The Pros and Cons of Ethanol as a Renewable Source of Energy

I. Introduction One of the most hotly contested debates in today’s realm of environmental concern is how to secure energy for the maintenance and improvement of quality of life in the future. To date, humanity has been blessed with plentiful reserves of cheap crude oil, which can be refined into a multitude of items that make the lives of many so convenient—gasoline, heating oil, natural gas, plastics, and fertilizers. In some parts of the world, these technologies merely facilitate survival. But concern over what happens when these supplies dwindle is universal. Science has revealed that oil will not last forever at the rate it is being consumed. Therefore, alternatives must be developed that can provide sustainable†¦show more content†¦Fossil fuel consumption in the United States is colossal. In Colorado, the average household uses 70 million Btu of energy from natural gas and 150 million Btu from gasoline in 2000. (Energy Information Administration) Tha t’s around 1,320 gallons of gas per household, per year. (US EPA) In that same year, multiply that by Colorado’s 1,658,238 households (US Census Bureau) and find that the state’s residential sector consumed around 2,188,874,160 gallons of gas at the turn of the century. Per capita, Colorado ranks just 36th amongst the states in energy consumption. (Energy Information Administration) This does not begin to tell the whole story. On the whole, keeping with Colorado as an example, we in this state used 1.35 quadrillion Btu of energy in 2003, about 1.4% of the U.S. 98.6 quadrillion Btu, with just over 2% coming from renewable sources. Also in 2003, the world was calculated as using about 421 quadrillion Btu of energy (around 6% coming from renewables). (EIA Energy Outlook) The U.S. produces less than a fifth of this. (USGS) Ever hear someone throw out that statistic that America, with just under 5% of the world’s population, uses around one fourth of the world’s energy? It’s true. Translation: the U.S. is horrifyingly vulnerable to a shut-off of foreign oil supplies. As petroleum supplies inevitably dwindle, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, hydrothermal, and biofuelShow MoreRelatedThe Pros and Cons of Biofuel 859 Words   |  3 Pagesgrown plant matter or plant-derived materials, (biomass) to convert energy and must contain over 80% renewable matter. The biomass can then be converted in three different ways: thermal, chemical, and biochemical. The conversion of biomass creates fuel in solid, liquid, and gas form. The product of this process creates biofuel. Biofuels have increased in popularity as the rise of oil prices and with the push for alternative energy. Types of Biofuel There are first-generation fuels are second-generationRead MoreRenewable Energy: Is It the Solution?1571 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Renewable energy is considered a revolutionary thing, something that can save us from peak oil and climate change, but is it really what it seems? Renewable energy can help ease our predicament. There are multiple ways to achieve this, including the use of newer, greener technologies such as wind, solar power, and biomass. The purpose of this paper is to educate, theorize, and discuss various aspects of renewable energy, such as its history, development, and the advantages and disadvantagesRead MoreEnvironmental Economical Impacts of Green Energy1798 Words   |  7 PagesEnvironmental Economical Impacts of Green Energy Generating and supplying more green energy in the US can have a big impact in the environment and in our economy. With more green energy resources a big amount disasters that affect our environment can be reduced. 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According to the EIARead MoreThe Laws Of Thermodynamics Will Be Explained1449 Words   |  6 PagesIn this paper the three laws of thermodynamics will be explained and how these laws apply to energy use, energy conversions, and the need for energy efficiency. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of energy types including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, solar energy, wind power, water (hydro) power, and biofuel will be described. In order to combat our growing energy problems the Energy Policy Act of 2005 was signed into law to help create tax incentives and loans for conservation andRead MoreA Common Misconception Of Fossil Fuels1317 Words   |  6 Pages Intro Although there is a common misconception that fossil fuels will cause pollution, mankind should rely on fossil fuels for energy not only because they are cheap and plentiful, but also because alternative energy is very unreliable. Coal $0.10 Natural Gas $0.07 Nuclear $0.095 Wind $0.20 Solar PV $0.125 Solar Thermal $0.24 Fossil Fuels are cheap and plentiful. Coal costs 10 cents per kilowatt hour compared to the 12 cents to 24 cents of solar panelsRead MoreThe market for environmentally friendly cars or â€Å"green cars† in the United States has slowly been1200 Words   |  5 Pagesover the years. Many people are pushing for cars that produce fewer emissions and use renewable resources as fuel. There are many cars already for sale that do produce fewer emissions and run off some renewable energy. Buying an environmentally friendly car is better for your wallet and much better for the environment. Environmentally friendly cars are cars that make an effort to be powered by renewable sources and produce few to no harmful emissions. An example would be the 2013 Hyundai Sonata HybridRead MoreAlternative Fuels And Its Effects On Our Environment1429 Words   |  6 PagesThe engine of today is largely dominated by the oil industry. Most of our energy consumption is contributed to transportation and movement of goods. This creates a high demand for fuel as the number of miles driven per person is projected to grow. Currently, 86% of vehicles run on fossil fuels, which create heavy amounts of carbon dioxide gas which puts heavy strain on our environment. It is up to large companies to research alternative methods of fuels and compare them to our most dominant fuelRead MoreWhat is Ethanol? Essay1228 Words   |  5 PagesThe main way to produce chloroform is by adding bleaching powder, water, and ethanol. Ethanol has been used throughout history in a variety of ways. Every time you look at any alcoholic beverage, you are looking at a small amount of ethanol. Ethanol is what makes alcoholic beverages alcoholic. Rubbing alcohol is considered high concentrations of ethanol. Ethanol is also used as a fuel source in certain cars. Ethanol, written as C2H6O or CH3CH2OH, has a low melting point at -144oC and a boilingRead MoreThe Effects Of Renewable Energy On The United States1550 Words   |  7 Pages Renewable Energy In the 1960’s and 1970’s a movement regarding the physical environment began, this movement focused on a few environmental issues and disasters caused directly or indirectly by pollution. As the years progressed, this movement grew into a multifaceted activist movement gaining more attention in the US, more often referred as â€Å"Environmentalism† or â€Å"Environmental Activism†. As the human race realized the physical environment is fragile and thus must be protected, scientists started

