As we lunge deeper into this age of ever inspiring and ever
escalating technology, we are stopped in our tracks with coal. This source of
energy has been the world’s prominent energy source since the turn of the 19th
century. That being said, it has also been one of the largest contributors to
carbon emissions. In the last century new eco-friendly energy sources such as hydro and fusion energy have emerged. With these innovations providing optimism
towards a healthier planet there is no possible way coal is still one of the
top of the list of energy sources, right?
Sadly the answer to that question is
yes. Coal and oil top the list contributing to 67% of America's energy (EIA).
I grew up in Canada where people
take this shit seriously. Honestly, taking care of the environment is the third
highest priority up there behind our hockey and maple syrup. Coal is
practically nonexistent in my home country. Canada has utilized its abundance
of lakes into a carbon free energy source, hydro power. In fact, hydro power
contributes to 60% of Canada’s energy supply (Energy). If Canada can
find a carbon free energy solution and utilize it at 60%, then why the hell can’t
America do it too?
Actually, America kinda sorta
already has carbon free energy solution. The United States utilizes hydro power as 7.11 % of their total energy output (EIA). Don’t
get me wrong this is not a completely miserable percentage, but is it really the
best America can do?
America prides itself
on being an example country for others to follow. Just look at the
revolutionary ideas America has come up with in her short history: democracy,
big business, McDonalds. However, if America strives to continue on this
exemplary superpower course, a change towards less carbon emission energy
sources must occur soon. Otherwise, other countries will start to follow Canada
instead of America. Just imagine what that will do for America’s self-esteem.
I realize America is not Canada in that every other square
mile is a lake. Therefore, hydro energy is not able to contribute to 60% of the
energy source. That being said, there is
a new energy source that has such capabilities. The only problem is it doesn’t
really exist just yet.
Fusion Energy is an innovative energy source that collides
atomic nuclei together and produces a substantial amount of energy ("Fusion Energy").
The entire process does not emit any carbon and could possibly become that 60%
of clean energy America desperately needs.
Although fusion energy doesn’t even exist yet, America can’t
stand around and wait for the solution to come to them. America must invest in
fusion energy and lead the path of eco-friendly nations.
After all, is America really about to let Canada lead the way?
Works Cited
"Energy." Government of Canada, Natural Resources Canada. N.p., 18 Aug. 2011. Web. 30 Nov. 2013.
"Fusion
Energy.": Introduction to Fusion. Culham Centre Fusion Energy, n.d.
Web. 13 Nov. 2013.
"What Is U.S. Electricity Generation by Energy Source?" EIA. US Energy Information Administration, 09 May 2013. Web. 28 Nov. 2013.
This title made my day. It made me think of the movie "Mean Girls", which is a classic. Before I go off topic, I thought your introduction came across really nice and informative to me. Right off the bat without even reading your title, I could see that renewable energy would be a focus of yours. In the paragraph right above your three pictures you said, "Otherwise, other countries will start to follow Canada instead of America. Just imagine what that will do for America’s self-esteem." This was a pathos appeal to me for sure, and a huge connection to the reader to actually imagine this statement. This was definitely one of my favorite parts in this post, because America LOVES to be followed and looked up to. Near the end of this post, you used the link to the fusion energy page very well, and it seems like a viable solution in years to come. I thought this really made your suggestion very credible to me, because I'm a chemistry kind of guy, and that really interested me as a whole. What I love is how you really connected with what you were talking about by stating you grew up in Canada and how they "took that shit seriously", I thought that was great. Overall, this was an outstanding post to read. You made it very easy to analyze, obtain facts from, and really enjoy by staying conversational. One suggestion I have is to maybe include what America's environmental priority is, since you included Canada's, just for further compare and contrast. Loved this, Lucas.
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