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Patrick Zitting
4/15/16
English 1010-069
Professor Celestino
IEP Final

Energy Sustainability: Why Should You Care?

With current technological limitations in space travel, as well as boundaries imposed by physics, it is likely
that the Earth will be the only practical planet for humans to inhabit for a very long time. Therefore, responsibility
rests on the shoulders of current generations to preserve this extraordinary planet for future generations to
experience. Until recently, humans have had a relatively small impact on the Earth as a whole; however, now that
the human population is over 7 billion people, this is no longer the case. Huge amounts of energy are needed to
sustain the high standards of living in developed nations. As global energy demands continue to grow at an alarming
rate, it is essential that individuals recognize the enormous impact our current energy systems are having on the
environment. Humans have an obligation to create sustainable energy practices and address the difficulties faced in
moving towards renewable energy.
Even today, more than a century after scientists first began warning about the effects that carbon emissions
may have on global climate, many people, including powerful politicians, disbelieve in human-caused climate
change. Although the science of climate change is much too complex to discuss in this paper, simple deductive
reasoning may suffice in regards to the role carbon emissions play in Earths atmosphere. Venus, often called
Earths twin, shared many similarities with Earth in the past. Some of these similarities included size, CO2 content,
and, most likely, the presence of liquid water oceans. While there are many more factors contributing to the changes
in surface conditions than could be discussed in this writing, the main contributor to the extreme surface temperature
of Venus is a runaway greenhouse effect (Svedhem, 629). This greenhouse effect acts much like the inside of a car
in a parking lot on a hot summer day. Light waves pass through the car windows with ease, convert into heat waves,
and are then unable to escape the insulating properties of the vehicle interior. This is much like what happens every
day on Earth's surface. It is the reason why the Earth does not experience the large temperature fluctuations
observed in other parts of the cosmos. The greenhouse effect is essential to maintain current conditions on Earth.

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Therefore, any alteration would likely promote surface conditions different from those that humans have come to
know. The earths atmosphere is a delicate collection of circumstances that enables humans, and other species, to
thrive when left in the balance. Plate tectonics, flooding, and hurricanes serve as reminders that the Earth is not
static; it is ever changing. Billions of humans and machines are perfectly capable of contributing to large-scale
change. A recent publication outlines some of the effects a miniscule rise in temperature is likely to have on Earth:
Even the modest climate changes expected in the next few decades will begin to decrease crop productivity at low
altitudes, where drying will be concentrated disease, and death from heat waves, floods and drought would
increase. Toward midcentury, up to 30% of species would be at increasing risk of extinction (Kerr, 188). The
author goes on to explain the implications of these changes: dryness in low latitude areas (U.S. Southwest), the
increased flooding by altered precipitation, sea level rise along rivers and coastlines, coral bleaching, the effects
receding glaciers could have on rivers, the likelihood of savannahs replacing tropical forests, and much more (Kerr,
189-190). The debate on the actuality of human caused climate change no longer bears significance among those
who choose to believe in data, rather than intuition or opinion.
For those individuals who choose to ignore the effects that CO2 emissions have on warming the planet, one
question should be considered: Are the vast amounts of pollutants filling the air we breathe not enough to raise
concern? Surely, every person alive is concerned about the quality of the air they breathe, so why are people so
hesitant to change? Is it because hazardous air quality is a problem that could not possibly affect people for many
more years? A recent study done in Salt Lake City, Utah, was conducted to determine whether there was a
correlation between periods of inversion, and emergency department visits for asthma. Winter temperature
inversions, occurring approximately 57% of winter days in Salt Lake City, occur when layers of air, which increase
in temperature with altitude, trap air pollutants and lead to higher pollutant concentrations. The study found an
association between inversion, especially prolonged inversion, and emergency department visits for asthma (Beard,
1385-1389). Another study by scientists at MIT found that air pollution is responsible for the early deaths of nearly
200,000 people each year (Caiazzo). The health effects of pollution are already a major issue. One major obstacle in
moving towards cleaner energy is the almost universal mental disconnect between individuals who wish for change
but oppose changes that have even the slightest inconvenience. For example, if individuals in Salt Lake City would
like to improve local air quality, but refuse to drive anything but a lifted diesel, there is clearly an issue. While part
of the fault may lie with the individual, perhaps it is the fault of current infrastructure that severely inhibits large-

