Summary on Renewable Energies

Week Four Summary

The reading materials and discussions from week four had many points on renewable energies and their implications on the environment. Renewable energies are those that can be replenished quickly or that are non-depletable. For instance, solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower and tidal waves. They provide a clean and long-term alternative to fossil fuels. Solar energy is the original renewable energy sources as the sun provides heat and light. We can also harness energy from tides, waves and currents. Erecting dams accomplish tidal energy across the outlets of tidal basins. The incoming tide flows through sluices past the dam, and as the outgoing tide passes through the game, it turns turbines to generate electricity. The principle of wave energy is to harness the motion of wind-driven waves at the ocean’s surface and convert this mechanical energy into electricity. Among the different renewable energy options, wind energy is the cleanest alternative energy source and is one of the fastest-growing power technologies in the world.

The discussion on how to raise awareness about sustainability was very interesting and educational. As discussed in class, I think employee engagement programs or training and Web-based tools can increase adoption of green practices and make sustainability more visible and actionable. I also think education plays a crucial role in raising awareness of environmental challenges and shaping the attitudes and behaviors that can make a difference. In order to act effectively, individuals need to be willing to trade off immediate gains (taking the car instead of less convenient public transport, for example, or turning the air conditioning up to maximum on hot days) for long-term sustainability. Making these choices requires critical thinkers who can connect their daily decisions to long-term consequences, not just for themselves, but for society as a whole. Our schools and universities must play their part in preparing us...