Future Energy: Guiding Decisions Evidence in Order

Future Energy: Guiding Decisions Evidence in order reduce negative environmental impacts growing human population increasing demands energy technological advances continue, individual countries, states, cities households opportunity shift energy sources renewable

Most consumers are unaware of the extreme negativeness surrounding their consumption of goods and that it inevitably leads to environmental degradation. However, there seems to be a more conscious effort to go around the negative impact of consumption of energy by choosing renewable sources. In this essay, we will assess a particular region in America and that is the state of Florida with specific references to certain areas in order to observe what sources of energy are currently used and what renewable sources may be best suitable and least suitable in the area, considering climate and the environment.

With climate changes accelerating at a fast pace, Miami, which is already subject of the increase of Earth's temperatures and rise of sea levels, may have to face harder living conditions in the near future. Being a prominent city in the United States, fast paced, and prosperous, it is only natural that a consumption of energy is higher than in other areas of the country. Being a business center, Miami's use of energy within buildings is what causes greenhouse gas emissions that account for more than half of the city's use of energy. Electricity is the main source of energy that fuels almost all of Miami's buildings. With temperatures rising up to 35° C. during the summer, air conditioning is what constitutes much of the energy consumption, along with lighting and the running of electrical equipments, computers most often. This works completely disadvantageous because up to 30% of energy use is being wasted through a neglectful usage, thus adding up greenhouse gas emissions without any justifiable means, really.

The main supplier of Florida state, Florida Power and Light uses a fuel mix which does not rely so much on carbon, neither on coal but on natural gas which does seem to invite a more friendly climate, according to Miami -- Dade County (n. d., p. 3). With 53% of natural gas production, FPL can thus pride itself with offering a much cleaner productive environment in regards to energy production, being known that coal, while representing the cheapest source for producing electricity, it is also the dirtiest, thus causing more pollution. Indeed, as opposed to burning oil, natural gas which is a fossil fuel in liquid form, releases up to 25% less pollutants. However, considering that two types of three of the methane gas that constitute natural gas are not renewable, it is hard to approximate just how much resource will the Earth's subterranean reservoirs be able to provide in a long-term production.

FPL's energy production is also 22% based on nuclear power. Although this technique is less dependent of fossil fuels, in this respect, there is more of an issue with radioactive waste which is not only extremely environmental polluting, but also potentially dangerous to humans. Suffice to say, there is no source of energy to be produced while being able to secure one 100% either safe or clean environment. However, there are ways to reduce consumption so that ultimately, the negative effects may be brought to a minimum, or else, an acceptable level. In Miami, as throughout the States, the weatherization practice has proved effective in helping buildings to reduce energy consumption by conservation. Such techniques are all the more beneficial to businesses since it involves reduction of costs. It may appear as the simplest energy reduction practice, but shopping by lumens instead of watts is another way to choose one more energy -- efficient practice over another. Lumens are not only able to tell how bright a bulb is which may prove beneficial in searching for more energy efficient bulbs, but also have a distinguished warm brightness.

Having said these, we find ourselves closer to renewable energy which we know is energy generated through sunlight, rain, wind, etc. In regards to the production of electricity, wind power usually requires the installation of turbines which have the ability to convert the energy from the wind from kinetic to mechanical. However, because wind is only lightly encountered in Florida, this would not be a viable source of electricity although, in some areas which are more windy, wind farms are being built. Usually, construction of windmills would also have to consider migration of birds unless wanting to be held responsible for the extermination of migratory species that arrive from the north. Therefore, it is necessary to keep count and to consider some protection measures. With weather being so unpredictable in Florida, wind power seems more of a dangerous than a secure method to produce energy. On the other hand, Florida would benefit highly from solar power. Studies have shown that "Florida has 85% of the maximum solar energy potential of any place in the country," (as cited by Natural Resources Defense Council, n.d.) which is no surprise actually considering we are talking about the "Sunshine" state. However, since the sun does not always shine in Florida and it tends to be cloudy often, there have been concerns whether or not solar energy would prove effective in this respect. Solar energy is produced by photovoltaics or solar cells which convert sunlight into DC electricity. Although causing no pollution, this technology requires more costs than conventional energy sources that do pose a limit in its development. However, the state of Florida has started for some years now to offer rebates and tax credits to support consumerism of solar energy. In 2010, Florida was the second largest supplier of solar power.