It is easy to criticize society for not using renewable resources, but in reality, how difficult would this transition be? What processes and procedures would be involved? How would such a transition be made?
The purpose of this assignment is for you to consider what type of energy your neighborhood is currently powered by and what it would really take to convert this source to a renewable one.
How much would it take to switch your community to a renewable resource and what would this mean for the environment?
For the assignment, complete the following:
Identify three primary types of energy that powers your home as well as all of the homes in your community. You may find this information on your community Web site or the Web sites of the local power companies. For example, your community may use electricity and solar panels.
Explain how the sources of energy you identified impact the environment. Consider the following:
Does the use of these types of energy resource have a negative impact on the environment in your area?
Does your community have nuclear waste to dispose of?
Has your community always used these three power sources? If so, how do you feel this has impacted the environment over time?
How much of an impact have these sources of energy had on local air and water quality?
Justify your choice based on the kind of resources that are available, how much power these alternative sources can produce, and your estimated energy demands for the community.
Having recommended an alternative power source, conclude by addressing the following:
How realistic is this alternative power source for your community?
How will people in your community respond to energy conversion? Will they support it or be against it? Give reasons.
How expensive would it be to convert to the alternative power source you recommended? How would this new source impact the environment?
What organisms would benefit most from this conversion?