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Alternative Energy Source and Global Warming

Global warming is one of the “hottest” issues nowadays. The current climate change is the worst yet to happen. Global warming is an overall increase in world temperature which is attributed to the increasing number of greenhouse gases trapped in the atmosphere. Searching an alternative energy source is considered a way of reducing the toxic emissions.

Greenhouse gases can be produced both by natural and industrial processes. The most abundant greenhouse gases on earth’s atmosphere are water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and CFCs.

There are several sources of greenhouse gases. Burning of fossil fuels and deforestation lead to higher concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Without the trees and plants to take in the carbon dioxide emitted by burning fossil fuels, natural gas and petroleum products, all of the CO2 emitted stays in the atmosphere.

Also the use of CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons in refrigeration systems and in fire suppression systems and other manufacturing processes also increase the greenhouse content of our atmosphere. While the use of non-organic fertilizers in agriculture also lead to higher nitrous oxide concentrations, another greenhouse gas.

In the United States, greenhouse gas emissions mainly come from the use of fossil fuels as energy source. Approximately 82 percent of the greenhouse gas emission in the United States in 2006 came from the combustion of coal, natural gas and petroleum (United States Energy Information Administration). Meanwhile in Asia, Chine is expected to increase its emission of greenhouse gas because of the construction of old-fashioned power plants in its internal provinces. Currently, the carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere are the highest in 150,000 years. The 1990s was most likely the warmest decade in history, while 1998 was the warmest year (Greenpeace).

Not controlling the greenhouse gas being emitted by human activity can increase climate change the next hundred years that will be much faster than anything known and recorded in history. There are necessary steps to be undertaken to control the toxic emission that will soon be killing us.

To minimize the consumption of oil, petroleum and other fossil fuel, we should use energy efficiently. Energy that we use should be generated from renewable energy source, which would mean harnessing the natural energy from the sun, winds, crops, tides and waves.

Green energy is another term used to describe sources of energy that are considered to be environmentally friendly, which is also similar to the renewable sources of energy.

There are numerous ways of generating electricity and energy from renewable and natural sources that generate clean and safe energy. Wind, sun, and heat can generate electricity for less price and less carbon emission than those of coal and even gas.

Shifting the world’s attention to alternative fuel source other than relying on fossil fuel is among the solutions in resolving the drastic climate change. Greenpeace cited that with renewable energy and using it smartly, can deliver half of the world’s energy needs by 2050. Greenpeace also cited that it is feasible to reduce carbon dioxide emission to almost 50 percent within the next 43 years.

Governments are taking steps to use and tap alternative energy sources as main source of energy. The European Union leaders made an agreement in March 2007 to ensure that 20 percent of their nation’s energy should come from renewable fuels by 2020. This is part of their effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gas. There are even governments offering incentives to their residents who are using green energy.

Alternative energy source may not be the only way to reduce the greenhouse emission that human activity produce. There are simple ways in which we can do to contribute in reducing toxic gas emission and mitigate global warming.

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Methods Of Green Building Practices, Construction, Energy And Conservation

The focus for the future of building homes and office structures is green. You can call it green building practices, construction, energy and conservation practices or sustainable building. Under any name, the concept is to save energy.

Green building uses design, energy, water and materials efficiency methods. Another component is maintenance optimization. Plus it incorporates planned reduction of toxins and waste during the planning period. A green home will use all resources in the most efficient way possible. This includes water as well as energy. Waste and pollution will be decreased. Your finances will be increased.

Natural building is a concept that tries to use local materials to build rather than trucking in new materials from far away. This conserves gas, reduces emissions from the trucks that would ship the materials. The cost and impact on the planet are greatly reduced.

The governor of California signed into law Executive Order S 20 4. This makes it a legal requirement to use energy saving building practices. The goal is to conserve energy and protect the environment by doing so. Site renewable energy uses solar energy to heat water. Solar panels on the roof of a home collect sunlight, which is then converted into power to heat the home and run the appliances. In warmer climates, solar panels can provide all necessary energy for the house.

The energy crisis that arose in the 1970s gave birth to the struggle to conservation of natural resources. This applies especially to fossil fuels. Solar power development is now evolving in many new directions, all aimed at conservation. There is an International group of rules to adhere to named the IGCC V. 1.0 is available to the public to introduce sustainable building practices. The American Institute of Architects took part in the development of the code and will follow its guidelines.

Bamboo is a wonderful wood to use for building. It is now being used for floors and some furniture. Bamboo grows rapidly, maturing in about ten years. Our everyday conversations involve new terms such as active and passive solar power, rain gardens and green roofs. Building is aimed at saving energy.

Closing Comments

The rules to follow are named in a document called the IGCC V. 1.0. It is applicable to International locations. Sustainable practice will use solar collectors, solar water heaters and renewable materials to build with. This code was developed by The American Institute of Architects. If you do not try to conserve energy, use green construction to build a home you will be assisting in saving the planet for future generations. You can live a good life while maintaining energy saving habits. Green building practices will save energy as well as money in addition to having other health benefits.

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3 May 2010 comments [4] TrackBack-URI