User:Matt Patronski/sandbox

ENERGY
There has been a lot of talk in the media and in politics about this “energy debate” within climate change Energy consumption is a leading cause of climate change, and modifying energy consumption patterns is a crucial step in slowing climate change Renewable sources such as wind turbines or a solar panels cause less environmental damage than  fracking, or coal.

Wind Turbine
One fifth of the nation’s power comes from renewable sources. When speaking about renewable energy and climate change, wind power is an increasing source of renewable energy. Wind power has become the United States fastest growing energy source. Wind produces around two percent of electricity nationwide. The increasing utilization of wind turbines can actually decrease threats to health problems and environmental problems as well. One of the most important benefits that wind turbines offer is the reduced air pollution.

Wind Turbines not only impact the nation on a large scale, but they do so on a small scale as well. Wind Turbines can satisfy much of a town or cities needs, which in turn benefits the citizens with lower cost energy consumption and ranchers who lease their land. The utilization of Wind Turbines also benefits the economy of a town on a small scale with tax breaks. The Wind Turbines not only power towns or cities, but they also allow the owner to provide power for sale to other jurisdictions. Also, it is important to point out that small-scale wind power can be created close to where it is being used. Generating electricity via wind does not produce any greenhouse gases, which is theoretically an important step in the battle on climate change.

Solar Panel
The cost of installing a commercial or residential solar energy system has declined tremendously over the years because of the Obama Administration. Solar panel users assert that the technology is cost worthy because it allows them to produce their own electrical power. Solar panels in the age of climate change are another form of renewable energy. First, solar energy reduces water pollution. In plants such as natural gas or coal plants, this requires cooling, which in turn requires a large amount of water. With that being said, 72 percent of water pollution comes from plants such as coal-fired plants, and the toxic pollutants that are found in the water are linked to serious health problems. Generating energy from renewable energy sources such as the solar panel could improve health problems, and the wellbeing of ecosystems on a small scale or even a big scale. Solar panels do not pollute water sources, because the solar photovoltaic cells do not need water in order to generate, which results in clean drinking water.

Second, solar energy reduces air pollution. Solar panel users assert that the panels protect the environment by reducing the demand on natural gas and coal burning power plants. Advocates view the usage of solar panels as a positive fossil fuel alternative along with being a money saver on electrical bills for individuals. 31 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. come from the production of electricity. Third, solar energy reduces hazardous waste. More than 400 million tons of hazardous waste is produced every year, and not all waste is deposited in a safe manner.

The United States, Federal subsidies are boosting consumers liking towards solar panels. In December of 2015, Congress extended the solar tax credits which in turn allowed individuals along with businesses in the United States to deduct 30 percent of the cost of a solar system in their house or business from their federal tax bill. The drop-in price of solar energy is boosting the interest of individuals and companies to invest. Solar power does not rely on fuel to generate electricity in order for it to get running, which in turn eliminates the problem of radioactive waste and transportation of fuel.

Fracking
Hydraulic fracking, which is commonly known as ‘fracking’ is a method that is used in order to extract oil or natural gas that is stored deep underground. Supporters of fracking insist that the technique is a safe economically smart approach for clean energy, however critics believe that the technique pollutes drinking water, triggers earthquakes, pollutes the air with greenhouse gases, and dangerously triggers earthquakes. The procedure of fracking starts with first, drilling a hole vertically or at an angle of about 1 to 2 miles deep. The perimeter of the drilled hole is then covered in steel or cement, this is to make sure that the well does not leak and contaminate any drinking water. Once the well or ‘hole’ reaches the particular rock that the oil and or natural gas exists, the well curves to around 90 degrees and then subsequently starts the drilling process at a horizontal angle.

Upon the well being drilled, fracking fluid called slickwater is pumped in. Slickwater is majority water, but it also consists of chemicals that include salts, acids, alcohols, lubricants, etc. . Once the rock is completely shattered by proppants (sand and pieces of ceramic) which are used to clear out the fractures, in order for the gas and oil to run smoothly through the rock fractures. Once everything is shattered and pumped into place, the trapped holdings of gas and oil are released and pumped back up to the surface of the well. However, upon bringing the trapped holdings back up to the surface, the liquid that is brought back up is filled with contaminants. The contaminants include different types of heavy metals, radioactive material, along with other toxins. Also, the pressure is powerful enough to fracture the surrounding rock, creating fissures and cracks through which oil and gas can flow.

Critics of fracking argue that the drilling and extraction causes air pollution, contamination of groundwater and surface water, along with other health, social and geographical issues. Fracking can cause a wide array of other social and health issues as well including workers being exposed to toxic chemicals, excessive use of water, and a risk to wildlife. Workers at fracking sites are at an elevated risk of having health issues due to the breathing in of toxic chemicals. Benzene is a well-known cancer risk chemical that is increasing health risks towards people working at the sites. . Benzene is well apparent in the fracking process, which in turn means that the chemical benzene could possibly make its way into drinking water for human consumption. The other effect of fracking is the excessive use of water. Fracking uses a tremendous amount of water that can possibly be the same source used for agriculture or farming, bathing, and drinking. This reduction of water can affect ecosystems and areas where water is low in demand. The last point is the risk to wildlife. Spillage of fluids in the fracking process contaminate various wildlife water sources like rivers, streams and ponds. These chemicals that are found in the fracking fluids can affect animals’ reproduction, if exposed. These chemicals not only affect animals but in turn they also affect humans.

Coal
Coal is one of the least expensive and useful fossil fuels in the world and is responsible for around 40 percent of the production of energy in the United States. The availability and benefits of this energy source however come with a price on the environment. The two main disadvantages of the use of coal are the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and the dangers that are apparent upon the process of extraction. The burning of coal and other fossil fuels into the environment releases carbon dioxide into the environment, which in turn warms the Earths atmosphere contributing to global climate change, which include the disappearance of glaciers, rising of sea levels, and changing in weather patterns. Coal-fired power plants are the leading contributor to mercury pollution.

The extraction process of coal can be dangerous because of the environmental consequence of acidification of streams, which can affect humans and wildlife. The emissions that are given off from the coal powered plants are linked to various health issues including asthma and lung cancer. Lastly, coal energy destroys natural habitats and leads to deadly consequences from environmental toxins. Coal mining requires digging, which in turn destroys natural habitats that can eventually lead to the pollution of the ground water. Carbon, when dissolved is highly acidic, and this can add toxins to the groundwater tables. Ingestion of this highly acidic chemical along with others like sulfur dioxide and mercury can create serious health concerns like black lung disease and even death.