Steele 1

Hayden Steele

Ms. Sobocinski

English Composition 2

19 April 2020

Realistic Climate Change Solutions for the Modern World

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care

of it” (Hallowell). The bible is considered by many Christians to be filled with the laws and ways

of life. In the second chapter, the god of The Bible reveals that humans should take care of the

garden of Eden. This is symbolism that the god of The Bible expects the human race to care for

the earth. Now more than ever, it seems that most people, especially those in government roles,

have thrown this ideology out the window and into the fire. Climate change is real, and it is here.

The earth’s temperature is rising, and air and water pollution occurs daily. Recently, politicians,

scientists, and companies have expressed concern for the future of the environment. Some people

believe that climate change cannot be slowed down, or that it would be too expensive and

unrealistic to do anything about it. The threats of climate change can be economically and

realistically lowered if governments, companies, and investors support carbon-free, renewable

energy sources.

During the past decade, the world has witnessed firsthand evidence of climate change and

the issues that stem from it. From massive wildfires in California and Australia to severe drought

in Africa, people have been either directly or indirectly affected by man’s destructive habits and

patterns that harm our earth (Fountain). “The amount of Arctic sea ice has declined so rapidly

that the region may see ice-free summers by the 2030s” (Fountain). As a direct result of this, sea
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levels could rise on an average of four feet. This poses a massive threat to coastal areas around

the world (Fountain). Since the 1900s, global temperatures have risen on average 1.33 degrees

Fahrenheit. Although that does not seem like a drastic change, over half of that change has

happened since 1974 (Climate Changes in the United States). Some scientists and politicians

have warned of climate change reaching a drastic point of irreversible effects. Others have stated

that the “point of no return” has already passed. These groups of varying ideologies of whether

climate change can be reversed or slowed down have reached a consensus. That consensus is that

humans have roughly twelve years before climate change creates everlasting impacts that cannot

be reversed (Letzter).

           It is important to know which man-made creations or habits negatively affect the planet

when considering how climate change can be slowed down. One of the largest, if not the largest,

obstacles to tackle in this fight is fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and natural gas fall into the category of

fossil fuels. They are known as fossil fuels “because they were formed from the fossilized,

buried remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago” (Denchak). Fossil fuels

cause a geological and environmental toll on the earth. Fossil fuel companies unearth and destroy

miles upon miles of land every year (Denchak). These companies use a technique called surface

mining to find coal, oil, and natural gasses. Surface mining is when terrane is removed to extract

minerals that are underneath the earth’s surface (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica). This

form of mining creates a massive hole in the earth which destroys ecosystems around the nearby

area. Mountains and forests are either dug or dynamite blasted to create these pits and extract

fossil fuels (Denchak). These ecosystems can never recover from the damage of surface mining.

The animals that do survive and escape the destruction often flee to less-desirable areas

(Denchak).
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           The act of surface mining and using fossil fuels severely pollute the earth and excel the

effects of climate change. Water is polluted often as a result of surface mining. “Coal mining

operations wash acid runoff into streams, rivers, and lakes and dump vast quantities of unwanted

rock and soil into streams” (Denchak). Oil spills are often common occasions and can harm

miles of ocean water as well as the life that lives below it. In 2010, the infamous BP oil spill

occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. During an 87-day period, 210,000,000 gallons of oil spilled into

the ocean (Deepwater Horizon – BP Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill). The oil spill negatively affected

16,000 miles of shoreline. To help, President Obama enacted a twenty-billion-dollar response

bill to help clean up the mess. In total, BP had to pay forty-billion dollars in fines, cleanup, and

settlement cases (11 Facts About the BP Oil Spill). As of January of 2018, BP’s oil spill cost

them a total of sixty-five billion dollars (Bousso). This number may continue to grow through the

following years. In 2019, nine years after the spill, the everlasting impact is still affecting the

ocean and the life within it (Ma). “Over 8,000 animals (birds, turtles, mammals) were reported

dead just 6 months after the spill, including many that were already on the endangered species

list” (11 Facts About the BP Oil Spill).

