Currently, we are mostly dependent on fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) for our energy. When these are burned to produce energy, they emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is a huge contributor to global climate change. However, there are many sustainable renewable sources of energy that we can use instead. These resources such as the sun, wind and water are always available and will always work without destroying our planet. It is extremely important that we switch to these sustainable sources of energy because we are running out of fossil fuels and if we continue to use fossil fuels we are putting ourselves and our planet in danger. Effects from climate change, such as floods, droughts and hurricanes are occurring. We can make a huge difference by switching to sustainable and renewable energy!
- Wind Power: Wind turbines are a very efficient and useful way to generate wind power. Wind turbines consist of three blades spinning in circles from the strong power of the wind. As the blades move around, it generates power that can be turned into electricity.
- Solar power: Solar panels are the most common way of generating solar power and are very efficient. Solar panels suck in heat from the sun that can be used as heat or converted into electricity. You can even get solar panels to install into your roof to generate power.
- Pedal Power: Pedal power is a very simple way of generating power and it is also exercise for you! All you have to do is pedal with your feet and voila, power! Pedal power televisions are one way to use your feet to generate power and also give you a treat to watch TV.
- Hydropower: Hydropower is generated by installing a dam in a river and using the powerful energy in water. This is a renewable source of energy, but it is not always the best idea. Installing a dam takes up a whole river, destroying a whole ecosystem full of wildlife.
- Biomass: Biomass is plant material, which we can burn to use as energy. Through photosynthesis, plants capture the sun’s energy. Therefore, when we burn biomass, it releases energy from the sun that we can use. Often, we can use the residue from plants with other uses as a form of biomass.
- Biofuel: Biofuel can be used as an alternative fuel for vehicles. Ethanol and biodiesel are two types of biofuel. Ethanol is made by fermenting sugar components of sugar or starch plants, while biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled greases.
- Geothermal: Geothermal energy is from the heat under Earth’s crust. We can pump this heat into buildings through underground pipes.
These are all great sources of energy that will make a huge difference if we use more of them!!!
Information from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy
Wind Power Image from: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/272851
Solar Power Image from: http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-3365791344