I Have A Dream By Martin Luther King Jr. - 945 Words

â€Å"I Have A Dream† Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most famous civil rights activists in the history of the United States. He gave several important speeches and promoted non-violent protests. His most famous speech was â€Å"I Have A Dream†, around a quarter of a million patrons, black and white, attended this empowering speech at the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. The reason his speech was vastly successful in the movement against segregation and injustice was because of its repetitiveness. In the beginning of Kings speech he repeats the words history and 100 years. Although the words are simple and used every day they have a deeper meaning in his speech. The words are used to remind his listeners that one hundred years ago the Emancipation Proclamation was signed to free slaves so they could live equal lives. But, a hundred years later black Americans still live a very segregated life. This emphasizes that even though they were relieved from slavery and promised freedom they are still forced to be treated as second class citizens. Black Americans were not even allowed to use the same facilities as everyone else. For example, they could not use the same restrooms or even be served at the same restaurants unless there was a sign that said they could. If they were caught somewhere that they were prohibited from being they would be verbally harassed, arrested, or even beaten. If a restaurant served black Americans, they took the chance of having their restaurant beingShow MoreRelatedI Have A Dream By Martin Luther King Jr.983 Words   |  4 PagesPromised On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech of the millennia which was considered a radical revolution towards freedom. Martin Luther King Jr, also referred to as King Jr., was a Baptist minister and activist who fought for the rights of African-American. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, America was on the brinks of collapsing towards a civil right war. Leaders were across the United States creating factions of people. However, King Jr. was not an ordinary leader.Read MoreI Have A Dream By Martin Luther King Jr.915 Words   |  4 Pagescounterparts. Martin Luther King Jr. represents himself, his family, and an enormous body of minorities in America as he prepares to address the country in regards to equality and respect for all. Coming from a time where only years prior black and brown people were owned as property and often regarded as animals, King changed race relations in America by standing as a liaison between his community of colored individuals and a governing body of mostly Caucasian individuals. I Have a Dream is an openRead More`` I Have A Dream `` By Martin Luther King Jr.1378 Words   |  6 Pagesreasoning are known as cognitive biases and they allow us to unknowiThirty years after the events of To Kill a Mockingbird, Martin Luther King Jr said in his defining â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech, â€Å"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.† Maycomb would have benefitted from this message as repeatedly characters are reduced to their skin color, logic falling to the wayside as thoughtlessnessRead MoreI Have A Dream By Martin Luther King Jr.909 Words   |  4 PagesWhen I think about what one person can do in the times of the Civil Rights Movement, I think of Martin Luther King Jr. because he was such a big icon back then. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and social activist. He led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the mid-1950s, until he was assassinated in 1968 and will always be remembered by his famous speech, â€Å"I Have a Dream†. To me, he has reminded me of other people I’ve watched through movie films, and in a story I’veRead MoreI Have A Dream By Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.1102 Words   |  5 PagesAmericans we have been unable to embrace this concept without severe punishment. From being sprayed with high powered water hoses to being brutally beaten by those that are supposed to protect and serve. In the speech, I Have A Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he elaborates on the fight African Americans have endured and sets the path for freedom and equality while We Shall Overcome by L.B Johnson speaks on providing equality for all Americans. According to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speech, â€Å"I HaveRead MoreI Have A Dream By Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.749 Words   |  3 PagesIn the Speech I have a dream by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. uses his spee ch to advocate for the right of people of color in the United States. In a hopeful tone, Dr. Martin Luther King uses natural imagery to encourage African Americans to be hopeful that their right will be enforce. In his speech Martin Luther King focus on the positive aspect of nature to enforce his message on not losing