Assignment task:
There has been an intense effort by governments to eliminate the use of fossil fuels. This effort comes with costs, affecting both the economics and the practices of people like you. In this discussion, you are to consider the pros and cons of a fossil fuel-free future at the personal level. In paragraph form, respond to the following:
1. Select an appliance or vehicle you use on a regular basis that requires fossil fuel.
- Describe it in detail.
- What type of fossil fuel does it use? (if electric, how is the electricity generated?)
- Approximately how much fossil fuel is needed in a week to keep it running?
2. Describe how your use of the item you selected would be changed if fossil fuels were no longer available.
- What other fuel source would be needed?
- What would you or your local government have to do to supply enough of that alternative fuel?
- How would the additional costs affect you?
- What can be done to lessen the impact of the loss of fossil fuels in your life?
3. Now, consider the ethics of these changes. On the pro side is a reduction of greenhouse gases.
- What are some of the cons?
- What groups of people would be most affected by these changes?
- What can be done to lessen the impact of the loss of fossil fuels on the most vulnerable people?
4. It has been suggested that politics should follow technological advancements.
- Do you agree? Why or why not?
- Why might a total transition to alternative fuels within the next ten years be an unreasonable expectation?
- What has to happen to make this transition work?