Alternative Sources of Energy

Are Alternative Energy Sources The Answer To Ending Human Dependence On Oil?

Introduction

Since the industrial revolution oil has been used as a primary resource for solving the problems related to energy. Oil has by far enjoyed the status of a rescuer to deal with the increasing problems of energy throughout the world. Not only it proved to be a renaissance to deal with the energy problems but oil also helped the world greatly in transportation. Around the world we see jets flying, cars, trains and ships traveling from a place to another and all of them have been dependent upon oil. Jets that travel from a place to another in an instant are dependable on oil. Similarly cars have made our lives easier as we do not have to travel for long hours for a short distance which previously people used to. Trains and other means of transportation all are heavily dependent upon oil. In addition to that many countries still are relying on fossil fuel energy (primarily through oil) to generate energy for their domestic use. This extra ordinary use of oil has left the world with a severe problem which can result in shortage of energy greatly if alternative means are not adopted. Oil resources in many parts of the world are getting scarce and adding to the grief the reserves of oil may provide energy only for the coming 43 years (Agarwal et.al, 2011). This analysis is done keeping in mind the demand for energy throughout the world, and according to this information it can rightfully be said that the world has merely 43 years to switch from oil to another source of energy. Many countries have responded to the situation well with heavy investments in research relating to opting for alternative means of energy. However, by far it does not seem that the problems related to the scarcity of oil will be solved. People in the world are heavily relying on oil and to switch from that to alternative means calls for even great research to quickly transfer the means of generating energy from oil to other sources. It will require a great investment to change the transportation dependence from oil to another source and similarly electricity. Therefore, we can say that humans' dependence of oil is too great and it will for sure cause problem if the oil becomes a scarce resource in the coming future.

Nevertheless, the investments and the research in the alternative means of energy sector and the development of various means of producing energy from alternative sources are appreciating. The efforts that many developed countries have done in this regard is that they have transferred their electrical energy dependence from oil to other sources that include, nuclear, coal, thermal, hydro and different other. If similar efforts are made quickly in developing countries then people living in the world can have secure future as far energy is concerned and if that is not the case then they may have to return ...