hope. By using positive and negative aspects of nature, Dr. King tell his audience that even when nature isRead MoreI Have A Dream Speech By Martin Luther King Jr. Essay1115 Words   |  5 PagesActivist and leader in the Africa American Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr, speaks at the Lincoln Memorial to more than 200,000 people where he gives his famous â€Å"I have a Dream† speech, where he calls for the need of equal rights between blacks and whites. King’s purpose is to convince the American people that segregation is wrong and should be changed for future generations, encourage all African Americans into fighting until the end, and th at segregation is wrong. He effectivelyRead More`` I Have A Dream Speech `` By Martin Luther King Jr.2027 Words   |  9 Pagescitizens to have equality. In 1863, the United States of America joined other nations by emancipating those in bondage. Slavery had begun it’s way out in the modern world. However, due to years of indoctrination and social appropriation, there was a discord between those who were white and those who were colored. One hundred years after the emancipation proclamation was given, there was still social and systemic oppression and discrimination against colored people in American Society. Martin Luther KingRead MoreMartin Luther King Jr s I Have A Dream872 Words   |  4 PagesI have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.(Martin Luther King Jr, 1963). This statement came from Martin Luther King Jr’s famous speech ‘I have a dream’. As one of the most powerful weapons contributing to the civil rights movement led by King, it motivated more people to fight hard for human rights. However, what is the human right? Not everyone can give an explicit definitionRead MoreI Have a Dream: Martin Luther King Jr. Essay989 Words   |  4 PagesCan you imagine a world where you were judged based on the color of your skin? In the 1950’s one man was tired of this and dedicated his life to changing it. Martin Luther King Jr. made an enormous impact in the world that we live in today. He wanted freedom for all and fought an endless battle to get us to where we are. Martin was an American pastor, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. By using, speeches, marches and his actions he accomplished his goal

Mass Media Corporations Free Essays

Assess the view that the owners of mass media corporations control media output and serve mainly ruling-class interests. (33 marks) AO1: Knowledge and Understanding (15 marks) Lower in the band 1. students will present an answer based on very limited knowledge and understanding of the mass media and ownership issues rather than based on sociological arguments or evidence. We will write a custom essay sample on Mass Media Corporations or any similar topic only for you Order Now There will be only a peripheral link to the question. At this level there will be little evidence that the student has understood either the question or the material in response to it. At this level answers might include: †¢ isolated or disjointed statements about ownership of different aspects of the media or †¢ some flawed material from theories of the mass media. Higher in the band, students will present knowledge on the mass media, ownership and control that is incomplete or flawed. However, students’ understanding of both the set question and the material presented as an answer will be marginally more explicit and more sociological than those lower in the band. At this level answers might include: a very brief list of evidence relating to ownership of different aspects of the media or †¢ incomplete or flawed accounts from theories of the mass media. 6 – 11 Answers in this band will show reasonable sociological knowledge and understanding. Lower in the band, students will present an adequate but possibly generalised or essentially descriptive and narrowly focused account of sociological knowledge on the question. There will be a fai rly limited understanding of the demands of the question set. At this level answers might include: †¢ a brief list of factors related to ownership and/or control of different aspects of the media or †¢ brief, descriptive and accurate accounts of one or two studies of ownership and control of the mass media or †¢ outlines of one or two theories of the mass media, with relevance to the question left largely implicit. Higher in the band, students will present a fuller though possibly still unbalanced response to the question. Answers may still be somewhat descriptive or narrowly focused, for instance dealing predominantly with only one perspective or one study of the media and ownership and control. At this level answers might include: †¢ a more developed list of factors related to ownership and/or control of different aspects of the media, but with a limited theoretical structure or Sources may include: Bagdikian; Miliband; Marx; Gramsci; Doyle; Curran; Whale; Tunstall and Palmer. How to cite Mass Media Corporations, Papers

