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Garrett Higgins

Mrs. Stone

AP Language and Composition

March 6, 2017

The World’s Energy Plight

Picture a world where, because of smog caused by carbon dioxide emissions, a person

can only see a number of feet in front of them when outside. Picture a world where the cost of

gasoline has skyrocketed to 7.50 per gallon. Picture a world where the electricity in the home is

spotty because the world is running out of fossil fuels. Imagine seventy years from now, telling

stories to your grandchildren about majestic white bears that once walked across floating ice on

the ocean. Imagine telling them how fun the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans were. They

may not believe you because now, the only parties there are among fish, swimming along

Bourbon Street.

The combination of intense heat, pressure, and millions of years has condensed dinosaurs

and other prehistoric organic matter into usable sources of energy. These fossil fuels have been

the main source of energy for humans since coal and its uses were discovered in Neolithic times.

Ever since, humans have been extracting coal, petroleum, and other fossil fuels from deep within

the earth. They are used to produce heat, electricity, and fuel. Fossil fuels were, and still are for

the time being, a very feasible source of energy. However, the time to use this energy source is
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quickly coming to an end. Because fossil fuels will soon be unavailable, carbon emissions need

to be severely limited, and the economic benefits are strong, the United States and the World

need to wean off of fossil fuels and move towards alternative/renewable energy sources.

Energy production in the United States is geared almost exclusively towards fossil fuels.

As Amy Witherbee states, “At the moment, we do not have a single energy source that can match

petroleum for its efficiency, inexpensive cost, and widespread availability”(Witherbee). While

this is very true, and it would take time and money for the United States to transition to

renewable energy sources, the fact is, there will come a time in the near future when this

transition will absolutely have to happen. The depleting resources in our earth will force the hand

of energy producers because there will be a lack of fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources, on

the other hand, will never run out. The transition to alternative energy sources will be expensive

because many of these energy sources’ technologies have high start up costs. Once implemented,

however, the efficient solar panels, wind turbines, and other energy producers will yield

economic and environmental benefits.

The most pressing reason the United States and the World should move towards

renewable energy sources is the finite amount of fossil fuels left in the earth. Take petroleum for

example: Alex Rich states, “Petroleum, which the United States consumes in greater quantities

than any other country in the world, is said to be reaching peak production…at current levels of

consumption , it is estimated that peak production will occur in the next forty years” (Rich).
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Once the demand for petroleum and other fossil fuels is greater than the supply left in the earth,

there will be, to quote the Energy Administration for the U.S Government, “…a global economic

crisis” (“U.S. Energy”). This economic crisis can be completely averted or lessened if renewable

energy sources are taken seriously and put into place. Outside of the fact that fossil fuels are

running out, the most important reason the world needs to move towards green and renewable

energy is its effect on the environment.

The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gasses, collectively known as greenhouse

gasses. These disperse into our atmosphere and become trapped inside because of the

Greenhouse Effect. The Earth naturally has a greenhouse effect that helps keep it warm.

However, because of the burning of fossil fuels, this effect has been intensified. Now, it is much

more difficult for heat to escape Earth’s atmosphere. This causes overheating of its surface.

Climate change is a huge threat to the natural world today. The overall temperature of our Earth

is creeping up. Melting ice, less overall precipitation, and rising sea levels are just a few

concerns prompted by the burning of fossil fuels. Ralph Izzo, an energy expert, said, “I strongly

believe the number-one reason we need to change energy is climate change” (Izzo). There are

many other people who share these sentiments. Take Leonardo DiCaprio for example; he

passionately speaks out to bring awareness to climate change. When he won the Academy Award

for Best Actor, he took that opportunity to speak about the issue.

As the Earth grows warmer, the environment is experiencing many negative changes.

Melting ice is one of these issues. Even though the most ice on our planet is located at the poles

away from most civilization, its melting can have detrimental effects that are much closer to
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home. Maine is already seeing changes in its oceans. Andrew Perishing, the chief science officer

at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland, has conducted research on the Gulf of Maine

his whole life. His research indicates, “…The Gulf of Maine has been warming faster than any

other part of the world’s oceans since 2004, except for a section of ocean current north of

Japan” (Woodard). Just a small increase in ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Maine will greatly

impact the fishing and shellfish industries in place there.

