Jeremy is currently in school and wrote this essay for his english class. (He got a 98%!)
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Energy, it is all around us. The planet offers us many different, renewable ways to produce energy, yet why do we still rely so heavily on fossil fuels that damage our planet and that are dangerous to our health? Many people worry about the economy. However, they are not pursuing the industry that has created thousands of jobs globally in the past few years. Likewise, many are concerned about large scale power outages, increasing energy prices, and even terrorist threats. These concerns can easily be replaced by peace of mind and independence. Renewable energy or green energy is the answer to many of our current and future problems. In fact, “our energy needs can be met by 95% renewable energy by 2050” (Juliette, 2011, para. 11). In order to create a healthier planet, create more jobs, and make us more independent, the future should be green energy and the future is now!
People may believe that renewable energy is too expensive or not reliable. They may think that fossil fuels do not have a negative effect or not enough of an effect on the planet and our health to be worth a change. Some may be convinced that switching to renewable energy will mean a loss of jobs or industry (Murphy, 2008, para. 6). Although these are thoughts that one must consider, the benefits of green energy far outweigh any of these concerns. Once one begins to discover the advantages of green energy they will wonder why they waited so long to make the change.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Energy, it is all around us. The planet offers us many different, renewable ways to produce energy, yet why do we still rely so heavily on fossil fuels that damage our planet and that are dangerous to our health? Many people worry about the economy. However, they are not pursuing the industry that has created thousands of jobs globally in the past few years. Likewise, many are concerned about large scale power outages, increasing energy prices, and even terrorist threats. These concerns can easily be replaced by peace of mind and independence. Renewable energy or green energy is the answer to many of our current and future problems. In fact, “our energy needs can be met by 95% renewable energy by 2050” (Juliette, 2011, para. 11). In order to create a healthier planet, create more jobs, and make us more independent, the future should be green energy and the future is now!
People may believe that renewable energy is too expensive or not reliable. They may think that fossil fuels do not have a negative effect or not enough of an effect on the planet and our health to be worth a change. Some may be convinced that switching to renewable energy will mean a loss of jobs or industry (Murphy, 2008, para. 6). Although these are thoughts that one must consider, the benefits of green energy far outweigh any of these concerns. Once one begins to discover the advantages of green energy they will wonder why they waited so long to make the change.
Our health and planet are two things that we are unable to live without. Many might not realize that both these are in great danger due to the way we create power today. In fact, “each year in the United States alone, pollution from coal power plants is responsible for more than 13,000 premature deaths and 20,000 heart attacks, and hundreds of thousands of asthma attacks” (Natural Resources Defense Council, 2011, p. 1). Unfortunately, it is not only our health that is suffering but also the health of our planet. Global warming, oil spills, acid rain, and air quality deterioration are some of the diseases she is fighting due to our dependence on fossil fuels (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2002, para. 4). Not only will green energy remove our need for fossil fuels, it will also allow for the removal of nuclear power plants. The process used to produce nuclear energy creates nuclear waste that remains toxic for thousands of years (Williams et al., 2011, para. 6). One might argue that we cannot know that this waste will remain toxic for thousands of years but in his article “Radiation Exposure and the Power of Zero” Jeffrey Paterson (2011) refutes this argument.
The real issue is that the use of nuclear power and nuclear weapons is forcing humankind, and indeed the whole ecosystem, to participate in a particularly cruel and totally uncontrolled experiment. Given the scientific evidence that there is no safe dose of radiation, this is an experiment that has already gone awry. Indeed, if this were a true scientific experiment, it would have been halted a long time ago. (para. 9)
Our current dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear power is having a devastating effect on our planet and our health, but with renewable energy we can clean up the mess we have made to ensure a healthy future and economy for our children and grandchildren.