If I Stay free essay sample

If I Stay, written by Gayle Forman, is an amazing book! When I read the back cover of If I Stay, I knew it was the right book for me, because I can relate to what has happened to the main characters and the feelings of other family members and friends. The family was in a car accident, and as you know from reading my other papers, my 16 year old brother was in a car accident in March. The feelings that were displayed in the book are very similar to the feelings my family and I had regarding my brother. At times we were very unsure of what would happen. Mia Hall, who is one of the most important main characters, is seventeen years old, plays the cello, and is mostly a quiet person. Mia loves classical music and practiced on her cello whenever she had the chance. Mia’s parents and her eight year old brother Teddy are also main characters in the story. We will write a custom essay sample on If I Stay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Mia’s father, Denny, was in a band up until her younger brother Teddy was three weeks old. He realized at that point that he didn’t want to be like that anymore and needed to change for his family. Denny went back to grad school to become a teacher and changed the way he dressed completely, from â€Å"rocker† to â€Å"old school sophisticated†. He began wearing suits and ties and Mia hated this change. Mia’s mother, Kat, is very protective of others, very loyal, and has quite a bad mouth. Kat loves rock music and does not approve of Mia’s love for classical music but grows to respect her passion for it. Mia and her mother have a close relationship and Kat always offers her best advice to Mia. Mia’s brother, Teddy, is nine years younger than her. Teddy looks just like his parents, with blonde hair and light eyes, while Mia is the complete opposite with dark hair and dark eyes. He looks up to Mia and she is the only person who can do certain things with Teddy, like read the nest chapter of the Harry Potter books to him before bed. Adam Wilde is Mia’s boyfriend, they have been together for over a year and a half, he plays and sings in his punk rock band, â€Å"Shooting Star†, and he loves Mia’s family and friends. After breakfast one February morning, Mia and her family decided to go to the book store, and old record shop, and to have an early dinner at Gran and Gramp’s house because school was cancelled, due to a light snow though the night. By the time they had finished breakfast the sun was out and most of the snow was melted of the roads. After deciding on a radio station that would satisfy everyone they began their drive. Mia closed her eyes and leaned her head against the window, and the next thing she knew, the impact of a four-ton pickup truck going sixty miles an hour was plowing straight into the side of the car. The impact sent the passenger seat through the driver’s side window. In the beginning Mia thought everything was fine, but little does she know that it isn’t. She finds herself standing in a ditch without a scratch on her body, or so she thinks. Once she walks towards the car she sees that her parents are both lying on the pavement dead, she tries to look for Teddy, but instead finds her own mangled body. Mia tries everything to wake her from what she thinks is a nightmare but it doesn’t work. She thinks she is dead, until the paramedics arrive. Mia is then airlifted to the nearest hospital. Not knowing if Teddy is still alive or hurt once she gets to the hospital, she goes to look for him, leaving her â€Å"real body† in surgery. After searching for Teddy, and not finding him she wonders if he is still alive, but when she tries to ask a nurse about him the words don’t come out of her mouth. It’s almost like she is a ghost, but she isn’t really dead. Mia can see everything going on around her but can’t physically feel it and she can go wherever she wants. She can hear everything that others are saying but when she speaks, she makes no noise, and the other people can’t see her. Mia has to decide if she wants to fight for her life and have the grief of losing her family every day or if she wants to join them. Mia realizes Teddy is dead when her Grandparents show up and are both with her, she knows they wouldn’t leave Teddy alone. Adam tries to get into the intensive care unit but is unable because he isn’t immediate family. Adam gets special permission to see Mia and wants her to realize he hasn’t left her and is still there for her. Adam says to her, â€Å"Just listen†¦. stay,† and Mia forces all the strength she has left in her body to squeeze his hand. Adam knows then that she will be okay. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good book that keeps you wondering â€Å"what will happen next? † I loved the book; I could relate to some of it and never wanted to put it down. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering if Mia would decide to â€Å"stay† or not. Gayle Forman has a sequel to If I Stay, called, Where She Went, it is written in Adam’s point of view three years after the accident. Adam and Mia go their separate way, but I plan on reading it very soon! I want to know what happened next and why Adam and Mia decided to end the relationship.