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scale change. It is arguable that average individuals are essentially forced to adhere to systems that are currently in
place. For example, average individuals who are passionate about moving towards cleaner energy are likely still
driving cars driven by combustion engines and living in a home powered by fossil fuels. While this may seem
hypocritical, it is important to consider the costs an individual would undertake by adopting cleaner means of
transportation. There are very few readily available options for individuals who wish for change in transportation,
and are willing to adapt to the changes alternative forms of transportation may have on their lifestyle. However,
recent advancements in transportation technology are beginning to allow average individuals to make the conscious
decision of which forms of transportation they are willing to support. It is evident that pollution is not a problem of
the distant future, but a problem of today. Whether or not individuals choose to believe in human-caused climate
change, all humans may well be able to find common ground in addressing the issue of human-caused pollution.
One idea that seems to occupy the minds of many individuals is the idea that fossil fuel resources are fairly
limited, and society is likely to expend those resources before excess CO2 emissions becomes an issue; this is,
however, not the case. It is a general agreement among policy makers, that global temperature rise caused by
greenhouse gas emissions should not exceed 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures. A recent study
concluded that in order to meet this goal globally, a third of oil reserves, half of gas reserves and over 80% of
current coal reserves should remain unused from 2010 to 2050(McGlade, 187). These figures, of course, do not
take into consideration the discovery of new fossil fuel reserves. This data demonstrates clearly, that humankind has,
at its disposal, more than enough fossil fuel resources to disrupt the global climate.
One highly debated issue among the renewable energy discussion is whether government interference is
warranted. It is a widely held debate about whether the use of government subsidies should be used to promote the
success of green energy companies. Many believe that the government is overstepping its boundaries by withholding
lands and resources from people and businesses. Many individuals also believe that renewable energy and
conventional energy should be on a level playing field and that the free market should ultimately determine who
succeeds. However, leaving the future of the planet in the hands of the free market could be extremely dangerous.
The free market is interested in what the consumer is most interested in, affordability. As has been demonstrated
many times in the past, the free market can be very inconsiderate when making decisions related to the environment.
Many might agree that one very important role of a modern, forward-thinking government is to preserve lands for

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future use. By encouraging the success of industries that seek to preserve Earths longevity and discouraging those
that do not, government is fulfilling that role. For many people, the alternative to government regulation is to allow
industries to self-correct unethical practices. The issue with this idea, however, is that industry is driven by
profitability. Many industries in the past, and present, have been allowed to operate with near-complete freedom.
This joyride usually ends after officials find that the industry was not acting in the best interest of the public. Hoping
that people, and industries are conscious enough to preserve the Earth is a gamble. Taking a gamble of such
magnitude would be inconsiderate of the billions of humans and animals who have not yet been born.
Another important addition to the renewable energy discussion is acknowledging any potentially hidden
issues that may affect the environment. Although it is not possible to know if or what technologies will eventually
fulfill global energy demands, it is possible to discuss the effects existing technologies may have on the
environment. A few of the most common renewable technology methods for energy production include solar and
wind, as well as electricity, for transportation. One potential environmental effect solar may have on the
environment is its high special occupancy. Although many solar power plants are likely to occupy desert like areas
containing minimal wildlife, there is likely to be some type of effect on wildlife if solar is to be adopted on a large
scale. Project engineers are likely to keep these effects in mind in order to minimize the overall footprint solar farms
may have. In regards to solar wind farms, wind turbines may have effects on bird populations. While the overall
effects these turbines may have on birds would require additional research, it may be worth considering as a
potential concern. Electric powered vehicles are one of the upcoming leaders in alternative transportation; it is
therefore important to consider any hidden environmental impacts electric powered cars may have. Modern electric
powered vehicles require the use of Lithium-ion batteries. Proper disposal of large quantities of batteries is one
concern, as well as the massive amounts of Earth minerals that will be required to produce batteries on a massive
scale. To obtain these minerals there would be a high demand for mining, which would ultimately have an effect on
the environment. Since no technology currently exists to take the place of the heavy duty, fossil-fueled machinery
that it would require to mine Earth minerals, the emissions from mining, transport, and processing must be
considered. While all of the above stated environmental concerns must be considered, it is important to note that the
environmental footprint of renewable technology is far less than that of current methods, such as fossil fuels. There
are no known indicators that renewables jeopardize the survival of numerous species. Rather, renewables are much
more likely to preserve the lives of species than they are to endanger them.

