Negative Effects of Alternative Energy Sources
Alternative energy sources are often presented as ways to rid our dependence on oil. However, no energy source is perfect and alternative energy sources are no different. An alternative energy source is defined as a source of energy other than the burning of a fossil fuel such as coal or oil.
Downsides of Wind Energy
Wind energy is the production of electricity through harnessing the power of the wind to spin turbines that generate electricity using kinetic force. The main problems with wind power. Wind power is dependent on how heavy the wind is, so if where you live or where you have placed the windmills suffers from a lack of wind you will not have electricity. There are also concerns that wind energy leads to bird deaths when they fly into the windmills.
Problems With Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy has many risks associated with it. Not only does it result in the production of harmful nuclear waste, when nuclear plants fail or have disasters the results can be catastrophic. Some famous examples are the Chernobyl plant in Russia and Three Mile Island in New York.
Solar Energy Issues
Some negative effects of solar energy are the manufacturing byproducts of solar cells that can be harmful to the environment. Solar cells are also not feasible in many areas due to lack of sunlight.
Hydroelectric Dams
Hydroelectric Dams work by blocking off areas of rushing water and powering turbines to generate electricity. Many dams are built in areas where marine life need to pass the damn in order to finish their spawning cycle. With a giant dam in the way, this becomes impossible. Many dams are also susceptible to environmental disaster such as collapsing and flooding entire areas.
"K12, Alternative Energy Sources", 2006
http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/grade5/science/ch8c.htm
"A Problem With Wind Power", AWEO 2007
http://www.aweo.org/problemwithwind.html
"US Allows Nuclear Materials in Landfills" Environment News Service, 2007
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/may2007/2007-05-14-08.asp
