Renewable energy sources are those natural sources that generate energy that can be replenished such as wind, sunlight, and geothermal heat. In the United States, the energy sources that are commonly used are oil, coal, and natural gas. These sources will be depleted in the long run leading to a devastating impact on the environment such as deforestation and accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (Herzog, Lipman, & Kammen, 2001). The collection of carbon dioxide will lead to the greenhouse effect which will eventually affect the plants and animals in the United States. Renewable sources of energy can serve as a useful option in the United States. First, these sources are not exhausted. Solar energy will always exist due to the presence of sunlight daily (Herzog, Lipman, & Kammen, 2001). As long as there is wind energy will still be present. These renewable sources are clean in that they do not produce any gases into the atmosphere hence they do not pollute the environment. Technological advancements are being done with the aim to decrease the environmental effects. One such way is by using hydrogen fuel to produce electricity which is used in the powering of cars instead of using fossil fuels that increase the number of greenhouse gases in the environment. Harnessing solar energy through solar cells and thermal collectors of solar to produce electricity instead of using coal is helping protect our environment (Panwar, Kaushik & Kothari, 2011). Waves and tides are being used to turn turbines which in turn are generating power. Attempts are also being made to reduce carbon dioxide that is produced by industries by injecting it into the ground. This is done by depositing it in saline reservoirs and abandoning it in wells of oil. This burying of carbon dioxide into the ground can never have effects on the plants and water animals leading to their death (Panwar, Kaushik & Kothari, 2011). This shows that these technological advancements are being done with an aim to protect the climate though some of these technologies can lead to effects on the weather and environment.
References
Herzog, A. V., Lipman, T. E., & Kammen, D. M. (2001). Renewable energy sources. Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS). Forerunner Volume-‘Perspectives and Overview of Life Support Systems and Sustainable Development .
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Panwar, N. L., Kaushik, S. C., & Kothari, S. (2011). Role of renewable energy sources in environmental protection: a review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews , 15 (3), 1513-1524.
