Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Energy Resources Essay Example

to humans and animals but its most significant impact is on greenhouse gas levels.

The Earth's temperature increases and weather patterns change due to the trapping of the sun's light by greenhouse gases. In addition, the melting of polar ice caps is a consequence of this process. Furthermore, turning resources into energy involves substantial costs for obtaining them, transporting them, building and maintaining equipment used for conversion, as well as cleaning it.

Manufacturing and delivering certain parts can be expensive, especially for non-renewable energy sources. This is because of the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading equipment, as well as ensuring its cleanliness.

Regularly cleaning equipment can prevent parts from deteriorating too quickly, ultimately saving on the cost of replacing them. However, replacement parts can be expensive due to the depletion of resources. For example, the logging of forests to obtain wood for equipment parts contributes to this issue.

Not replanting trees will result in a decrease of wood resources, which is detrimental because trees are essential for absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen for both humans and animals. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness and availability of fossil fuels like oil, coal, and gas are decreasing as their formation from organic matter takes a long time.

Investing large sums of money in research to locate new sources through excavation or drilling is a consequence of the scarcity in supply caused by the depletion of non-renewable resources. Furthermore, substantial costs are incurred for cleaning, extraction, and shipping these resources. On the other hand, renewable energy resources do not require any chemical alteration to produce usable energy and are environmentally clean. For example, the heat emitted by the sun can warm water pipes

that provide heating for residential and commercial buildings.

Generating electricity through solar energy does not require any equipment. It is possible to utilize the sun as a resource by exciting particles in a solar collector. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines solar collectors as devices used to absorb solar radiation for water heating or electricity production (Dictionary and Thesauras - Marriam-Webster Online, 2007-2008). The excited particles generated through this process produce electricity.

Both solar and wind power are abundant and sustainable sources of renewable energy that can be produced without direct sunlight. Despite potential decreases in energy production on cloudy days, their reliance on the sun's long lifespan allows for indefinite use. Solar energy is a pollution-free source of power, while wind power relies on Earth's heat generated by the sun, making both ideal for promoting renewable energy initiatives.

Wind power has been used by humans for centuries to pump water and grind grain. The wind's force creates a low-pressure area on the blade's underside, causing it to move towards it and rotate a shaft or rotor. This rotation powers a turbine that energizes a generator to produce electricity.

There is no chemical alteration involved, resulting in no pollution. Waterpower, such as Hoover Dam, follows the same principle. Although dams are present worldwide, not all serve the purpose of electricity generation; some are built for storing water, controlling floods and irrigating land.

Plenty of potential power resides in the water of Lake Mead, waiting to be harnessed. Gravity propels the water down hefty pipes to turbines, which then power the generators to create electricity. Additionally, geothermal energy can be utilized. Geothermal revolves around utilizing heat from the Earth's interior as a source of

energy to warm homes or businesses and can also be converted into electricity (Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online, 2007-2008).

The procedure consists of excavating a hole to an exact depth, inserting tubes, and circulating water or another fluid through them. The heat from the Earth is transferred to the liquid which is subsequently retrieved from beneath the surface. This heated substance can be employed for warming up the structure's system. Once it reaches its boiling point, the hot liquid vaporizes and propels a turbine that generates power in order to produce electricity. There are no chemical reactions involved in this technique; therefore there is no pollution.

Flower (2007) states that installing a geothermal system in a 2,500 square-foot home can remove two to five tons of carbon dioxide annually, providing an extra advantage. While renewable energy sources may have high initial expenses, they will eventually become cost-effective. Solar heating and panel construction costs are high but require minimal maintenance once operational. There is no need for frequent cleaning to maintain efficiency and their components last longer. Additionally, surplus solar energy can be sold back to the utility company for added income.

Homeowners and businesses can increase their earnings by installing geothermal and hydroelectric power systems, which require minimal cleaning and occasional maintenance. Flower (2007) notes that the use of the earth to regulate indoor temperatures can result in heating expense savings ranging from 35-70%. The return on investment is significant enough that a residential geothermal power system, typically costing between $10,000 and $20,000, can be recovered within four to seven years. Geothermal energy systems only need occasional cleaning or parts replacement.

By utilizing these systems, businesses or individuals

can generate additional income by selling any excess electricity, including solar energy. This extra income can be used to purchase necessary items. The chart below shows Tarek M. Khalil's data on the estimated quantity of non-renewable and renewable energy resources remaining at fifty-year intervals from 2000 onwards.

(1981). The information indicates that coal and fission will ultimately be depleted, as will geothermal energy. Nevertheless, solar power, wind power, water power, and tidal power are anticipated to remain viable for a significant duration.

To summarize, the information presented indicates that renewable energy sources are economically more viable than non-renewable ones. Additionally, non-renewable resources cause pollution in both land and air, having negative effects on the environment. Continued reliance on these resources could result in depletion and environmental changes challenging for humans and animals to adapt to. Therefore, taking action is crucial in ensuring sustainability of life on earth.

Marriam-Webster Online's Dictionary and Thesaurus (2007-2008) states that the health of urban populations can be affected positively or negatively by air quality. Pollution may cause frequent coughing, whereas fresh air is conducive to wellness. To optimize both the environment and economy, renewable resources should receive priority in the future.

On April 13, 2008, http://www.merriam-webster.com/ was used to access the online source of Merriam-Webster. Published in 2007, an article called "Deep Heating" by Gillian Flower is available on the website.

"Here comes the sun." (2005). Alive: Canadian Journal of Health ; Nutrition, 292(), 102-103. Retrieved February 25, 2008, from EBSCOhost database.

Ingersoll, Eric. (2008). "Clean and Profitable." OECD Observer, 248(), 44-44. Retrieved February 24, 2008 from EBSCOhost database.

The article "Comparative analysis of energy resources" by Tarek M. Khalil was published in the

International Journal of Production Research, volume 19, issue 4, in 1981. The article can be accessed through the EBSCOhost database and has been cited in Power Engineering, volume 112, issue 1, page 12. Retrieval date was March 9, 2008.

The Economist article "Steam and surf in the far north" from 2007 was retrieved from the EBSCOhost database on February 25, 2008. It is found in volume 385, issue 8550 and is located on page 34. The same article was retrieved again on March 9, 2008 from the same database.

Barbara Wolcott wrote an article titled "Interest in alternative energy has had its ups and downs since the 1970s" in the journal Planning, volume 70, issue 11, pages 4-7, published in 2004. The article can be accessed through the EBSCOhost database and was retrieved on March 9, 2008.