A couple years ago when New York City had its blackout, many people woke up to the fact that we use way too much electricity as an energy source. They had been taking their electricity for granted.
This event also made us aware of other depleting natural resources, such as oil and that these resources as well should not be taken for granted. Pollution, global warming, high oil costs and the threat of running out of non-renewable resources had put a spark back into the search of alternative energy resources.
Although we still have a ways to go good progress is being made. Hybrid vehicles and solar powered homes are beginning to be more accepted as ways of the future and more and more people are using them. Yes you may run into a naysayer on the street, but remember we are making progress and you should always be optimistic towards our future.
What Does It Take To Make People Aware of Alternative Energy Resources?
Most environmentalists have been cautioning the world for years that the current methods of producing electricity are not going to be around forever. Using coal and oil products to turn turbines to make electricity, they warned, is going to deplete the supply and alternative energy resources that will be needed.
They often advised the time to act was before the supplies were gone. Additionally, they stressed the importance of alternative energy resources that did not pollute the air, water and send particulate matter into the wind.
Alternative Energy Technology Still In Its Infancy
The use of water to supply power has been around for decades; seemingly ever since electricity and windmills have been supplying power in many areas of the world. The use of solar power is becoming more acceptable and using the water, wind and sun as alternative energy resources are still being examined. While many technological advances have been made, developing a cost-effective production method is still in its early stages.
Why didn't we work on this years ago? When these technologies were first introduced there was no real financial incentive to continue development. Prices for coal and oil were still low and methods to clean the air at coal-fired plants kept pollution concerns to a minimum. However, recent increases in coal and oil prices and threat of running out has made the hunt for alternative energy resources more urgent.
Lack Of Competition Keeps Prices High
Many blame the cost of the technology for the prices of using alternative energy resources, but most agree that a lack of competition among companies using them are the biggest culprit. Many contend the prices for alternative energy resources is artificially inflated using the supply and demand calculation that the supply has not increased sufficiently to offset even the slightest increase in demand, which sends prices even higher.
Many countries have initiated incentives for companies and individuals to find alternative energy resources that can save natural resources, reduce prices and save the environment. The scare of global warming has many looking at new methods of producing power without producing a hotter environment.
Right now, it is difficult to find a cheap alternative energy resource for your home for the reasons stated above, but we are making progress, and good progress. Eventually, as technology advances, we may be able to make the alternative energy resources we have a little cheaper.
It is just too bad we procrastinated for so long to get started. Just get educated, stay optimistic, and do your part to convert the energy in your home to an alternative source. |
