I enjoy this session because I am quite interested about the different sources of energy and whether other sources of energy can replace fossil fuels in the future. In this session, we talked about shifting from our current unsustainable fossil fuel-based energy intensive economy to an environmentally sound and sustainable clean and green approach. I agree with this statement totally due to a few reasons. Firstly, one common argument is that burning of fossil fuel produces a large amount of carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas. This can worsen global warming and it has been a problem for many countries. Thus, there is a need to find alternative energy which is more environmentally friendly. Secondly, continuous use of fossil fuels will deplete natural resources. As a result, the future generation may not have enough natural resources. This prevents sustainable development because depletion of natural resources compromises the needs of the future generation. Lastly, there is a need to start shifting to environmental friendly and sustainable approach and try to make clean and renewable energy the main provider of energy because shortage of energy will result if countries only change to other energy sources when fossil fuels are completely used up. Even though other sources of energy alone are insufficient to meet our energy demand currently, they still contribute to meet the increased in energy demand. In addition, if countries are willing to research more on alternative energy, more new energy alternatives can be found and other energy alternatives may contribute most of the energy in the future.
Prof mentioned that energy is a source of income in some countries. One example is that petroleum is a major contributor to the wealth of certain countries. I think that these countries have to look for other sources of income as natural resources cannot last forever. When their natural resources run out, these countries’ economy will be greatly affected. These countries can try to invest in environmentally energy alternative which can be a profitable aspect in the future as many may depend on energy alternative.
Another issue that I think is a major concern for global warming is global carbon trading. It is gaining popularity which can be harmful. Global carbon trading works in a way that countries can produce the amount of carbon based on the carbon credits the countries have. Hence, rich countries can afford to purchase more carbon credits to produce more carbon. This can put poorer countries at disadvantage as they cannot afford to purchase carbon credits which can affect their development as they are unable to increase their manufacture of products. Nevertheless, the cost of production in richer countries increases with purchase of more credits which may drive some companies out of the economy. If countries who are efficient enough by producing less carbon, they can sell off their carbon credits as well. One problem with this global carbon trading is that it does not reduce carbon emission; it merely changes the location where carbon is emitted. Hence, I think that a limit should still be placed on how much carbon a country can produce. Legislation should be in placed to ensure success in reducing carbon emission.
Before this session, I have never thought that energy can actually be categorized into 2 types, above ground and below ground. All the sources of energy that are above ground come from the sun. These include solar energy, wind power, water energy and wave energy. On the other hand, sources of energy from below the ground are ancient sources of solar energy. These include coal, oil, gas, thermal and uranium.
Other than that, Prof told us one shocking fact that is the sun actually provides more energy to the Earth in one hour than humankind currently uses in an entire year. It was really shocking that the sun provides a lot of energy but we use so little. I find it quite sad that we do not make full use of the energy provided by the sun as doing so will reduce the possibility that we face energy shortage. In fact, countries are all thinking of ways to obtain more energy from different sources when actually the sun can actually meet our demand for energy in less than one hour. The question now is how do countries actually maximize the large amount of energy provided the sun? I guess that countries can focus on this aspect so as to utilize the energy provided by the sun fully.
Towards the end of the session, Prof posted a question to the class if the world is able to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050. In my opinion, I do not think so. I think that the world will only achieve 100% renewable energy when fossil fuels are completely depleted. As fossil fuels are able to produce more energy as compared to renewable energy, countries are still choosing fossil fuels over renewable energy. Even though there are countries that are using renewable energy, but the problem is that as long as fossil fuels exist, countries will still choose fossil fuels to produce energy. The world is also only able to achieve 100% renewable energy if renewable energy alone is able to meet the increased energy demand. I believe that countries will continue to research more on renewable energy to find more energy alternatives and make renewable energy more efficient so that countries no longer have to depend on fossil fuels.
I will rate this session 8 out of 10 as I learnt more about energy and this session makes me think of how energy plays an important role in our society such that countries are always finding different sources of energy to meet their needs.
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