural gasses. Renewable energy sources include solar, water, wind, geothermal and waste material. Solar power is available for use almost anywhere. It does not take a great deal of sunlight to produce solar power. Water, wind and geothermal power do have area limitations but fuel from waste is unlimited. We produce more than enough waste.

Fossil fuels tend to be a "dirtier" source of power. While some fossil fuels do burn cleanly most do not. Fossil fuels produce carbon dioxide when burned and some, like coal, also produce sulphur dioxide, a source of acid rain. Renewable energy sources like the sun and water are clean. Solar and hydropower do not produce harmful gasses. Wind energy does not produce harmful gasses. Some uses of waste for energy will produce gasses but not to the extent of fossil fuel sources.

There are other environmental aspects to consider besides air quality when comparing fossil fuel and renewable energy sources. Coal needs to be mined. This mining, when not done properly, can damage the land that it is mined from. Coal mining can be dangerous to the miners and have long lasting health effects. Oil must be drilled. Drilling for oil is also a dangerous operation. Oil being transported can leak causing damage to both ocean life and land.

While it is true that building power plants to produce energy from renewable resources is initially costly, the cost can be less in the long run. Solar generators do not need to be moved because the sun ran out in the particular area that plant is located in. The sun is not going to run out. Oil rigs do need to be rebuilt in new locations. New mines need to be dug for new coal. Most hydroelectric plants will not need to be moved to find new sources of water. Unless a river is diverted, the water will be there.

In considering safety, there are issues that need to be dealt with in developing of use of renewable energy. Wind power needs to be planned carefully so as not to disturb wildlife. Hydroelectric plants need to be located to prevent damage to aquatic life. These issues can be dealt with by proper planning and location of plants. We have a incredible amount of renewable energy sources to supply our needs. We only have to have the determination to make use of them.

References:　

http://www.answers.com/topic/energy-sources-of

http://earthguide.ucsd.edu/sun/intro4.html

http://www.alternativeenergysecret.com/fossil-fuels.html