Constraints to the Development of Alternative Energy Essay

Constraints to the Development of Alternative Energy - Essay Example The cause of the problem has already been identified: the increase in the emission of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons. Both the absence and increased volume of greenhouse gases are seen to be detrimental to the environment as less of it might cause negative temperature which disallows the earth to sustain life. On the other hand, increased volume of greenhouse gases is the primary source of global warming. Some greenhouse gases are emitted as a byproduct of some materials with significant use to our everyday life. The example of this is carbon. Energy sources are of paramount importance to our daily life. Since the industrial revolution, we have relied heavily on energy to run our transportation and communication and many other aspects of our needs and wants. For commercial purposes, the use of energy has been significant especially in terms of firms’ profit. It was also â€Å"the process of industrialisation that brought about the conversion of fossil fuels into power, heat and light, thereby releasing within a mere 250 years carbon that had lain dormant underground for millions of years†. â€Å"It is these fossil fuels that are responsible for the vast bulk of carbon output† â€Å"Fossil fuels, the energy of modernization, which constitute about 70 percent of global energy output, now threaten the survival of life on Earth† and people believe that â€Å"the key to survival lies in conserving energy and switching to carbon-free or, at least, low carbon sources†. ... On the other hand, increased volume of greenhouse gases is the primary source of global warming. Some greenhouse gases are emitted as byproduct of some materials with significant use to our everyday life. Example of this is carbon. Energy sources are of paramount importance to our daily life. Since the industrial revolution, we have relied heavily on energy to run our transportation and communication and many other aspects of our needs and wants. For commercial purposes, the use of energy has been significant especially in terms of firms' profit. It was also "the process of industrialization that brought about the conversion of fossil fuels into power, heat and light, thereby releasing within a mere 250 years carbon that had lain dormant underground for millions of years" (Blowers, p.208). "It is these fossil fuels that are responsible for the vast bulk of carbon output" (Blowers, p.210) "Fossil fuels, the energy of modernization, which constitute about 70 per cent of global energy output, now threaten the survival of life on Earth" and people believe that "the key to survival lies in conserving energy and switching to carbon free or, at least, low carbon sources" (Blowers, p.209). Two Approaches The government has two approaches against climate change: mitigation which is prevention of further changes and adaptation which is preparation for the possible effects of climate change. In this paper we would be dealing with the mitigation approach particularly the development of alternative sources of energy. "Mitigation strategies involve the reduction of greenhouse gas sources or the enhancement of sinks. Examples of mitigation strategies include switching from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources, improved energy efficiency and planting trees to