Summary:
This article tells about different energy sources that humans used over the millenniums such as, dung, wood, water, wind, coal, crude and uranium (whale oil). Many thought that hunting whales for there oil was wrong, but up until petroleum was discovered in 1859, there were no better alternatives. With that discovery though, new problems arose as you know, causing an environmental disaster. Also, oil and coal are nonrenewable and are running low so many scientist are trying to find a knew energy source. They predict that fusion, harnessing the kind of power that the sun produces, will be next . Since the suns energy already is everywhere,many hope that this source will become clean, harmless to the environment and renewable. Today, there are three fusion mega-projects under way however, commercial fusion still probably still decades away. If this does work, future generations are going to look back on oil spills, strip mines, and nuclear waste the same way we look back on the slaughter of whales.
Reflection:
I never knew that we used to hunt whales for oil before I read this article! I am so glad that we discovered oil before whales went extinct but I worry that once we run out of fossil fuels and people are desperate for energy we might go back on our ways. To prevent that, there are numerous new energy sources being developed and used, one being fusion power. Personally, from just reading this article it seems great. It is plentiful, renewable and does not cause harm to the earth. Before using it I would want to know more about it and know the downfalls. Also, since it is very new, fusion power probably still has mistakes that need to be worked out before usage meaning that it may not be able to work on a large scale until after we are dead. Overall, If scientist continue to work hard, I think it could be the new coal, oil and natural gas.
Questions:
1.) Do you know of any downfalls of using fusion power?
2.) Do you think that fusion power will be the way of the future?
3.) If not, what energy source will?
http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/editors-blog/2010/1108/Energy-s-checkered-past-and-elusive-future
ReplyDeletesorry forgot to post the link
I did know that whales were used for oil, but I didn't think that that they were used on a large scale, just in like, lamps and stuff. I do think that using the sun's energy is going to be a major improvement for our world, because we don't need to pay for the sun, its just there. (This kind of goes along with the questions.) I do think that after this technology has been developed and perfected it will definitly be a huge answer to many of our energy related problems. As of now, I'm not seeing any downfalls to it.
ReplyDeleteLike Michaela, I also knew how whales used to be hunted and used to make oil. It still surprises me; however, I thought that the last sentence in Katie's summary was interesting. I can't imagine future generations looking back on oil spills and strip mines etc. like the way that we look at whale hunting. Thankfully, I think that using fossil fuels is slightly more humane than slaughtering mammals. As far as the fusion energy is concerned, I agree and think that it is a great idea! Hopefully if our scientists can determine how to utilize this new energy source, we can get rid of our fossil fuels and have a safer, greener earth.
ReplyDelete1) No, I don't.
2) Yes, I believe that since the sun isn't going to blow up for about 5 billion years and fossil fuels eventually will all run out, people will not have any other options to turn to.
3) If fusion power doesn't work out, I'm sure we will use wind power, since wind is also plentiful; however it isn't always windy so that may be an issue that scientists would want to look in to.
I always knew whales were used for oil, and i always found it horrible. My mothers great great grandfather used to do that and i feel ashamed. I wish i could take back his actions. I think it is just terrible because now they are endangered.
ReplyDelete1. no
2.yes, definetly
3.either fusion or hydroelectric.
actually how it works ? how iter project woeks
ReplyDelete