Environmental-studies-and-forestry
Sources and conservation of energy
The amount of energy consumed by any organization affects the productivity and the amount of revenue generated hence it is important to manage and conserve the energy use within such organization (Lawson, 2001).Environmental-studies-and-forestry The law of energy conservation states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed but can be changed from one form to another or it can be transferred from one object to another depending on the use. According to Schaltegger (2008), this law means that the energy in use is not consumed and can be recycled to another form. For example, when a machine burns diesel, it converts the fuel energy into mechanical energy which drives the machine to accomplish a task.
Advantages and disadvantages of different sources of energy
Fossil fuels are believed to develop from compaction and sedimentation of fossil animals millions of years ago. Fossil fuels a, coal and natural gas has an advantage of ease of accessibility since they are just mined from oil wells sunk on the ground and their extraction goes on daily. According to Schaltegger (2008), coal is also dug from coal bearing rocks while the natural gas is tapped from crevices on the ground which produces jets of methane gas naturally (Lawson, 2001).
Apart from being stable due to composition of hydrogen and carbon molecules, fossil fuels and natural gas have high calorific value hence more effective in energy production (Kothari, 2008). However the fossil fuels have demerits in that they contribute highest to pollution of environment since they produced carbon dioxide gas which is greatest contributor of global warming.Environmental Studies and Forestry As argued by Schaltegger (2008) due to existence in some specific geographical areas, the prices are uncontrolled and hiking is common which affects oil importing nations (Lawson, 2001).
Nuclear energy is the energy produced from disintegration of radioactive atomic material to produce electricity. According to Schaltegger (2008), apart from lacking emissions which could pollute the water bodies and air, nuclear energy production encourages the development of wetlands around the plants which provides home for a variety of habitats.Environmental-studies-and-forestry Environmental Studies and Forestry However nuclear energy production is dangerous if leakages occur to the environment and it could lead to development of cancerous organism and human beings (Lawson, 2001). According to Schaltegger (2008), large infrastructure, investment and coordination of different organizations and the government are required to manage and develop nuclear plant.
Wind power is another source of energy where wind mill are used to drive turbines and pump water in deserts. Wind energy is does not have any pollution effects since it does not have by products. According to Schaltegger (2008), however wind energy use is only limited to areas with high winds and open grounds such as plateaus.Environmental-studies-and-forestry It requires high cost of maintenance due to destructions occurring from strong winds. Wind energy cannot be relied upon since it produces low amounts of energy.
According to Kothari (2008), hydro power energy is one of the most used sources of energy worldwide. Water from dam is used to run turbines which generate electricity and hence it’s renewable. Hydro power has no pollutants and has low cost of installation.Environmental-studies-and-forestry However, according to Lawson (2001), hydro power is affected by climate patterns since dry seasons have low amounts of water.Environmental Studies and Forestry Bio fuel is another important source of fuel which is environmental friendly since it has low effects to the environments. As Lawson (2001) argues, bio-fuels are limited to domestic use and cannot be used to run industrial activities.
Energy Act of 2005 and its provisions
As argued by Schaltegger (2008), the Energy Act of 2005 of United States authorizes loan guarantees for innovative technologies which controls green house gases and promotes renewable energy development. According to Kothari (2008), the Act provides tax breaks to the individuals who contributes to energy conservation and improves the existing conservation measures in their homes.
References
Kothari, D. , Singal, K. & Ranjan, R. (2008). Renewable Energy Sources and Emerging Technologies, New Delhi: PHI Private Limited Publishers.
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Lawson, J. (2001). Conservation of Energy, Manitoba: Peguis Publishers
Schaltegger, S. (2008). Environmental Management: Accounting for Cleaner Production, New Yolk: Springer Publishers