Resource: Global Warming: Beyond Fossil Fuels

According to most scientists, among them Martin Hoffert, professor of physics at New York University, global climate change has been accelerated by the burning of fossil fuels, which include coal, oil, and natural gas, in electricity generation and engine-powered vehicles. Because of the threat climate change represents to human and environmental health and because only a finite supply of fossil fuel material exists on our planet, Hoffert argues that the world as a whole has to look to other energy sources to feed its energy consumption needs, which will only grow as heavily populated developing countries further industrialize.

Hoffert points to a number of potential solutions awaiting further research and development, among them tapping renewable energy supplies from the sun, wind, water, and earth. Even outer space might be a viable place to look for fuel supplies or to generate power. From a physics and engineering standpoint, any number of solutions could work.

Certain alternative energy production technologies are closer to commercial viability than others. Already, some hydrogen-powered vehicles are on the road. Hoffert says that for more such technologies to get to market, companies, entire industries, and even governments have to be convinced to look beyond such things as cost and short-term profitability potential.

Will our demand for electrically powered items increase or decrease with time? What does this mean to our resources?

What are the pros and cons of alternative energy sources?

What advice would you give to a developing country about its development and use of various power sources?

What new technologies can you image that we might have in the next 50 years?