           Along with water pollution, fossil fuels are notorious for having a large contribution to air

pollution. “Dirty energy, the pollution from fossil fuels, is the single the biggest contributor to

climate change” (What's the Biggest Dirty Energy Source of All?). Automobiles are one of the

largest contributors when it comes to burning fossil fuels. “Cars, trucks, and buses powered by

fossil fuels are major contributors to air pollution. Transportation emits more than half of

nitrogen oxides in our air and is a major source of global warming emissions in the US” (Cars,

Trucks, Buses and Air Pollution). Automobiles that run on fossil fuels are not just harmful to our

environment. Studies have shown that fossil fuel pollution poses a fatal threat to almost every
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organ in the human body (Cars, Trucks, Buses and Air Pollution). When fossil fuels are burned,

large amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the air. Humans that breathe in excessive

amounts of carbon dioxide are at risk of developing carbon dioxide poising (Helmenstine). The

Mayo Clinic defines carbon dioxide poising as a “life-threatening medical emergency” (Carbon

Monoxide Poisoning). Every year, it is estimated that around 50,000 United States citizens die

prematurely from illnesses and diseases caused by fossil fuel emissions (Kochel). The burning of

fossil fuels also depletes and weakens the ozone layer (Dorsey). The ozone layer is located in the

earth’s stratosphere and weakens the sun’s harmful rays (National Geographic Society “Ozone

Layer”). With the ozone layer weakening, the threat of skin cancer rises among humans

(Dorsey).

           As stated above by the Union of Concerned Scientists article, “What’s the Biggest Dirty

Energy Source of All?”, burning fossil fuels is extremely harmful to the environment. Fossil

fuels alone are responsible for three-fourths of the United States' total carbon emissions

(Denchak). Burning fossil fuels creates harmful chemical compounds that form in the earth’s

atmosphere (Dorsey). “Fossil fuels produce large quantities of carbon dioxide when burned.

Carbon emissions trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to climate change” (Denchak). The heat

that is trapped in our atmosphere causes the earth’s surface temperature to slowly rise (Dorsey).

As the earth’s temperature rises, ecological systems suffer. Droughts, floods, inconsistent

temperature changes, heat waves, wildfires, and severe weather will occur more and more

frequently (Dorsey). The increasing temperature on earth is also what has caused the polar ice

caps to melt and the sea levels to rise. Ice reflects sunlight and causes a phenomenon called the

feedback loop. This increases the timeline of global warming (Dorsey).

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           Automobiles that run on fossil fuels are extremely harmful to our environment. However,

they are not the only thing that uses nonrenewable energy sources. Almost every industrial

process uses nonrenewable energy sources. Industrial processes include the manufacturing of

food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, metals, plastics, rubber, paper, and more (Process Industries

Division). Nonrenewable energy sources do not stop at the industrial level, however. Most

home’s kitchens, lights, heat, air conditioners, kitchen appliances, TVs, and gaming consoles are

powered by nonrenewable energy sources (National Geographic Society. “Non-Renewable

Energy.”). “Nonrenewable sources make up 85% of worldwide energy usage—from sources that

eventually will be depleted, such as oil, natural gases and coal” (Boundless Physics). The dirtiest

of the three nonrenewable energy sources is none other than coal. Scientists have estimated that

coal alone contributed forty-five percent of carbon dioxide emissions in the year 2011 (What's

the Biggest Dirty Energy Source of All?). “Within the U.S., coal accounts for 46% of electricity

generation, and — because it is the most carbon-rich of all fuel types — 79% of total U.S.

carbon pollution from the energy sector” (What's the Biggest Dirty Energy Source of All?).

Nonrenewable energy sources are extremely harmful to the environment. Another issue with

nonrenewable energy sources is conveniently placed in the name. These energy sources are

nonrenewable. Eventually, none of these resources will be left for humans to use. It is estimated

that there is only enough coal left on earth to last another 150 years (Where Is Coal Found).

Things need to change with how energy is produced, and the human race is running out of time.

An aspect of climate change that often is forgotten about or ignored is the economic

impact it will have on the world. “Global warming is a major risk to the economy” (Rott). The

United States economy could lose hundreds of billions of dollars each century by the impact of

climate change (Ludden and Joyce). This could be caused by several varying circumstances. One
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of the largest of these circumstances is natural disasters and extreme weather. A report by the

U.S. Global Change Research Program found that the total amount of land ruined by lighting-

ignited wildfires is on track to increase to thirty percent by the year 2060 (Ludden and Joyce).

The economic burden of retarding the fire and rebuilding the destroyed areas will be massive,

especially given that recent history shows the cost of Wildfire Suppression has increased

(Ludden and Joyce). 

Another natural response to climate change that will poorly affect the economy is

increasing rainfall and humidity values. This would be likely to cause an increase of ticks and

mosquitos, “exposing more people to diseases like West Nile, dengue fever, chikungunya and

Lyme” (Ludden and Joyce). The productivity of agriculture would suffer in the Midwest and the

increasing temperature of the ocean would harm fisheries along the coasts (Ludden and Joyce).

