Lauren-Megan Botha

10/4/2016
7th period
Self Directed Prompt: Renewable Resources
Humans have been using fossil fuels since 200 bc, utilizing it for things like heating and
cooking. It was in 1949 when a prediction by Marion K. Hubbert showed the world that the
extensive use of fossil fuels would have to at some point end (McLamb). Marion King Hubbert, a
geophysicist who worked for Shell, discovered that since the worlds access to fossil fuels such
as coal would come to a peak and then slowly decline until all resources have are depleted. In
the past 50 years, the world has to come to realize the significance and validity of
non-renewable energy, and thus has turned to green renewable energy. However, there are
large obstacles in the way of achieving this goal of 100% green energy including, current
investments in non-renewable energy, cost, and lack of it being a priority (Glenn).
The main reason why it is so difficult to transition completely into a green energy
producing society is the massive investment our community has already made in non-renewable
fossil fuel production and use. Roughly 88% of the energy generated in the US is
non-renewable (EIA). It takes lots of people (i.e. coal miners) to produce, gather, and sell fossil
fuels which creates many jobs in the industry. Many are a part of the industry not just to get
incredibly wealthy, but to support their families in places where it 's hard to find other well-paying
jobs. However, this is gradually changing, in 2011 there were 2,594,448 more jobs offered in
green jobs, than in oil and gas jobs (Citizens Climate Lobby). It is assumed that by 2030 there
will be be over half a million wind jobs alone (Citizens Climate Lobby). Overall, countries are
getting better at providing jobs in the renewable energy business, though there is always room
for progress.
Expensive production of green energy can be traced back to the lack of companies
producing it, and the fact that renewable generators also impose costs on the wider electricity
grid in which they would most likely be placed (The Economist). Not many companies are

Lauren-Megan Botha
10/4/2016
7th period
producing green energy, making it difficult to mass produce it. The initial expense of installing
wind turbines and solar panels may scare those looking to install due to the lack of revenue they
may gather from it. Also for renewable generators to be placed in a productive environment they
need to be exposed to the elements in which they collect energy, a sunny area, windy area, or
area with water source. This can be pricey as the places where the generators can be most
productive are far from big cities making them difficult to connect. Also, because of this long
distance it can be costly and timely to maintain the generators, so they are producing the
maximum amount of energy possible. As more companies start producing renewable
generators, it will become more affordable to maintain them and buy them.
There are still many bumps in the road to transitioning entirely to renewable energy
including expense and the significant investment in non-renewable resources, in the long run, it
is in Americas interest to make as much progress as possible. As the issue of global warming
continues to plague the earth. Hopefully awareness to as what we as a species can do to help
will begin to arise.

Lauren-Megan Botha
10/4/2016
7th period

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