The economy is constantly changing and job loss is a real threat for many people in our area, province, and many other regions in our country. Renewable energy is a whole new industry that is just starting to flourish and requires many new workers. The statistics show that “in 2011, approximately 5 million people were employed in the renewable energy sector globally, more than double the number employed in 2006” (Blue Green Canada, 2012, p. 10). Not only is this industry creating jobs globally but also right here at home. According to a report written by the Ontario Ministry of Energy in 2012, due to many different aspects of renewable energy, Ontario will soon reach 50,000 new jobs in that sector (p. 5). This is great news for a country like Canada, where you have an oversupply of jobs in some areas like the oil rigs in Alberta and a shortage in many other places (Blue Green Canada, 2012, p. 8). Another benefit brought by the renewable energy industry is the variety of skill levels required in these new jobs.
Nevertheless, a range of skilled and unskilled occupations are involved in all renewable energy technologies, across their life cycles. For fuel-free technologies, graduate level qualifications are necessary to fill positions in fields such as engineering, meteorology, project development and research and development. By contrast, jobs in areas such as system design and installation or construction are more likely to require vocational qualifications. A number of unskilled jobs may also be created in construction, as well as in indirect jobs, such as transport and administration. (International Renewable Energy Agency, 2011, p. 10)
With further investment and growth in renewable energy, many people would be able to sleep peacefully at night knowing that they have a secure job and that they are working towards a stronger and more independent country.
A proud, independent country is something to strive towards. Green energy allows for greater independence and less fear. Terrorist threats, human errors, and massive power outages due to natural disasters are all liable sources of fear when everything relies on fossil fuels and nuclear power. In their letter to world leaders, the Nobel Peace Laureates confirm this and also state “that the nuclear radiation crisis in Japan can happen again in other countries, as it already has in Chernobyl … (1986), Three Mile Island in the United States (1979) and Windscale/Sellafield in the United Kingdom (1957)” (Williams et al., 2011, p. 5). Furthermore, Michael Goggin (2014) explains in his article “Wind Energy Helps Ward Off Power Outages” that green energy has already proven effective in “keeping homeowners warm” during this past “record-breaking winter” (para. 1). This freedom and peace of mind is not only available to countries as a whole but to any individual who desires it. It has been documented that people worldwide, “in the middle of large cities, in the middle of vast wilderness, and in points between”, (Energy Solutions Centre and Natural Resources Canada, 2005, p. 2) are enjoying off-grid living. Some may think that this independence is only for the rich or hippies but the same document explains that “the people living off-grid are equally varied. Among them are designers, artists, Yukon Quest dog mushers, government workers, outfitters, builders, social workers, growing families, and families that have grown up off-grid.” (Energy Solutions Centre and Natural Resources Canada, 2005, p. 2) Anyone, anywhere, anytime, greater independence, less fear, and no utility bills, these are a few of green energy’s benefits.
People from all walks of life are realizing the benefits and the necessity of renewable energy. Amory B. Lovins and the Rocky Mountain Institute (2011) paint a wonderful picture of what the world could be in the book: Reinventing Fire: Bold Business Solutions for the New Energy Era.
Imagine fuel without fear. No climate change. No oil spills, dead coal miners, dirty air, devastated lands, lost wildlife. No energy poverty. No oil-fed wars, tyrannies, or terrorists. Nothing to run out. Nothing to cut off. Nothing to worry about. Just energy abundance, benign and affordable, for all, for ever. (preface p. XI)
Now is the time to make the change, while we still can make a difference for this planet. Promote and support green energy, for the recovery of our economy, for our health and longevity, for our future independence and especially for the future of our children. May the future be bright, clean, prosperous, and most importantly, green! Let the future begin…
The real issue is that the use of nuclear power and nuclear weapons is forcing humankind, and indeed the whole ecosystem, to participate in a particularly cruel and totally uncontrolled experiment. Given the scientific evidence that there is no safe dose of radiation, this is an experiment that has already gone awry. Indeed, if this were a true scientific experiment, it would have been halted a long time ago. (para. 9)
Our current dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear power is having a devastating effect on our planet and our health, but with renewable energy we can clean up the mess we have made to ensure a healthy future and economy for our children and grandchildren.
