Protection of the Environment
Energy is a pillar of health and general well-being of all forms of life on the earth. However, fossil fuels and other types of energy tend to pollute the environment.
- When coal is burned and released into the open air, it causes pollution.
- Solar energy is clean and renewable but solar panel manufacturing process creates wastes and pollutants.
- Nuclear energy results in nuclear waste despite having no impact on air quality. The waste is hazardous and must be disposed of properly. The waste is buried in nuclear water dumps beneath and above the ground.
- Water used in the recycling process to cool reactors goes back into rivers and lakes at about 25 degrees warmer, harming marine life.
- Water pollution during energy generation kills all kinds of plants and animals, altering their eco-systems. For instance, a nuclear plant kills marine life when taking water from rivers or lakes.
- Pollution impacts human body and causes various health issues, especially for people with low immunity such as the elderly and babies.
- Air pollutants mix with rain to form acid rain, negatively impacting soil.
- Most countries worldwide produce little to no oil, hence depend on foreign governments to supply oil and meet their high energy demands.
