Science and Technology

Renewable resources are resources that come from natural means that replenish at a rate that is often compared to the average human time scale. There have been many advancements in technology within the last century that are focused primarily on the usage of these renewable resources in order to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that become trapped within our atmosphere. Through the use of green technology and renewable energy we have the opportunity to slow down the rise of what is known in the scientific community as the greenhouse effect.


Renewable Energy Sources

Solar Energy - Solar energy in layman's terms is energy or heat/light that is harnessed from the sun. This energy can be harnessed using a multiplicity of different technologies, the most common being solar panels, which are often used both commercially and residentially on a global scale. Solar energy is the third most used renewable energy source and is known as one of the most cost effective forms of energy globally.

Wind Energy - Wind energy is kinetic energy that is converted into electricity through the usage of wind turbines. This energy can be collected in many different ways, including through horizontal and vertical axis wind turbines. Electricity generated through wind energy is the second most used renewable power source across the world, and remains to be one of the cleanest forms of energy.

Hydro Energy - Hydro power, similar to wind energy, relies on kinetic energy to power machinery. The key difference is that the kinetic energy gained from hydro power is produced from falling or fast - running water sources. Hydro power is known as the most efficient source of electrical energy worldwide.

Tidal Energy - In conjunction with hydro power, tidal energy is produced from the movement of a water source, but in this occasion, using our oceans. Tidal power converts the energy from waves and tides into different forms of power/electricity. Contrary to the latter, tidal energy isn't widely used, but may be in the future due to the reliability/predictability of tides.

Geothermal Energy - Thermal energy that is derived from the Earth's crust is known as geothermal energy. This thermal energy, or heat, is pushed to the Earth's surface via water or steam. Geothermal energy is beneficial due to its high energy output in comparison to its minimal environmental impact.

Biomass Energy - Living and once living organisms also contribute to renewable energy through their own production of energy. This refers to plants and plant derived materials, which use photosynthesis to isolate carbon dioxide. Although bio fuel energy is versatile, and doesn't depend much on fossil fuels, it's not a completely clean energy source. This is due to the fact that the organisms must be burned to create enough heat to be converted into usable energy.

Key Takeaways

Understanding renewable and non-renewable resources and their overall affects is key to properly managing Earths natural resources in the future.