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Negative Effects Of Fossil Fuels

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The burning of fossil fuels has many negative effects on the earth. “Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons, primarily coal, fuel oil, or natural gas. They are formed from the remains of dead plants and animals” (RelightNY). The combustion of these fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, daily. This contributes to global warming. The improper disposal of oil and garbage causes land, water and air pollution. Renewable energy sources occur naturally and are inexhaustible. They are not derived from fossil or nuclear fuels which make them the ideal solution for the preservation. Only a small percentage of the energy used is supplied by renewable sources. Types of renewable energy sources include solar, wind, tidal, wave, …show more content…

In May 2013, a study was conducted and it was concluded that, the average daily level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere passed 400 parts per million, an increase of more than 40 percent since the beginning of the industrial revolution. This was the highest recorded level on Earth in several million years (Delucchi and Jacobson, 2011, 30). Around that time, scientists also noticed that the ice caps melted faster than usual and predicted that the arctic would be ice free by 2020 (Overland and Wang, 2013). As the ice caps melt, the sea level rises. The Bahamas is already below sea level. At this rate, small islands, like the Bahamas will be in grave …show more content…

Scientists conducted a study in an attempt to discover whether it was possible for renewable energy sources to meet the energy demands of a rural community. By dividing the renewable energy sources into existing, potential, and overall for a period until 2020, assessing the current state existing sources of energy and the trend analysis of the development of these energy sources, it was determined that renewable sources were only used for 2.2% of energy needs of the community, while electricity covered about 24% of the demand of the community. It was concluded that the production of heat from renewable sources was able to accommodate the needs of 120%, and had the potential to cover 256%. (Woch, F., Hernik, J., Wiklina, U., & Tolak, M., 2014, 1441). This proves that it is possible for renewable energy sources to efficiently supply the energy needs of the

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