Lizzie asks…
What do you think about Al Gore’s alternative energy plan?
I think we should invest more money for alternative forms of energy, but his plan cannot be justified with today’s gas prices. His plan suggests that developing alternative energy is as urgent as developing the atomic bomb was to end World War II. Nobody knows what the price of gas will be tomorrow and that’s why we shouldn’t listen to Al Gore’s plan.
The Expert answers:
With due respect to the other poster, Global warming may be true or may not be true, this would all depend on the outcome of scientific studies currently being conducted by the scientific community. HOWEVER, supply of Fossil Fuel like crude oil, gas and coal are all finite. I agree with Al Gore’s energy plan, the first step is the hardest to take but given enough political resolve, we will be able to get an alternative energy source, and given enough time we can get an efficient one that does not need to take away available land for food production. 60 years ago we develop the atomic bomb and then harness its energy, though waste product are so dangerous that its hazards far outweights its benefits. 40 years ago we were able to send the first man on the moon, but such successes comes at a price. We can expect the same thing to happen when we start developing alternative energy source, and developing one is a must so that we no longer have to dance with oil rich countries who support terrorism against us.
Alvin
Betty asks…
What are the social benefits of alternative energy?
I’m doing a project on alternative energy for school. We have to identify the environmental, economical and social impacts of small-scale Hydroelectricity, Solar energy and Wind energy and I’m not quite sure what the social benefits are… does anyone have any ideas???
Thank You 🙂
The Expert answers:
This must be the third time we have answered this question. The social benefits are that alternative energy will create jobs and keep the environment clean, if the environment is clean then people are happy.
Helen asks…
i think i would like to pursue a career in alternative energy, how can i accomplish this?
i am considering majoring in chemical engineering, environmental sciences… or maybe agriculture. i’m not really sure.
ideally i would like a career with a high salary. what should i do to achieve a decent career in alternative energy? i am a sophomore in high school and i’m planning on taking college courses this spring.
The Expert answers:
For the companies that will thrive, alternative energy will be all about developing and using high efficiency materials whether for solar panels, batteries, or corrosion resistant coatings for tidal power.
If you want the best chance for a broad career I would focus on courses (chemistry, physics, math, fluid mechanics) so that you can major in a field called “Materials Science”. Materials Science is the study and development of new stuff with new properties. Some examples of new materials that have been created by materials scientists are: Stealth coatings for military aircraft, metal foams, new types of solar panels, White Light LEDs, new computer chips, flame resistant clothing, injection molded plastics, etc.
One thing that I came to realize when doing college level science courses is that Physics and Chemistry are really just two sides of the same discipline. Math is simply the language that once learned, enables you to master your understanding of chemistry and physics.
Another thing I’d thoroughly recommend is that for a summer job and part time job, get a job on a work crew installing solar panels and wind turbines. The experience you get doing that will give you invaluable practical experience that will stay with you for the rest of your career. It may not be glamorous but that experience is what will get you hired immediately into a decent paying job immediately after graduating. It will also start your networking in the industry 4 years ahead of your peers!
Michael asks…
Alternative energy?
What has been done in michigan to make or to do anything with alternative energy/renewable energy. PLease help. I can’t find anything on the internet.
The Expert answers:
There are windmills on the north end of lake Michigan. The Muskegon river has a few dams that produce hydro.
Daniel asks…
Alternative energy?
Which is the best form Alternative energy for the environment and our future?
The Expert answers:
A combination of renewable energy will be required for a sustainable future. No one technology has the ability to meet all energy requirements. An effective combination of many technologies will be required to meet future energy demands. Each technology has it’s advantages and limitations, but together, they can solve the world energy crisis.
Cleaner alternatives include
– Hydroelectricity
– Wave power
– Solar energy
– Wind power
– Biofuel
Other alternatives such as nuclear can be used as a transitional technology to help our society move away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy. Clearly nuclear energy also has many concerns and is a limited resource, but technology can be used temporarily while we further develop more sustainable energy sources.
The key point is we need the combined effort of individual support and government support and funding. A combination of renewable energy sources can easily meet societies energy requirements if we invest enough research, time and capital into it.
There is no *single* solution to the energy crisis, it will be a combination of multiple technologies.
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