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Global Energy Analysis

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Global Energy Analysis

Introduction

Fossil fuel refers to all the sources of energy that have developed in the earth rust over a number of years. It includes all energy sources that contain the hydrocarbon component such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal. A non-renewable energy is one that cannot be replenished once it has been consumed for instance the fossil fuel. However, the alternative sources of energy which include water, solar, and wind produce renewable energy. The energy produced is extensively available and often environmental friendly. Despite the availability of renewable energy, countries like the United States still use fossil fuel. This overdependence of the country on the non-renewable energy has led to poor environmental and health conditions.

Country Analysis

There are several reasons why despite the harm that fossil fuel has caused, the United States still continue to use it. The abundance of coal in the United States provides the nation with an inexpensive energy source for electricity production. As well, it allows various industries to depend on the energy for fueling engines. In addition, the fact that that fossil fuels are always available in abundance however much they are consumed makes it a reliable source of energy.

Fossil fuel provides a large amount of concentrated energy at a relatively low cost. Besides, the United States has plentiful deposits of natural gas which is the clean and highly efficient energy used in both business and residential homes for heating, cooking, and dry cleaning. The fuel and especially petroleum is easily transported through use of pipes thus allowing the country to import its energy from other countries.

Most of the industrial operations in the United States depend on the fossil generated electricity for operations. However, the plastic manufacturing industries directly depend on fossil fuel for production. Plastic products are produced from the feedstocks obtained from natural gas and refined crude oil.

Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use

Emissions produced due to the use of fossil fuel in the United States produce both local and global impacts. Due to the conversion of the fossil fuel, there is a lot of waste accumulation lying on the ground. As a result, they increase the risk of toxic runoff which results in poisoning both the surface and groundwater sources thus endangering the lives of the living organisms. Besides, respiratory diseases have increased among the Americans due to taking in of components such as Sulphur oxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide thus resulting in Asthma (Ross et al., 2012). These components are also linked to causing cancer thus leading to early deaths.

Globally, the use of non-renewable sources of energy has led to an enormous release of toxic gases in the air. These greenhouse gases destroy the ozone layer thus reducing its ability to protect the earth from sun heat. As a result, excess heat reaches the world thus causing the earth’s temperatures to rise hence causing global warming.

Applicable Regulations

The Environmental Protection Act in partnership with the Clean Air Act of the United States is responsible for regulating the sources of air pollutants in the country. In order to reduce the air pollutants and provide the Americans with health protection, regulations were established in three groups. First, the organizations ensured regulation on air pollution from industries such as steel mills, aero scopes manufacturers, and oil refineries. Also, cars are required to use gasoline with low content of benzene to reduce the emission of the poisonous gases into the atmosphere. Moreover, they address the indoor pollution through voluntary programs. They engage building experts who advise on the best building materials to use and avoid air pollution in residential homes.

The Clean Air Act regulations have been effective in the improvement of the health conditions of the Americans. For instance, according to Goldstein et al. (2011), 160,000 early demises, 130,000 heart attacks, as well as millions of breathing-related ailments were prevented due to the decrease in toxic air particles in the atmosphere. Also, the mobile source emissions have reduced by fifty percentage making the air cleaner.

Recommended Solutions

In order to reduce the use of fossil fuel in the United States, it should consider putting the following recommendation into practice. It should consider the end of heating oil on transportation and instead adopt the use of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles which emit no gases (Gohmert, 2009). Also, it should consider switching to the use of blend energy by using solar, water, and wind energies. The high-speed train should be used to replace the public means of transport.

Cultural Differences and Diversity

People in different societies have varied cultural beliefs. Therefore it might be quite difficult to convince them to adopt the use of renewable energy. For instance, the use of water as a source of energy may be a source of conflict in a community that believes that water sources are for domestic use alone. Therefore, there is need of developing patience while deepening both their individual and collective understanding of the argument.

Bridging Cultural Differences

Countries, especially those that bounder each other can come up with a program to develop environmentally friendly sources of energy that would help the two countries. Through frequent interactions, they will be able to change perceptions of one another for development.

Conclusion

The use of fossil fuel is the main reason for the increased rate of air pollution. In order to maintain a clean environment and healthy living conditions, countries should switch their dependence on the energy sources like coal, petroleum, and natural gases to the use of wind, water, and solar energy.

References

Gohmert, L. (2009). United States of America Congressional Record: Proceedings and debates of the 111th Congress. First session. House of Representatives, 155, H7939.

Goldstein, B. D., Liu, Y., Wu, F., & Lioy, P. (2011). Comparison of the effects of the US clean air act and of smoking prevention and cessation efforts on the risk of acute myelogenous leukemia. American Journal of Public Health, 101(12), 2357-61. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/906037728?accountid=45049

Ross, K., Chmiel, J. F., & Ferkol, T. (2012). The impact of the Clean Air Act. The Journal of Pediatrics, 161(5), 781.