Fossil Fuel versus Solar Power Where the Line Meets the...

Fossil Fuel versus Solar Power: Where the Line Meets the Circle There are a number of benefits to building a house that utilizes direct solar energy as compared to current conventional designs, which are largely powered and heated by energy from fossil fuels. According to a number of estimates, it is actually cheaper in the long term to incorporate solar energy into building design. Solar energy is far cleaner than fossil fuel derived energy, and therefore is far less impacting on the health of humans and the environment. There are a number of innovative technologies that have been developed for nearly every application of solar energy, thus making its use comparably convenient to fossil fuel use, but with greater assurance of†¦show more content†¦With approximately ninety-nine percent of species that have existed on Earth already extinct, it is clear that individual species typically do not exist for an extended period on the geological time scale. (Gould, 2000) While it is immediately more expensive to incorporate solar design techniques in building a home, once a solar structure is in place it essentially pays for itself. After the initial cost of building and supply, all solar energy sequestered is free of charge, with the exception of periodic maintenance. This seems far more appealing than the ever present and increasing costs associated with fossil fuel dependency. One further cost especially deserving of mention is the environmental cost associated with fossil fuel use versus that of solar energy sequestration. Through widespread use of fossil fuels humans are responsible for the current global warming event. With the enormous output of carbon dioxide associated with fossil fuel consumption, it is no small wonder that there have been drastic environmental changes on the global scale. The sharp increase in carbon dioxide levels present in the atmosphere around the planet has caused significant disruption of planetary energy flows. This has led to melting of the polar ice caps, sea level rise, change in seasonal and weather patterns, and more. Another phenomenon associated with fossil fuel use,Show MoreRelatedThe Uk And Scottish Governments3456 Words   |  14 Pagescollides with the finite nature of fossil energy resources, now the main source of energy globally, and with the shortage of other resources needed to produce, transport or consume energy. This lack of resources is already leading to significant increases in prices, and more, at high price volatility, with corresponding negative effects on the global economy and in different countries, depending on their exposure or dependence energy (Meadowcroft, 2009). 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