Finding A Balance Between The Pros And Cons Of Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy: Environmental damage that is being caused as the world tries to fulfill its energy needs and reach

development goals has become a worldwide concern. Industrialized and developing nations alike have put in place measures in a bid to minimize damage that has resulted in consequences like global warming and changed, unpredictable weather patterns that affect economic factors like farming. One of these measures is the use of alternative or free energy which has generated a lot debate about its advantages and disadvantages.
This is energy sourced from nature such as wind energy, the use of bio fuel and hydro power as opposed to artificial sources like electricity. These natural or green energy sources will help preserve the environment so that it is not destroyed in a bid to get energy from it such as cutting down trees. Dumping toxic waste into the earth would also be significantly reduced.

 

Alternative Energy: murmurs of disagreement

Despite the clear advantages of using natural sources of energy and the moral obligation to do so, there are still murmurs of disagreement about turning to alternative energy. One issue that has been raised is that it would take a lot to overhaul machinery already in place, in factories for example, to replace them with equipment that would use bio fuel for example. Another argument that has been floated against free energy is the release of unhealthy gases into the atmosphere such as in the case of green houses.
Alternative energy opponents have also tabled the issue of reduced production from manufacturing plants as green energy cannot produce enough energy as much as artificial sources like fuel and electricity do. They argue that slowed production would mean lowered output and returns which would affect major manufacturers and the economy as a whole as there would be less income for workers, companies and governments who would receive reduced taxes.
Those concerned with sustained production and development also argue that it is not possible to use alternative energy in some fields even though they use artificial energy in vast quantities. These include aircrafts and related machinery like space vessels that are used to carry out research.

 

Alternative Energy: Convincing arguments

While these arguments cannot be summarily dismissed, they are tunnel-visioned, concerned mostly with economics and not the ethical duty every human being has to take care of the environment that provides and takes care of him.
Indeed, proponents for green energy and lifestyles in general have responded with convincing arguments of their own. One is that while workers, companies and governments may continue to produce at a high level they spend a lot of their income seeking or paying for treatment for health conditions that come about as a result of working environments that predispose them to illness. Cancer, lung diseases and skin conditions are some of the serious diseases that are on the rise as people increasingly come into contact with triggers like polluted air and water released into the environment.
Maintaining and even increasing economic activities does not have to be at the expense of the environment. With time, Mother Nature will give as good as she gets. In fact a rise in diseases like cancer which was in previous ages rare is one effect that we have failed her.

 

Alternative Energy: Economical point of view

And if we are to look at things from an economical point of view, there are tax incentives that would add up to significant savings. There are for example tax incentives upon purchase of solar power equipment which is as much as 30 percent of the cost. The US offers in fact offers tax incentives that can cut down the time it will take for one to recover the cost of buying solar panels to six to eight years which is just a fraction of their life expectancy of 40 years. There is also the option of getting free solar panels as home owners and firms upgrade their systems to harness additional solar power.
We can and should all play a part in preserving or improving the eco system. For example, individuals and companies could support the use of recycled trees which would save on trees that are cut down to produce paper. Everyone could also use recycle bins that separate various items such as glass waste, paper and other waste so that more waste is recycled.
Turning to free energy also helps one make significant savings. About 9,000kWh of energy are used by a typical person every year. Considering that a single 100W light bulb that’s constantly on uses costs around $100 per year gives an idea of just how much people paying power bills when they are alternatives like solar power. The average home owner could part with as much as $50,000 over a span of 25 years paying power bills.

While the arguments for and against alternative energy go back and forth between nations, lobby groups and communities, the effects of misusing the eco system continue to get worse. Leaving the world better than we found it for the coming generation if not better, is one mark of a person who understands that life is a cycle. That cycle, including lives can be cut short or lost if things are not kept flowing in sync and harmony through preservation and keen awareness.

I hope you enjoyed this article about Alternative Energy!