Finding a Substitute for Fossil Fuels
Our society has become dependent on fossil fuels for energy. That seems fine for now
considering the fact that everyone is generally happy in the present situation. Fossil
fuels
are relatively inexpensive and seem to be doing the trick right now. Using fossil fuels
arise such issues as global warming, rising costs of scarce resources, and shortages of
raw
materials. None of these problems will draw full attention until the demand is needed,
it's the old supply and demand scenario. Although my opinion may seem pessimistic if
you look at past events it points to the supply and demand scenario.
During World War II rubber supplies were cut off to the western world and we
began to work on a compound that was a synthetic rubber. We succeeded in supplying
the demand and now that same synthetic compound is used today. My theory is that the
same thing will happen with such things as plastic, which is made from fossil fuels.
Someone will either come up with a synthetic plastic or come up with something to
substitute for plastic. The person who comes up with the solution will become and
instant millionaire and everyone will be happy. There is one draw back of this way of
solving problems, I mean sure it's great to wait until the demand but we should still
learn
from our mistakes. We should learn to plan ahead and see what the consequences could
possibly be.
We still have other demands to meet, there are three major demands of fossil
fuels and they are heating, transportation, and industry. Although transportation is
taken
care of, we may not like the thought of a solar car or an electric car but there are
solutions out there. Frankly the oil companies don't want to lose their monopoly in the
transportation industry and that brings us into the whole economy issue. If we run out
of
fossil fuels what will happen to the economy? Will it suffer? These are just a few
questions that are asked everyday, but for now we are just going to look at solutions
for
demands on fossil fuels. This chart below illustrates the demands and the possible
solutions.
Energy Demand Alternative Energy Sources and Practices
heating - solar heating, heat pumps,
geothermal energy,
biomass gas, and
electrical from hydro and
nuclear plants
transportation - alcohol/gasohol and hydrogen fuels,
and
electric vehicles
- mass transit,
bicycles, and walking
- solar energy, nuclear
energy, and
hydroelectricity
- improved efficiency
and waste heat recovery
In conclusion I don't think the need for a substitute for fossil fuels will be fully
met until the demand arises. A substitute maybe found before the need, but as history
demonstrates the use of it will either be delayed or will not occur. As for the
economy
jobs will be lost, but jobs will also be created in new areas. The big oil companies
will
lose big and so may some small countries like Kuwait. No one can really predict how the
economy will turn out but if the substitute or substitutes are less dangerous to the
environment and not as hard on natural resources our economy will eventually get over
the lose of their precious oil.
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