Alternatives_Fuel_Paper

Fuel Alternatives Paper Joe Mosier 04/09/2012 SCI207 Lisa Johnson As a country we have grown very dependent on oil to sustain our daily lives. We have placed so much demand on oil that we have begun to use more in the USA then we produce. The people in this country need to really take a long, hard look at what is going on and realize that we simply cannot keep up this pace for very much longer. We need to not only come up with new ways but enhance some ideas that we already have in coming up with new sources of energy that will benefit our economy and the stability of the world. What is Oil' crude oil: flammable liquid that is naturally occurring, which consists of hydrocarbons of varying molecular weights along with many other organic compounds, found deep underground. Also known as Fossil Fuels, Conventional Fuels, Petroleum, Black Gold Crude oil is the lifeblood of our society. The technical term for crude oil is Petroleum. Petroleum comes from deep underground, where millions of years of geological processes have decomposed, compressed and cooked ancient biological matter. After oil is extracted from the ground resevoir it is refined into several by-products including: gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel, kerosene, butane, propane, asphalt and tar. Crude oil also holds the building blocks for many other products like: plastics, pesticides, fertilizers, construction, mining, pharmaceuticals, and technology. Where to Start' I think this is the most asked question on how we are to come up with new ideas and technologies to service this country. First, I think we need to begin looking at all of the options that we have out there right now. We don’t need to overextend ourselves but, rather focus on coming up with something that will actually work. It should be determined what are the most reachable goals and are these goals in line with helping us not only now but, down the line. What Can I Do' People need to understand that they can make a difference. We all can play a special role in changing what is going on in the world today. We can start out with small things like regulating the heating in our homes, driving less, or simply just being more aware of the products we are using. Being more diligent will allow us to focus on the things that are necessary in our lives then, we can help others. As I study this topic it seems as if people feel that this problem is either over their heads or that there is nothing they can do so they don’t bother. But, the people in our country are where it starts. We have the ability to change whatever we deem appropriate if we take the right course of action. Who Should I Ask for Help' I think the best place to begin is at home so; I would start by asking family and friends to aid you in your endeavor. If you can get the people you trust on your side then you can be presented as a united front in your attempt to seek action. If we can grow into groups or organizations with a mission then we can really begin to see change made. Alternative sources of energy are extremely important to our country and our environment so, it is up to us to initiate a change. Why is Removing our Dependence from Oil so Important' The reason this is so important is because of not only the economic downturn our country is in but, also because of the mass volume we are using on a daily basis. We are consuming oil in a record pace right now and with the peak of oil production upon us we are running ourselves into a hole we may to be able to dig out of. The longer we wait and do nothing the less likely we are to truly decrease the amount of oil we are using. Our dependence on oil is out of hand but, the catastrophic instances that can occur if we don’t successfully come up with new ways of using energy are far greater. We need to make the commitment that we are going to do something about this issue and then begin to make strides in that direction so, hopefully one day we do not have to see the grave effects of our lack of due diligence. References: A declaration of oil dependence. (2006). Automotive News, 80(6206), 56. Carbaugh, R., & Wassell, C. r. (2006). Reducing American Dependence on Oil. Challenge, 49(6), 55-77. Duffield, J. S. (2008). Over a barrel. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press. Klare, M. T. (2005). Blood and oil, the dangers and consequences of america's growing dependency on imported petroleum. Holt Paperbacks.