Civilization, Energy and Environment Essay Example

the fuels are well developed since they have an up to date technology useful in order to harness them from source. Additionally, they are a reliable and cheap form of energy. Lastly, they are easily convertible from one form to another.

Despite the advantages, they have many disadvantages. First, the energy sources emit high levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide contributing to the horrible global warming. Secondly, they are non-renewable energy sources. The energy sources have a finite supply.

Lastly, they cause accidents for example, oil spills (Ivanovich, 2014). Secondly, the use of nuclear energy has its pros and cons. First, the production of nuclear power emits fewer greenhouse gases. Secondly, the costs of running a nuclear power plant are relatively low since the life of nuclear reactor is about 40-60 years (Ivanovich, 2014). Additionally, it a reliable energy since nuclear reactor can run even for years uninterrupted.

However, they have many disadvantages. First, they have high set-up costs due to its complex procedures. Secondly, the nuclear plant is prone to accidents. Additionally, it is a finite energy source. Furthermore, the production of nuclear energy is harmful to the environment (Ivanovich, 2014). Thirdly, the solar energy is advantageous.

First, it is a renewable energy since the world cannot run out of solar. Secondly, the energy is abundant and beyond imagination. Additionally, it is sustainable since it meets the present needs without compromising the future capacity. Lastly, it reduces the electricity costs.

However, they are also disadvantageous. First, the energy is intermittent since access to sunlight is limited to certain day times. Secondly, the solar storage technologies are expensive. Additionally, it requires large space area to install them (Ivanovich, 2014).

Additionally,

the use of wind energy is advantageous. First, it is non-pollutant energy. Secondly, it has infinite capacity. It is a renewable energy. Additionally, the wind turbines are space efficient.

Lastly, they have low operational costs. However, they have disadvantages. First, the wind is intermittent thereby not reliable. Secondly, the wind turbines require heavy capital investment. Lastly, they cause noise pollution (Ivanovich, 2014).

Furthermore, the production of hydropower is advantageous. First, it is a renewable energy. Secondly, it is a non-pollutant. Additionally, it is reliable since there are minimal fluctuations. Lastly, it is flexible to adjust the production capacity.

However, it requires massive capital investment in order to build a power plant. Secondly, it is prone to decline during the drought period. Lastly, the construction has environmental consequences due to the interventions of nature (Ivanovich, 2014). Finally, the use of bio-fuels is extremely advantageous. First, they are cheap fuel sources. Secondly, the materials are easily available like manure and crop waste.

Thirdly, the production of biofuel is secure. Besides, they have lower carbon emissions. Lastly, it is a renewable energy source. Nonetheless, they also have some disadvantages. First, they have lower energy output.

Secondly, they can lead to food shortages since most farmers would opt to grow biofuel crops. Lastly, the production requires large quantities of water thereby straining the local water reserves (Ivanovich, 2014). The energy policy act of 2005 provides many provisions for energy conservation. First, in the management of federal lands, the provision directs the federal agencies to use energy efficient methods when managing natural resources. The provision aids U.S in controlling the energy wastage, particularly with help of its state officers.

Secondly, the act prohibits the use of

Housing Capital Funds in the improvement of public housing in order to increase the efficiency of water and energy consumption (SyndiGate Media Inc., 2015). It directs the state agencies to purchase only appliances with energy star. I therefore believe that this provision is highly valuable since the American state can directly control the federal houses schemes. In conclusion, each energy source adheres to the law of thermodynamics.

However, the compliance of the law varies depending heavily on the source of energy. The energy provisions act as a significant guide to the thermodynamics law, especially in ensuring energy use, efficiency, as well as conservation.

References

• Cheng, X., & Liang, X. (2013). Discussion on the Entransy Expressions of the Thermodynamic Laws and Their Applications. Energy, 5646-51.
• Ivanovich, N. (2014). Sources of Energy. New York: Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
• SyndiGate Media Inc. (2015). Energy Policy Act of 2005 Monetization Services.

  Mena Report.