The Sun is the most Critical Source of Alternative Energy

The modern world is largely dependent of the use of fossil fuels. This is in spite of the various shortcomings associated with fossil fuels. Indeed, the depletion of this source should be of great concern to world leaders. The rising population levels as well as the threat posed by global warming have put pressure on world governments to seek alternative sources of energy. The reality presented by diminishing availability of fossil fuels has led scientists to seek for alternative sources of fuel. Such steps are warranted since industrial and economic developments are dependent on the availability of affordable and effective sources of energy. Accordingly, experts in the field of sustainable energy have focused their attention towards other sources of energy (Demirbas 27). Specifically, more attention has been geared towards solar energy as the most viable source of alternative energy. Not many people believe that solar energy is the most efficient and cleanest source of energy. The purpose of this paper is to advocate for a shift towards cleaner sources of energy, and especially solar energy. Specifically, the paper is aimed at convincing governments on the need to harness solar energy as a sustainable source of energy. Solar energy is clean, widely available, and cost less compared to conventional sources of fuels.

The demand for fuel will double in the next 40 years (International Energy Agency 39). Equally, global emissions will escalate by similar margins within the same period. This is a great challenge to world leaders and governments because conventional sources of energy emit a lot of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. If people continue to rely on fossil fuels, then the underlying effects of global warming will continue to increase in the coming years. Besides, the extraction of conventional fuels causes massive destruction to the environment. In the Niger Delta for instance, the extraction of oil has led to annihilation of the natural ecosystems. Massive losses of fish in this area are evident. In addition, massive relocation of people has occurred in this region as people move to create space for oil exploration. In addition, manmade disasters are inevitable. A recent example is the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. This disastrous event led to spilling of oil into the ocean. The resulting outcome was clear as natural ecosystems and life were threatened. These cases indicate the overall cost of depending on fossil fuels.

Conventional sources of energy require ongoing raw materials, such as coal and oil (US Geological Survey 41). Extraction of these raw materials requires billions of money to harness. Indeed, the costs of exploration for fossil fuels run into billions of money. In addition, many countries have gone into war because of oil (Pelletiere 33). For instance, clashes in the Niger Delta are purely oil-related. In the Middle East, the situation is the same. Therefore, the world is losing millions of dollars to finance wars. Such funds could well be used to finance developmental activities in these regions. Moreover, not every country is endowed with natural oils. Only a few countries have fossil fuels to exploit. The combined effects of fossil fuels are very costly to societies. This dictates a shift to alternative sources for sustainable development.

One of the safest and cleanest sources of energy is the solar energy. Unlike the other sources of energy, there are numerous benefits of using solar energy. First, solar energy is free and there are no monthly expenses involved, expect the initial cost of installation. In addition, solar energy depends on the sun to generate electricity. It does not depend on raw materials such as coal and oil, which can be easily depleted (Amaya 41). Accordingly, solar energy does not lead to the destruction of the environment, as is the case with the extraction of fossil fuels. It is solar energy is the cleanest source of energy and is therefore not harmful to the environment. Compared to fossil fuels, solar energy does not emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Undeniably, the production of solar energy is free of any gases or chemicals that might harm people and the environment. This is a huge boost to the fight against global warming.

Solar energy is widely available to all countries. This is a great plus for its adoption and use as a source of energy. Moreover, solar energy does not require raw materials like conventional sources of fuel. In addition, the cost of labor is negligible compared to usual sources of energy. People will not have to worry about rising cost of fuels anymore because the price per watt of solar energy has gone down significantly over the years. Therefore, solar energy can save countries millions of dollar annually, which can be used to support development initiatives.

Harnessing of solar energy can be done in virtually every part of the country. Besides, solar energy plants can be independent from the national energy grid, which is helpful to people living in isolated areas. Solar energy is cost effective and is a practical option for societies that want to be self-reliant. Its production does not depend on international fluctuations in currencies or any factors that influences global supply of oils.

The opponents of solar energy altercate that installing systems to harness energy from the sun is extremely high compared to conventional sources of energy (Demirbas, 28). In addition, they opine that solar panels take more space, which might hinder their adoption in places with limited space such as urban centers. The reason of high cost is based on the materials that are used to make the solar panels. The materials for making solar panels are expensive, which increases their cost. However, it is only the initial installation costs, which are high. Once the panels are put in place, there is little cost involved in their maintenance (Stefan 18). Indeed, this makes their cost less in the long term. In addition, governments are under pressure to minimize carbon emission into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is imperative that governments subsidize the costs of installation. This is a viable option in mitigating the threat of global warming.

In summary, solar energy is the most available source of energy. Indeed, it is the most significant source o energy as opposed to the other sources of energy. Solar energy does not depend on the use of chemicals or gases in its production. In essence, it is the simplest and cleanest source of fuel. Besides, solar energy is cheaper and practical to produce. People who oppose the use of solar energy argue that solar panels are expensive to install. In addition, they opine that a lot of space is required for such installations. However, these concerns are far-fetched and have little truth in them. Once solar panels are installed, the running costs arte virtually zero. This is the opposite of such arguments. In addition, solar panels do not require a lot of space. Moreover, governments can provide subside to lower the cost of solar panels. Overall, fossil fuels are diminishing at an alarming rate, as deposits are getting lower by the day. Besides, not every country is endowed with fossil fuels. In addition, most wars are fought because of the need to control oil for industrial and economic development. Therefore, the use of solar energy becomes the most viable solutions to the demand for oil by most countries. It is clean, and every country can harness solar energy. This makes solar energy the most viable source of energy for humanity.

Works Cited

Amaya , Jose. Development of Renewable Energy in Emerging Economies. New York: Universal Publishers, 2009. Print.

Demirbas, Ayhan. (2008). Solar Energy: a realistic fuel alternative for tomorrow, Chicago: Springer, 2008. Print.

International Energy Agency. Energy Technology Perspectives 2006: scenarios & Strategies to 2050, 2006. New York: OECD Publishing. Print.

Obiyan, Sat and Amuwo, Kunle. Nigeria’s Experience in the Fourth Republic Since 1999. Policies and Politics. New York: University Press of America, 2012. Print.

Pelletiere, Stephen. America’s Oil Wars. New York: ABC-CLIO, 2004. Print.

Stefan, Andrej. The Solar Cell Power in your Home and Your Workplace: all you need to know. La Jolla, CA: The Stefan University Press, 2009. Print.

US Geological Survey. Mineral Commodity Summaries. New York: Government Printing Office. 2009. Print.