Climate change affects a number of important natural processes on our planet. One of the

most troubling is the fact that there is less overall precipitation. There are examples of this all

over the world. California, for instance, has seen many issues because of climate change and the

lack of precipitation in the state. The AP Regional State Report from California in 2012 states

“Temperatures statewide are up 1.7 degrees since 1895. By 2050 California is expected to be 2.7-

degrees warmer than it was in 2000” (Cone). The most pressing problem is that the increasing

temperatures have caused a devastating drought. “Now in its fourth year, the California drought

is classified as “extreme to exceptional” by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Its negative effects on

agriculture, water supplies, energy production, and many other aspects of society are a major

threat to a region that represents the world’s seventh-largest economy” (California). Farmers are

struggling to water their crops and the additional heat is proving it more difficult for some crops

to grow. Additionally, the arid weather has caused an increase in crippling wild fires. The AP

Regional State Report states, “Hotter temperatures already are leading to more and larger fires,

the report said. Of the 20 largest fires ever recorded in California, 11 have come since 2002.
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Until then the state averaged one per decade” (Cone). California has seen all of these problems

because of the burning of fossil fuels.

Melting ice causes rising sea levels. Because of this, coastal communities could soon see

changes to their shoreline. The island nation of Tuvalu is the fourth smallest nation in the World.

Because of climate change and the burning of fossil fuels it could soon be underwater. Sources

told Tim Barlass from the Sun-Herald in Sydney, “Climate change is change of the environment

due to the man-made factories and vehicles in rich countries like Australia because it has lots of

cars, trucks, trains, ships which cause the pollution and climate change here in Tuvalu. We can

see now the sea level increasing year by year. In 50 or 100 years we can't see Tuvalu

here” (Barlass). Along with other Pacific Island Nations Tuvalu could disappear beneath the

waves in a matter of a few decades. Similarly, the coast of Louisiana is already below sea level

and with water levels insidiously creeping up, their beloved coastlines are shrinking back. If the

oceans keep rising at their current rate, shorelines and entire nations will become part of the

underwater world. The most efficient and effective way to stop these changes from continuing is

to stop the burning of fossil fuels.

The emission of fossil fuels can have harmful effects to the human body. Alex Rich

explains some of the ways emissions from coal can harm humans: “The consumption of coal

emits more carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases than any other fossil fuel currently in use,

and cuts short the lives of approximately 30,000 Americans each year according to the Clean Air

Task Force” (Rich). This is not good considering “The United States is the second-largest coal

producer in the world” (Rich). In China, which is the leading coal producer in the world, citizens
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often wear masks, similar to those worn by doctors, to protect themselves from the harmful smog

that envelops their cities. The alternative energy sources that would replace fossil fuels

emit no harmful gasses. Once the world phases out the burning of fossil fuels, the damage that

has been inflicted to the environment will be eased.

Clearly, in order to continue our current way of life and secure a good future for the

world, the switch to alternative and/or renewable energy sources needs to be made. Contrary to

popular belief, switching to renewables is not just a thing that we begrudgingly have to do. It is

also something that will move us forward economically and socially as a society.

The economic benefits presented by switching to renewable energy sources are great.

Renewable energy is a huge untapped market that the United States should invest in, creating

thousands of jobs in the US and saving Americans money on their energy costs while reducing

greenhouse gas emissions. According to Jeremy Brecher, the cofounder of the Labor Network for

Sustainability, Frank Ackerman and his associates of Synapse Energy Economics developed a

Clean Energy Future model. This study was done to see if the United States could reach the

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by

80% by 2050 while providing more jobs than the current projection. They also decided that this

should not place higher costs on American consumers. The resulting report: “The Clean Energy

Future: Protecting the Climate, Creating Jobs and Saving Money,’ shows that the United States

can reduce GHG [Greenhouse Gas] emissions 80% by 2050—while adding half-a-million jobs

annually and saving Americans billions of dollars on their electrical, heating, and transportation

costs” (Becher). This study, conducted by a reliable source, shows that it is plausible that the
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United States can move towards renewable energy sources. The economy would stay stable and

would even progress forward.

Ralph Izzo is an advocate for the switch to green energy sources. At the 2010 EnergyBiz

Leadership Forum in Washington D.C. he delivered a compelling speech outlining why the

United States needs to begin to move towards green energy. One of his strongest points was the

economic benefits. He said, “Green energy is a growth engine we [the US] need to harness in

order to stay globally competitive. While we wait, we are squandering economic opportunity,

and the supply chain is developing in China, Japan, France, Germany, and other

countries” (Izzo). He also talks about job creation, “…[We are] Missing the golden opportunity

to create thousands of jobs. Green energy investments will produce a rich harvest of jobs in fields

from construction and installation to research, manufacturing, and engineering” (Izzo). It is clear

that the economy will not suffer but prosper rather, if the US and the world moves toward

renewable energy sources.

