Alternative Energy & Pollution

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Comparing Alternative Energy Forms

Pollution

One of the central reasons that alternative energy underwent a revival was the fear that world energy resources would eventually run out. Fuel that is taken from the earth such as oil are called fossil fuels.

Energy that is used for transportation with the exception of electronic vehicles (EVs) creates pollution. Use of some alternative energy resources rather than fossil fuels and other nonrenewable resources results in less atmospheric smog and global pollution.

Solar electricity through the use of photovoltaics (PVs) is the cleanest alternative energy form. In the production stages of photovoltaics, at least those made of silicon, much of the silicon crystal is wasted because it can not be used. Only the purest silicon is used for the solar cell.

Nuclear power has in recent years come under fire from environmentalists and other groups that worry about the safety of the earth with the existence of nuclear power plants. Nuclear power inherently brings several environmental risks. As the nuclear reaction builds within a nuclear reactor facility, the temperature also increases. This process has become a major problem, especially if the temperature can not be controlled. When the temperature becomes too high, a nuclear meltdown occurs, and the contents of the nuclear reaction leave through the top of the silo. Radioactive gases drift by the winds to not only local, but also distant places to cause significant damage. Nuclear power meltdowns release radioactive isotopes that are harmful to all forms of life. All cancer forms because of the mutation in a cell, and radioactive isotopes are the reason for a great number of cancers. For more information about radioactive isotopes, see the help page devoted to it.

Hydroelectric power is considered a low - pollution alternative energy form, but may cause other environmental problems. Because diversity in the animal kingdom helps the entire earth, and each animal has its own part in the global environment, hydroelectric dams may be classified as a polluting alternative energy source. When a dam is constructed, the natural water flow of a river is obstructed, and the animal life that exists in a river ecosystem is consequentially interrupted. For example, animals higher up the food chain than fish, that feed on fish may lose their primary source of food and die. The change in the river ecosystem brought through a hydroelectric dam could also result in fish reduction and an increase in the insect or crustacean population because these critters would not be naturally controlled.

Wind power is another alternative energy source that does not create conventional pollution, but may wreak havoc on the inhabitants of the area around the site of the power plant. Large wind turbines that have long blades, or the egg - beater type varieties are extremely dangerous to birds. Wind turbines are usually placed in areas that the greatest wind is available. Unfortunately, but logically, the same places that great winds exist are also centers of bird migration and nesting. Large wind power farms appear as a visual threat to humans. The ugliness of a great wind farm could reduce tourism or home purchases in areas that utilize wind power.

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	Pollution One of the central reasons that alternative energy underwent a revival was the fear that world energy resources would eventually run out. Fuel that is taken from the earth such as oil are called fossil fuels. Energy that is used for transportation with the exception of electronic vehicles (EVs) creates pollution. Use of some alternative energy resources rather than fossil fuels and other nonrenewable resources results in less atmospheric smog and global pollution. Solar electricity through the use of photovoltaics (PVs) is the cleanest alternative energy form. In the production stages of photovoltaics, at least those made of silicon, much of the silicon crystal is wasted because it can not be used. Only the purest silicon is used for the solar cell. Nuclear power has in recent years come under fire from environmentalists and other groups that worry about the safety of the earth with the existence of nuclear power plants. Nuclear power inherently brings several environmental risks. As the nuclear reaction builds within a nuclear reactor facility, the temperature also increases. This process has become a major problem, especially if the temperature can not be controlled. When the temperature becomes too high, a nuclear meltdown occurs, and the contents of the nuclear reaction leave through the top of the silo. Radioactive gases drift by the winds to not only local, but also distant places to cause significant damage. Nuclear power meltdowns release radioactive isotopes that are harmful to all forms of life. All cancer forms because of the mutation in a cell, and radioactive isotopes are the reason for a great number of cancers. For more information about radioactive isotopes, see the help page devoted to it. Hydroelectric power is considered a low - pollution alternative energy form, but may cause other environmental problems. Because diversity in the animal kingdom helps the entire earth, and each animal has its own part in the global environment, hydroelectric dams may be classified as a polluting alternative energy source. When a dam is constructed, the natural water flow of a river is obstructed, and the animal life that exists in a river ecosystem is consequentially interrupted. For example, animals higher up the food chain than fish, that feed on fish may lose their primary source of food and die. The change in the river ecosystem brought through a hydroelectric dam could also result in fish reduction and an increase in the insect or crustacean population because these critters would not be naturally controlled. Wind power is another alternative energy source that does not create conventional pollution, but may wreak havoc on the inhabitants of the area around the site of the power plant. Large wind turbines that have long blades, or the egg - beater type varieties are extremely dangerous to birds. Wind turbines are usually placed in areas that the greatest wind is available. Unfortunately, but logically, the same places that great winds exist are also centers of bird migration and nesting. Large wind power farms appear as a visual threat to humans. The ugliness of a great wind farm could reduce tourism or home purchases in areas that utilize wind power.