Also, along the coasts, an increase in rainfall would cause severe flooding. Property and

infrastructure could see billions of dollars float away, hurting families, businesses, and local

governments (Ludden and Joyce). Flooding has already cost the United States economy millions

of dollars. “As an example, the report notes that flooding in Thailand in 2011 disrupted

production of Ford and Honda vehicles in the U.S. and cost a U.S.-based hard drive

manufacturer $199 million in losses” (Ludden and Joyce). 

           The United States is ill-prepared for adapting to the economic challenges that climate

change produces. The state of the infrastructure is outdated and continues to deteriorate. Rising

rainfall values have caused bridge failures and road closures, and power outages. Prolonged

power outages pose a threat to the treatment of drinking water (Ludden and Joyce). Western

states, such as Nevada and Arizona, have been forced to decrease electricity that is produced by
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hydropower systems (Ludden and Joyce). Governments around the world need to prepare for the

upcoming economic and environmental impacts climate change can have.

Scientists, politicians, investors, and corporations are starting to realize how important

clean, renewable energy sources are. Scientific research has made something very clear. All

energy will need to come from clean, renewable sources in the future. This means transportation,

industries, and homes will need to be powered this way. Renewable energy is defined as “energy

from sources that are naturally replenishing but flow-limited; renewable resources are virtually

inexhaustible in duration but limited in the amount of energy that is available per unit of time”

(U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis). This is a

large goal to overcome, and it almost seems impossible. However, industries and governments

are learning and planning what needs to happen to overcome this momentous challenge. 

In 1988, Ethanol was first introduced as an additive in gasoline. Nine years later, US

automobile manufacturers began making vehicles that could operate using an ethanol blend fuel

source (Ethanol Timeline). “Ethanol is a liquid alcohol made of oxygen, hydrogen and carbon

and is obtained from the fermentation of sugar or converted starch contained in grains and other

agricultural or agri-forest feedstocks” (Ethanol). Ethanol is mixed with gasoline to create an

alternative fuel source. A common blend that can be found at many gas stations across the US is

E-85. E-85 means that the fuel mix contains at least eighty five percent ethanol and at least

fifteen percent gasoline. E-85 provides a much more environmentally friendly supplement to

using gasoline. Ethanol is a renewable source, as it is produced from biomass (Ethonal). The use

of ethanol in automobiles reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions. The grain and biomass that

is used to make ethanol absorbs the carbon dioxide that is released when burning gasoline

(Ethanol).
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Adding ethanol to fuel has become extremely popular in modern America. “According to

the U.S. Department of Energy, nearly half of all gasoline sold in the U.S. contains up to 10

percent ethanol, which not only boosts octane but also helps meet federally mandated air quality

requirements” (Is Ethanol Better for Environment Than Gasoline). Using ethanol as a fuel source

has drastically reduced exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide by thirty percent when directly

compared to using pure gasoline (Is Ethanol Better for Environment Than Gasoline). Racing

leagues have helped spread awareness of ethanol and it’s positive effects on the environment by

using it to power their cars. IndyCar has been using ethanol to power their race cars since 2006

(Johnson). Ethanol provides a viable fuel alternative to pure gasoline until car manufacturers

around the world tackle their next renewable energy challenge. That challenge is producing all

new vehicles to be electric.

Electric cars are extremely environmentally friendly and are truly the future of personal

transportation. Electric cars do not release any harmful emissions from their tailpipes, unlike

gasoline-powered cars (Cars, Trucks, Buses and Air Pollution). Electric cars are approximately

four times more efficient compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Theoretically, if everyone in

the United States used an electric car, “the country’s CO2 emissions would immediately drop by

8.4%” (Kochel). If everyone in the United States were to drive an electric car, greenhouse gases

would significantly decrease (Kochel). 

Yearly, electric car sales increase by 60% (Kochel). Car manufacturers are racing to roll

out new electric cars that will be priced as low as $30,000. As of now, there are 40 electric or

hybrid cars that are available to purchase in the United States market. By 2025, it is estimated

that the number of electric or hybrid cars available in the United States market will rise to 130

(Rege). Automotive investors over the next five years are projected to invest two hundred and
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twenty-five billion dollars to create more electric cars (Rege). Tesla is leading the way in the

electric car industry, and other makers are following their footsteps (Siddiqui). Tesla has

changed the electric car game by adding Supercharger stations around the country. This allows

Tesla owners to complete long-distance drives across the country. As of April 2019, Tesla had

over 12,000 Supercharge stations in the United States (Barry). Electric vehicles will soon be the

future of transportation for many Americans. By the year 2040, it is thought that all new vehicles

being sold will be 100% electric (Will Electric Vehicles Really Create a Cleaner Planet?).