The economy is constantly changing and job loss is a real threat for many people in our area, province, and many other regions in our country. Renewable energy is a whole new industry that is just starting to flourish and requires many new workers. The statistics show that “in 2011, approximately 5 million people were employed in the renewable energy sector globally, more than double the number employed in 2006” (Blue Green Canada, 2012, p. 10). Not only is this industry creating jobs globally but also right here at home. According to a report written by the Ontario Ministry of Energy in 2012, due to many different aspects of renewable energy, Ontario will soon reach 50,000 new jobs in that sector (p. 5). This is great news for a country like Canada, where you have an oversupply of jobs in some areas like the oil rigs in Alberta and a shortage in many other places (Blue Green Canada, 2012, p. 8). Another benefit brought by the renewable energy industry is the variety of skill levels required in these new jobs.
Nevertheless, a range of skilled and unskilled occupations are involved in all renewable energy technologies, across their life cycles. For fuel-free technologies, graduate level qualifications are necessary to fill positions in fields such as engineering, meteorology, project development and research and development. By contrast, jobs in areas such as system design and installation or construction are more likely to require vocational qualifications. A number of unskilled jobs may also be created in construction, as well as in indirect jobs, such as transport and administration. (International Renewable Energy Agency, 2011, p. 10)
With further investment and growth in renewable energy, many people would be able to sleep peacefully at night knowing that they have a secure job and that they are working towards a stronger and more independent country.
A proud, independent country is something to strive towards. Green energy allows for greater independence and less fear. Terrorist threats, human errors, and massive power outages due to natural disasters are all liable sources of fear when everything relies on fossil fuels and nuclear power. In their letter to world leaders, the Nobel Peace Laureates confirm this and also state “that the nuclear radiation crisis in Japan can happen again in other countries, as it already has in Chernobyl … (1986), Three Mile Island in the United States (1979) and Windscale/Sellafield in the United Kingdom (1957)” (Williams et al., 2011, p. 5). Furthermore, Michael Goggin (2014) explains in his article “Wind Energy Helps Ward Off Power Outages” that green energy has already proven effective in “keeping homeowners warm” during this past “record-breaking winter” (para. 1). This freedom and peace of mind is not only available to countries as a whole but to any individual who desires it. It has been documented that people worldwide, “in the middle of large cities, in the middle of vast wilderness, and in points between”, (Energy Solutions Centre and Natural Resources Canada, 2005, p. 2) are enjoying off-grid living. Some may think that this independence is only for the rich or hippies but the same document explains that “the people living off-grid are equally varied. Among them are designers, artists, Yukon Quest dog mushers, government workers, outfitters, builders, social workers, growing families, and families that have grown up off-grid.” (Energy Solutions Centre and Natural Resources Canada, 2005, p. 2) Anyone, anywhere, anytime, greater independence, less fear, and no utility bills, these are a few of green energy’s benefits.
People from all walks of life are realizing the benefits and the necessity of renewable energy. Amory B. Lovins and the Rocky Mountain Institute (2011) paint a wonderful picture of what the world could be in the book: Reinventing Fire: Bold Business Solutions for the New Energy Era.
Imagine fuel without fear. No climate change. No oil spills, dead coal miners, dirty air, devastated lands, lost wildlife. No energy poverty. No oil-fed wars, tyrannies, or terrorists. Nothing to run out. Nothing to cut off. Nothing to worry about. Just energy abundance, benign and affordable, for all, for ever. (preface p. XI)
Now is the time to make the change, while we still can make a difference for this planet. Promote and support green energy, for the recovery of our economy, for our health and longevity, for our future independence and especially for the future of our children. May the future be bright, clean, prosperous, and most importantly, green! Let the future begin…
References
Blue Green Canada. (2012) More Bang for Our Buck: How Canada Can Create More Energy Jobs and Less Pollution. Toronto, Canada: Author.