For the transition to renewable energy sources to be successful, the governments of the

world need to get involved. Most governments have only dipped their toe into the pool of

renewable energy sources. “Some activists believe that global governments are actively

discouraging researching into alternative energy in support of the multibillion-dollar fossil-fuel

industry. More moderate critics argue that governments are simply not investing enough energy

or resources into research and development” (Issitt). In order for the world to be prepared for

when fossil fuels run out, the governments of the world need to invest in the world’s energy

future. This could be in the form of incentives, subsidies, or investments in the future of the
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world by investing in renewables. Some countries have been actively pursuing a decrease in their

use of fossil fuels. New Zealand for example, has 75% of its country’s energy needs covered by

hydropower. Norway is a leading country when it comes to renewable energy. They have 99% of

the electricity they use produced by hydropower (Witherbee). These countries have been able to

reach their effectiveness with renewable energy sources by investing. Although methods of

creating renewable energy are expensive, their efficiency, low maintenance, and longevity make

them very productive investments that pay off in the future. Norway and New Zealand’s

governments put money into their energy future and now they are seeing the benefits. Other

governments need to follow their lead.

Germany is another country that has been able to smoothly transition to renewable

energy. Their economy is a very industrial, capitalistic economy , and in many ways is similar to

the United States’s economy. Germany accounts for about one-fifth of all greenhouse-gas

emissions in the European Union, so finally, they decided to do something about it (Stokes).

Only a decade or two ago their energy system ran almost entirely on fossil fuels. Miraculously

however, they are now the world's largest producer of renewable energy. Their economy was at a

stalemate, with unemployment very high when their government began to promote renewables

like solar panels and wind turbines. Renewables has turned their economy around. Stokes writes

in the National Journal, “Fully 280,000 Germans make a living in the renewable-energy sector, a

ninefold increase in the past decade” (Stokes). That is 280,000 jobs that wouldn’t have been

there if Germany stuck with fossil fuels. The successes that Germany has had in switching to

renewable energy is astounding and shows that it can be done. As long as national governments
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commit to renewables and start the process of implementing renewable energy, then the countries

economy will grow and their carbon footprint will shrink.

The United States Government has passed various acts and bills in favor of

renewable energy. Under the Obama administration, awareness about climate change has gone

up. However, what has been done so far hasn’t been enough because the coal and other fossil

fuel industries still dominate the energy market. The Environmental Law Report stated in an

article, “The research demonstrates that fossil fuels benefited from approximately $72 billion

over the seven-year period, while subsidies for renewable fuels totaled only $29 billion” (Energy

Subsidies). This shows just how much the government spends on fossil fuel subsidies instead of

subsidies for renewable sources. These large government subsidies need to soon begin to fall in

favor of renewable energy sources. The sooner we begin to make the switch to these energy

sources, the smoother the transition will be. In the United States, incentives for individual

citizens or companies to use renewable energy sources have been mildly successful especially in

respects to solar energy. Tax credits are now offered to those who install solar panels. This is a

step in the right direction for our country. The most critical thing that needs to come for

America’s energy system is a government initiative along with subsidies that will financially

support the building of renewable energy facilities.

A benefit to renewable energy sources is their simplicity and versatility. After noticing

this Alex Rich said, “Solar power is also important in developing countries, where it is often

unfeasible or impossible to build a power plant or grid. With solar panels, each village or home

can produce its own electricity, entirely independent of any infrastructure” (Rich). Electricity can
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be extremely helpful in day to day life and can be an immense part of life for a person or family

that doesn’t have much. Here in America, we can’t imagine a day without charging our

smartphone. For a small village in Western Africa however, it could be a difference maker in

their way of life. This could never happen with such ease with coal or any other fossil fuel.

Renewable energy has already begun to take root in underprivileged countries. Adnan Z.

Amin, Director-General IRENA, said, “Renewable energy can provide safe, clean and affordable

energy while stimulating sustainable development in countries that need it most” (ADFD). The

International Renewable Energy Agency recently partnered with the Abu Dhabi Fund for

Development to ensure that the 350 million dollars already pledged effectively develops

renewable energy sources in developing countries (ADFD).

Electricity is something used virtually all the time. It lights our houses, it helps our cars

run, it allows our technology to function, and so much more. Without it, our society would be

very different. This electricity is produced mainly by fossil fuels, which will be severely depleted

or gone in roughly 100 years. What will fulfill the worlds energy needs then? The answer is

renewable energy sources. The technology for these methods is already very advanced and it will

easily be able to bear the load of the world’s energy needs. For the environment’s sake, the

switch to renewable energy sources will preferably come much sooner than 100 years. The

environment is suffering every time a smog spewing coal plant fires up. The carbon dioxide

these facilities are producing is slowly snatching away the things we take for granted about our

earth. Our oceans, our shorelines, our water supply, and our health are all being negatively
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affected by carbon dioxide emissions. The burning of fossil fuels is the center of a spiders web.

Climate change and the host of issues it causes spiral off of this web but all link back to fossil

fuels. Countries have already shown the great economic benefits that investing in renewable

energy sources will bring about. These countries are seeing economic growth while doing their

part to save the environment. The world is clearly moving towards renewable energy. Why aren’t

you?
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