Energy is a fundamental component to our daily lives, and everyday we use energy or power in some form or another. The law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created or destroyed. What this means is that as energy is used, it does not disappear, but rather, is converted into another form of energy. For example, automobiles use energy from gas that is converted into chemical energy which is further converted into mechanical energy. Thus, energy is all about performing work. Animals and humans require energy resources in order to function, and machines do not function any differently, they require energy resources to work as well.
There are many different energy resources on our planet, but they are all classified into two primary groups – renewable energy resources, and non renewable energy resources. Some energy resources generate additional energy, which is then converted into electrical energy. Examples of these types of energy include geothermal energy and hydro electric energy.
Renewable energy resources are energy resources that are directly available, immediately accessed, and can be consistently replaced. In other words, renewable energy resources are energy resources that replace, or renew themselves and that will never run out. Solar energy, energy that is harnessed form the sun, is a good example of one of many renewable energy resources, because we will never run out of the sun’s rays or its power. Other examples of renewable energy sources include wind energy, water energy, and wave energy.
Non renewable energy resources on the other hand are just the opposite. These energy resources are as the name implies, non renewable. Our Earth is fixed with a finite amount of these energy resources, and once we run out, we will not be able to use those energy resources ever again. Fossil fuels, coal, oil, and gas, are all examples of non renewable energy resources.
There are many different energy resources available to us on this planet. Unfortunately, whether our energy resources are renewable or non renewable is not the only issue that we are facing in today’s world of global climate changes. When we use energy resources, we also need to keep in mind that energy generation and production also has the potential to impact our environment in a negative manner. Energy production is known to produce pollutants and toxins to our environment, and this very issue is a direct cause of our global climate change.
It is well documented that using renewable energy resources is the most environmentally friendly means of not only using readily available and free resources, but of protecting our environment as well. For example, using the sun as an energy resource is much more environmentally friendly that burning coal and releasing toxins into the atmosphere. Today’s world is one where not only cost and availability are concerns with energy resources, but also the effects on our environment.