Norway’s government has been very aggressive and vocal about when they want all cars to be

electric. They have planned to outlaw the sales of traditionally powered vehicles by the year

2025. Similarly, India, Israel, and the Netherlands have set 2030 as their target year. France and

the United Kingdom have settled with the year 2040 as their ban of traditionally powered

vehicles (Will Electric Vehicles Really Create a Cleaner Planet?). An all-electric car future is on

its way.

Electric cars only solve part of the issue of carbon emissions. The nonrenewable energy

sources that are used to power industries, businesses, and homes are still hurting the

environment. Although tackling this obstacle is going to be momentous, renewable, carbon-free

energy sources are projected to power half of the earth’s power needs by 2035 (What Are the

Most Used Renewable Energy Sources in the World?). A carbon-free energy source means that

no carbon dioxide is emitted during the process of acquiring energy (Rott). Hydro, wind, solar,

bio, and geothermal power are all considered carbon-free, renewable energy sources (What Are

the Most Used Renewable Energy Sources in the World?). Hydropower is the most popular

renewable energy source around the world. Hydropower alone accounts for greater than 18% of

the world’s power source (What Are the Most Used Renewable Energy Sources in the World?).
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When compared to other renewable energy sources, hydropower is responsible for 54% of global

power generation (What Are the Most Used Renewable Energy Sources in the World?). China

owns the largest hydropower plant in the world. “The nation accounted for approximately 40%

of the total hydroelectric capacity added in the world in 2018” (What Are the Most Used

Renewable Energy Sources in the World?).

Wind energy is the second-largest renewable energy source in the world (What Are the

Most Used Renewable Energy Sources in the World?). Every year since 2005, the United States

has built 3,000 new wind turbines each year across the country (How Many Wind Turbines Are

Installed in the U.S. Each Year?). 24% of the earth’s renewable energy sources come from wind

energy. More than 50% of the world’s wind turbines are located in China and the United States

(What Are the Most Used Renewable Energy Sources in the World?). Alone, the two countries

provide 85% of the total amount of wind-powered energy production (What Are the Most Used

Renewable Energy Sources in the World?). 

Solar power is the third most renewable energy source on earth. Many countries

including the United States, China, Germany, and Japan own the largest solar energy capacities

in the world (What Are the Most Used Renewable Energy Sources in the World?). Every year,

solar-powered energy sources grows by 25%. This makes solar-powered energy sources the

fastest growing renewable energy source (What Are the Most Used Renewable Energy Sources

in the World?). California recently passed a law stating that all new homes are to be built with

solar panels on their roofs (Rogers). At the end of 2018, the United States had enough solar

energy sources to completely power 12.3 million homes (Becker). Solar energy also creates

many job opportunities for Americans. Solar panel installer is the fastest-growing job in the
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United States, with more than 242,000 workers. The workforce for solar energy outnumbers the

workforce for coal, oil, and natural gas industries combined (Becker).

The United States has been hesitant to make any drastic changes that will fight against

climate change. In fact, it seems that “the Trump administration is going the other way, rolling

back regulations to cut emissions” (Rott). Most government officials do seem to recognize the

fact that climate change is a real threat to our planet. The main threat that concerns governments

around the world is the economic impact of climate change. Recently, the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency created updated standards and rules for any new power plants that are to be

built on US soil. “These standards would virtually ensure that no new coal power plant gets built

in the U.S., unless it uses advanced technology to reduce carbon pollution from coal” (What's the

Biggest Dirty Energy Source of All?). Local state governments have begun to create their own

path to a greener energy future. Three states, including California, committed to using only

carbon-free or carbon-neutral sources to get electricity (Rott). Others have followed California’s

lead. “More than 100 cities and counties have signed similar pledges, and at least three

presidential candidates are proposing climate plans that call for the U.S. to become carbon-

neutral by 2050” (Rott). Hawaii, New Mexico, California, and Washington have made legislative

changes that push for all their electricity to come from green or renewable sources by 2050

(Rott).

The negative economic and environmental effects of climate change are inevitable.

During the last 100 years, humans have already witnessed sea levels rising, ice caps melting,

warmer global temperatures, and the extinction of species. Greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide

emissions pose threats to humans, animals, resources, and economics. Although the earth is

nearing a dangerous point of no return, there are realistic and economical methods that can be
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put in place to slow down the negative aspects of climate change. Fossil fuels are extremely

harmful to the earth. However, there are many alternative ways to provide energy. Hydropower,

solar power, and wind power are the three most practiced ways to provide carbon-free,

renewable energy. Electric cars are the future of human transportation. Even national and local

governments are creating laws and restrictions to help the negative impact of climate. The

dangers of climate change can realistically and economically be decreased by investments and

government actions that push for a carbon-free, renewable energy future.

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