Activity 1: Classify the following statements in pros and cons taking into consideration the concepts of renewable and non-renewable energy.
- The sun, wind, geothermal, ocean energy are available in the abundant quantity and free to use.
- Non-renewable sources are cheap and easy to use. You can easily fill up your car tank and power your motor vehicle.
- The non-renewable sources of energy that we are using are limited and are bound to expire one day.
- It is not easy to set up a plant as the initial costs are quite steep.
- Since these sources are going to expire soon, prices of these sources are soaring day by day.
- You can use small amount of nuclear energy to produce large amount of power.
- To use wind energy, you have to rely on strong winds therefore you have to choose suitable site to operate them. Also, they can affect bird population as they are quite high.
- They are considered as cheap when converting from one type of energy to another.
- Non-renewable sources release toxic gases in the air when burnt which are the major cause for global warming.
- Renewable sources have low carbon emissions, therefore they are considered as green and environment friendly.
- Hydroelectric provide pure form of energy but building dams across the river which is quite expensive can affect natural flow and affect wildlife.
- Renewable helps in stimulating the economy and creating job opportunities. The money that is used to build these plants can provide jobs to thousands to millions of people.
- The speed at which such resources are being utilized can have serious environmental changes.
- Solar energy can be used during the day time and not during night or rainy season.
- You can use small amount of nuclear energy to produce large amount of power.
- You don’t have to rely on any third country for the supply of renewable sources as in case of non-renewable sources.
- Non-renewable sources release toxic gases in the air when burnt which are the major cause for global warming.
- Renewable sources can cost less than consuming the local electrical supply. In the long run, the prices of electricity are expected to soar since they are based on the prices of crude oil, so renewable sources can cut your electricity bills.
- Geothermal energy which can be used to generate electricity has side effects too. It can bring toxic chemicals beneath the earth surface onto the top and can create environmental changes.
- Various tax incentives in the form of tax waivers, credit deductions are available for individuals and businesses who want to go green.
Activity 2: Check your previous answers by means of reading the article of the section Renewable and non-renewable energy and write down the statements that do not appear in the Activity 1.