Environmental Facts
This page is sort of a bummer. Because what we're doing to our environment isn't pretty. Sure we need energy to live, work and play. But, the ways we make, transport and use that energy can have dramatic and lasting negative effects on the environment. Even some of the cleaner energy sources can be a pain in Mother Nature's neck. The bottom line is, we all have to use less energy if we're going to protect and preserve what's left of our environment. And that can mean changing our actions to conserve energy. Or just making smarter decisions so our actions are more energy efficient.
Here are a few of the major environmental concerns. They make a pretty solid argument for doing lots and lots of OneThings!
Air Pollution
Chemically, there are five major air pollutants. And they all can come from the combustion of fossil fuels like oil and coal in our cars, homes and industry. Polluted air can cause health problems, damage plant life, contribute to smog and cause the greenhouse gas effect.
Depleting Resources
Many of the fuels used to create energy - like oil, natural gas and coal - are non-renewable. That means we can't make more of them once they're gone. We'll likely always rely on these fuels in some way, shape or form. So, obviously, it's in our best interest to use less. So they're not used up as quickly and so they're available for future generations.
Greenhouse Gases
Whenever we burn fossil fuels to run vehicles or generate electricity, certain harmful emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are released. These greenhouse gases react with other gases in the atmosphere and form a sort of "blanket" around the Earth. This blanket allows the heat from the sun to warm the Earth, but too much of a blanket can block much of that heat from escaping. Many scientists believe this activity contributes to global warming - a slight rise in temperature year after year.
So, what's the big deal with a little more warmth? Well, even a tiny temperature variation can have dramatic effects - a rise in sea level, increased intensity of extreme weather and changes in the amount and pattern of precipitation. These things, in turn, can have negative effects on agricultural yields, animal and human habitats, even the topography of our Earth. The threat of increasing global warming through the way we use energy is so severe, hundreds of countries have agreed to take dramatic actions to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Acid Rain
Acid rain occurs when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, common byproducts of burning fossil fuels, are emitted into the atmosphere. They undergo chemical transformations and are absorbed by water droplets in clouds. The droplets then fall to earth as highly acidic precipitation. Acid rain is a serious environmental problem in the US. It can accelerate the weathering of buildings and rocks. It can pollute rivers, streams and lakes. And it can even kill fish.
Hazardous Materials
Some of the fuels we use to make energy are themselves hazardous materials. If not properly handled, fuels like oil and gasoline can leak into the soil and water supplies, affecting the health of humans and other living things. Even just one gallon of gasoline can contaminate an entire community's water supply.
The frequency of oil spills has greatly decreased since the 1970's and 80's, but they still happen. Oil spills, both on land and in the water, can contaminate the surroundings and the wildlife. And as an oil spill evaporates, it turns into air pollutants.
Nuclear Waste
One of the biggest concerns about using nuclear power is the hazardous waste generated as a byproduct. This waste is radioactive and will remain so for thousands of years. While there are a handful of waste deposit sites across the country, scientists wonder about the long-term effects on the environment of storing radioactive material under ground, in mountains and under water.
Mining Messes
Mining for coal used to leave large patches of Earth stripped clean, affecting the habitats of plants and animals. Nowadays, that type of mining isn't as prevalent. However, when an area is mined for coal improperly, rainwater can wash sulfuric acid, prevalent in coal, into streams and other water sources making it highly acidic. This can kill off wildlife and make the water unsafe to drink in areas surrounding the coal mine.
Dam Damage
Even waterpower, considered a clean, renewable source, has an environmental liability. When a dam is created, a large reservoir of water is needed for proper operation. This reservoir often times destroys certain ecosystems and farmland, and in some cases, can displace human populations.
Wind Woes
Think wind power is innocent? Many people say windmills create visual pollution and noise pollution. When constructed off shore, they can threaten sea life. And, believe it or not, some older wind mills pose a hazard to birds.
Good News?
Bet you could use some right about now. And there is some. It's simple. We can make things better and, in many ways, we've already started. Governments are starting to take bold steps. Businesses and industry are starting to be more responsible. And you? You're starting to make a difference too, just by being on this website. That's the first OneThing.