Energy Solutions Centre & Natural Resources Canada. (2005). Living off-grid in the Yukon: Efficient renewable energy use and practices. Retrieved from http://www.energy.gov.yk.ca/pdf/living_offgrid09_web.pdf
Goggin, M. (2014). Wind Energy Helps Ward Off Power Outages. Retrieved from
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/01/wind-energy-helps-ward- off-power-outages
The Hidden Cost of Fossil Fuels. (2002). Union of Concerned Scientists. Retrieved from
http:// www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/coal-and-other-fossil-fuels/the-hidden-cost-of-fossil.html
International Renewable Energy Agency. (2011). IRENA Working Paper: Renewable Energy Jobs: Status, Prospects & Policies: Biofuels and Grid-Connected Electricity Generation. Retrieved from http://www.irena.org/DocumentDownloads/Publications/RenewableEnergyJobs.pdf
Juliette, H. (2011, January 5). 10 amazing facts you probably didn't know about renewable energy [Blog post]. Retrieved from: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/news/Blogs/climate/10-amazing-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-abou/blog/32232/
Lovins, A. (2011). Reinventing Fire: Bold Business Solutions for the New Energy Era. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green.
Murphy, R. (2008). The High Costs of 'Green Recovery’. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/2008/11/15/energy-green-economics-oped-cx_rpm_1115murphy.html
Natural Resources Defense Council. (2011). Gasping for Air: Toxic Pollutants Continue to Make Millions Sick and Shorten Lives. Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/health/files/airpollutionhealth impacts.pdf.
Ontario Ministry of Energy. (2012). Ontario's Feed-in Tariff Program: Building Ontario's Clean Energy Future: Two-Year Review Report. Toronto, ON, CAN: Author.
Patterson, J. (2011, April). Radiation Exposure and the Power of Zero. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Retrieved from http://thebulletin.org/radiation-exposure-and-power-zero-0
Williams, B., Maguire, M., Menchu Tum, R., Williams, J., Ebadi, S., Maathai, W., … Ramos Horta, J. (2011, April 26). Choose Renewable Energy Over Nuclear Power: Nobel Peace Laureates to World Leaders [Letter].
Blue Green Canada. (2012) More Bang for Our Buck: How Canada Can Create More Energy Jobs and Less Pollution. Toronto, Canada: Author.
Energy Solutions Centre & Natural Resources Canada. (2005). Living off-grid in the Yukon: Efficient renewable energy use and practices. Retrieved from http://www.energy.gov.yk.ca/pdf/living_offgrid09_web.pdf
Goggin, M. (2014). Wind Energy Helps Ward Off Power Outages. Retrieved from
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/01/wind-energy-helps-ward- off-power-outages
The Hidden Cost of Fossil Fuels. (2002). Union of Concerned Scientists. Retrieved from
http:// www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/coal-and-other-fossil-fuels/the-hidden-cost-of-fossil.html
International Renewable Energy Agency. (2011). IRENA Working Paper: Renewable Energy Jobs: Status, Prospects & Policies: Biofuels and Grid-Connected Electricity Generation. Retrieved from http://www.irena.org/DocumentDownloads/Publications/RenewableEnergyJobs.pdf
Juliette, H. (2011, January 5). 10 amazing facts you probably didn't know about renewable energy [Blog post]. Retrieved from: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/news/Blogs/climate/10-amazing-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-abou/blog/32232/
Lovins, A. (2011). Reinventing Fire: Bold Business Solutions for the New Energy Era. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green.
Murphy, R. (2008). The High Costs of 'Green Recovery’. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/2008/11/15/energy-green-economics-oped-cx_rpm_1115murphy.html
Natural Resources Defense Council. (2011). Gasping for Air: Toxic Pollutants Continue to Make Millions Sick and Shorten Lives. Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/health/files/airpollutionhealth impacts.pdf.
Ontario Ministry of Energy. (2012). Ontario's Feed-in Tariff Program: Building Ontario's Clean Energy Future: Two-Year Review Report. Toronto, ON, CAN: Author.
Patterson, J. (2011, April). Radiation Exposure and the Power of Zero. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Retrieved from http://thebulletin.org/radiation-exposure-and-power-zero-0
Williams, B., Maguire, M., Menchu Tum, R., Williams, J., Ebadi, S., Maathai, W., … Ramos Horta, J. (2011, April 26). Choose Renewable Energy Over Nuclear Power: Nobel Peace Laureates to World Leaders [Letter].
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