Alternative energy

English IV Research Paper Outline Working Title: 1. Alternative fuels a. Are alternative fuels worth investing in to stop pollution and save our environment? b. Yes, we need to make the switch to alternative fuels as soon as possible to stop pollution and save our environment not only for us but for future generations to come. c. While fossil fuels are cheaper, the world needs to make the switch from fossil fuels to alternative fuels because we owe it to the future generation, it will ultimately benefit the economy, and reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. 2. Future Generations . First, the world needs to make the switch from fossil fuels to alternative fuels because we owe it to the future generation. a. “Generating electricity from renewable energy rather than fossil fuels offers significant public health benefits. The air and water pollution emitted by coal and natural gas plants is linked to breathing problems, neurological damage, heart attacks, and cancer” (Union of Concerned Scientists, par. 4). b. Research shows us that the current way of producing our energy is harmful and even fatal to our health and will only increase if we continue to choose fossil fuels. c. People aren’t ready to make the switch. 3. Economy . Additionally, it will benefit the economy. a. “UCS analysis found that a 25 by 2025 national renewable electricity standard would stimulate $263.4 billion in new capital investment for renewable energy technologies, $13.5 billion in new landowner income biomass production and/or wind land lease payments, and $11.5 billion in new property tax revenue for local communities” (Union of Concerned Scientists, par. 17). b. Therefore, renewable fuels will keep money circulating within the local economy and will reduce the need to spend money on fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas. c. Renewable fuel cost too much to be of any benefit 4. Climate . Finally, the most important reason the world needs to make the switch from fossil fuels to alternative fuels is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. a. “The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the United States is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation” (EPA, 1). b. Greenhouse gas emissions trap heat and warm the planet causing destruction to all types of ecosystems. The rise of emissions is set to increase indefinitely unless humans stop producing so much pollution and learn how to get energy from a more responsible source. c. Global warming is a hoax. 5. . The switch to alternative fuels isn’t easy and the effects aren't immediate, but when humans decide to make the health of their planet a priority future generation will reap the benefits of our hard work. Proposed Research Topic: Are alternatives fuels better for our environment? Purpose: 1. How are humans getting energy now and how is that affecting our planet? 2. What are alternatives fuels and how are they different from fossil fuels? 3. Would switching how we receive energy affect our economy and way of life? Background and Resources: 1. "Preface to 'Do Alternative Energy Sources Benefit the Environment?'." Alternative Energy Sources, edited by Darrin Gunkel, Greenhaven Press, 2006. Current Controversies. Opposing Viewpoints in Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/EJ3010426103/OVIC?u=j227904&sid=OVIC&xid=1d96cbde. Accessed 8 Nov. 2018. 2. Taylor, Jerry, and Peter VanDoren. "Alternative Energy Should Not Be Pursued." Global Warming, edited by Cynthia A. Bily, Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing Viewpoints in Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/EJ3010222254/OVIC?u=j227904&sid=OVIC&xid=c42a135f. Accessed 8 Nov. 2018. Originally published as "Evaluating the Case for Renewable Energy: Is Government Support Warranted?" Cato Institute Policy Analysis, 2002. 3. "Preface to 'Are Alternative Energy Sources Economical?'." Alternative Energy Sources, edited by Darrin Gunkel, Greenhaven Press, 2006. Current Controversies. Opposing Viewpoints in Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/EJ3010426104/OVIC?u=j227904&sid=OVIC&xid=38926c15. Accessed 8 Nov. 2018. Research Strategy [the plan] 1. Things I know a. Now, with further research, alternative fuel has been making big technological advances. b. Many of the world's population are unaware of the effect’s fossil fuels have on the environment. c. If the earth’s temperature continues to rise major U.S. cities like New York, Miami, and San Francisco will be underwater. 2. Questions I have . How will we make the switch to alternative fuels? a. Is it too late to try and make the switch? b. Who would mostly be affected by this?                                                                                                                                            

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