 | CAST YOUR VOTE FOR AOIFE OR DAMIEN - VOTE HERE! Energy: Learn MoreThe sun is the source of our energy here on earth. Plants can absorb its energy and from this all other life fuels its growth. It drives the wind and even our fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) were originally living things and therefore composed of solar energy.
Our modern economies were created by using the earths store of fossil fuels. They drive our cars and industries and contribute a large portion of our electricity. The problem with this is firstly that it is causing massive air pollution and the serious problem of global warming (see air) and secondly that there is only so much fossil fuel in the earth and therefore will all be used up sooner or later.
How much there is there is unclear because more is still being discovered but the rate of discovery is slowing down while the rate of use is increasing. This dwindling supply will be highly disruptive to our economies and societies (not to mention the impacts of air pollution and global warming), if alternatives have not been found and put in place by then – and this could well be within the next few decades.
Fortunately, efficient and un-polluting alternatives have been found in the form of renewable energies such as wind, wave, biomass and solar power. Clearly the case is very strong for giving renewables a high priority in terms of research and development and creating policies that encourage their use (such as tax breaks or paying extra for using fossil fuels). There is moves already in this direction but given the seriousness of the problem and obviousness of the solution, not nearly enough.
Ultimately, we may all need to change our attitude to energy and learn to use more of our own energy (by walking and cycling rather than driving) and cut down on our use as much as possible in the home and at work.
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