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Prathik Hosalli Mr. Majask A1-World Studies 12 November 2013

GQ: What is wrong with the world current energy system in the world today?

The current problem in our modern society is that we are too dependent on un-renewable resources such as fossil fuels for energy. The reason why our current system is not efficient, because we rely on fossil fuels too much, and the resources will run out eventually, they also continue to pollute our surroundings. Fossil fuels contribute to eighty-three percent of Americas energy. However, fossils fuels are things such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas. They are often drilled from the Earths sediment. Such as oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, they drill in the Earths sediment often looking for petroleum. However, no matter how big the Earth is, fossil fuels take millions of year to be created. Thus making them a slowly declining resource in the world. Soon in the future, fossil fuels will be very scarce and could potentially cause conflicts in the world over them. Not only is the issue that fossil fuels are slowly going to disappear. Fossil fuels destroy environments, and provide to pollution. When fossil fuels burn, they release carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a natural greenhouse gas, and greenhouse gases are the reason for global warming. If we continue to burn fossil fuels, our energy system will lead us to our own demise. Many countries have tried to constrain their impact by signing the Kyoto Protocol. However, big countries such as America have not signed. Also with the burning of fossil fuels, you provide to

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air pollution. In Beijing, the air is full of smog, and people cannot breathe, because of the pollution. There have been efforts to use cleaner energy such as hydro generated or wind generated. However, in vain, upcoming countries such as China and India depend on fossil fuels heavily to catch up to others. Thus, offsetting the other efforts to use clean sustainable energy from other countries. On the Carbon Index, the total number has barely decreased. Our current energy system is not a long-term solution for energy. It greatly destroys our surroundings too. There is no point in poisoning our home, while trying to improve it. One thing for sure, the current energy system for the world is horrible and must change. Works Cited
Damberger, Heinz H. "Fossil Fuels." Pollution A to Z. Ed. Richard M. Stapleton. Vol. 1. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2004. 215-216. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. Turco, Richard P. (1997). Earth under Siege: From Air Pollution to Global Change. New York: Oxford University Press.