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One of the biggest obstacles for renewable energy adoption is cost. While this obstacle is very real, it is
often used as an argument for why renewables cannot, or should not, be adopted in the near future. As has been
demonstrated thousands of times in the past, new technology is often primitive and expensive in the beginning but is
continuously proceeded by new and improved versions. Inventions generally follow that pattern; for example,
televisions were bulky, low resolution and extremely expensive when first introduced. After years of continual
improvement, advancements have sculpted the highly affordable and advanced televisions seen today. It is almost
inevitable for the same to happen in the renewable energy industry. Renewables may be expensive right now, but
they will become much cheaper as time goes on. Whereas fossil fuels, becoming less plentiful, and harder to extract,
will tend to grow more expensive over time. It therefore makes sense to invest in renewable technology, long before
it is the only option.
At this point, it is necessary to ask what technologies exist to address the issues discussed thus far, and
where should effort be concentrated in order to create change that does not disrupt the economies of the world.
According to a recent study in the United States, automobiles and light and heavy-duty trucks account for 77% of
fuel used by all modes of transportation. It is evident, therefore, that changes in road transportation would have the
greatest effect on the transportation industrys dependence on fossil fuels. This is hopeful, as major changes in road
transportation would likely reduce emissions enough to allow industries that require powerful fossil-fueled engines
to remain in use, such as aircraft, construction, trains, and boats. One of the most promising engagements towards
sustainable road transportation is the American based electric car company, Tesla Motors, led by billionaire Elon
Musk. In April 2016, Tesla unveiled its Model 3 which is priced at $35,000 (before generous government tax
incentives). This car is the first of its kind, allowing average income individuals to drive a stylish, mass-produced
electric car for the first time in history. Tesla announced it had received 325,000 preorders in the first week of the
Model 3 release, making the Model 3 one of the most successful car launches of all time (if Tesla can deliver on
such a huge number of vehicles). This is very promising, as the voluntary movement to sustainable transportation
ultimately depends on consumer choice, and based on the recent news at Tesla, consumers are responding very well.
There are many other forms of transportation which promise much less CO2 emissions than the standard gasoline
engine. Some of these include natural gas, biofuels, and hybrid vehicles. While electric seems to be the up and
coming energy source for road transportation, it is important to continue pushing technological advancements,
which help to reduce CO2 emissions as much as possible. Companies such as Tesla are leading by example, by

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working to create a sustainable method of transportation and by allowing much of their groundbreaking technology
available for public use. Creating sustainable transportation technologies is one of the chief ways in which society
can preserve the Earth for future generations to enjoy, a responsibility which ultimately falls on the shoulders of the
current generation.
In the United States, transportation accounts for about 27% of greenhouse gas emissions, while electricity
production accounts for 31%, making these two industries the largest contributors of greenhouse gases in the U.S.
(United States Environmental Protection Agency). Many renewable energy sources are being integrated in countries
all over the world, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, nuclear, and some others. Technological
advancements in all of these areas are taking place extremely fast. A publication by Professor Ravindranathan K.
Thampi (et al) discusses the numerous advancements made in solar cells. Some of these advancements include solar
modules integrated into building design: roofs, walls, windows, etc., flexible solar cells, transparent solar cells, and
semitransparent cells (Thampi, 1-15). Demand for better and cheaper renewable technology is growing rapidly.
Between 2000 and 2011, installed global renewable electricity grew by 72%, accounting for 22% of all global
electricity generation in 2011 (Cohen, 692). According to the (Laboratory)(NREL), by 2035 it is expected that
close to one third of global energy demands will be met by renewable energy. These are very promising figures, but
to build a sustainable civilization, further development and implementation of renewable technology is required
through the collective support and efforts of existing generations.
If individuals in society do not begin to acknowledge and address the unsustainable nature of our energy
system, the Earth will eventually become a very different place. Humans risk destroying the only planet in our solar
system that is perfectly suited for human life. While there is a high chance that small numbers of humans will leave
Earth to colonize another planet, the task of relocating billions of individuals to another planet is very problematic
and is a much more difficult task than reducing carbon emissions. Numerous emerging technologies have the ability
to solve this problem the easy way, if widely adopted. Responsibility ultimately falls on the individual, and many
people feel that their singular actions are insignificant in affecting this issue. This can be likened to presidential
elections. Should people stop voting because their votes are insignificant, absolutely not. It is also worth noting that
humans are heavily influenced by the actions of others. A respected person may heavily influence hundreds or even
thousands of people in a lifetime. In this sense, individual action is very significant. Individuals can also make a

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collective difference through supporting companies, officials, and organizations that share the same goal,
sustainability. Individuals today have a moral obligation to do their small part in laying down the groundwork for a
world that will serve upcoming generations, as it has so generously served them.

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Works Cited

Caiazzo, Fabio, et al. "Air Pollution And Early Deaths In The United States. Part I: Quantifying The Impact Of
Major Sectors In 2005." Atmospheric Environment 79.(2013): 198-208. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2
Apr. 2016.
Cohen, Steven. "What Is Stopping The Renewable Energy Transformation And What Can The US Government
Do?." Social Research 82.3 (2015): 689-710. Academic Search Premier. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. (692)
Kerr, Richard A. "Global Warming Is Changing The World." Science 316.5822 (2007): 188-190. Academic Search
Premier. Web. 14 Mar. 2016. (188), (189-190)
Laboratory, US Department of Energys National Renewable Energy. US Department of Energys National
Renewable Energy Laboratory . n.d. <http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60894.pdf. 04 2016>.
Svedhem, Hkan, et al. "Venus As A More Earth-Like Planet." Nature 450.7170 (2007): 629-632. Academic Search
Premier. Web. 7 Mar. 2016. (629)
Thampi, K. Ravindranathan, Owen Byrne, and Praveen K. Surolia. "Renewable Energy Technologies And Its
Adaptation In An Urban Environment." AIP Conference Proceedings 1576.(2014): 3-18. Academic Search
Premier. Web. 9 Mar. 2016. (1-15)
United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2013. Web Page. 04 2016.
<https://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/sources.html>.