The world is addicted to oil. Every day we receive new estimates of when the supply will run out and many world governments respond to this threat by looking for more places to drill...always seeking more instead of turning to alternatives. If our species is to survive, we must kick the petroleum habit and embrace cleaner alternatives. These green fuel sources offer very few negatives and uncountable benefits.
Of course, green energy is healthier for us and for the planet we live on. Petroleum-based fuels produce greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for global warming. This warming is destroying the polar ice caps, changing weather patterns, and endangering countless species of insects, plants, and animals. In addition, it is contaminating the very air we breathe. Cases of asthma and other breathing problems in children and adults have grown along with the level of pollutants in the air. By ditching fossil fuels and switching to green energy, we can reverse this damage and restore health to our environment and ourselves.
Supporters of petroleum insist that discarding our use of fossil fuels will do irreparable damage to our economy. While it is true that some jobs and industries would be lost by this change, it is important to remember that as the demand for green energy grows, so will associated jobs and companies. There are already thousands of business opportunities cropping up daily in various alternative energy areas. In addition, the cheaper cost of using green energy will leave families with more disposable income. This income will, of course, go back into the economy to purchase needed goods and services, giving the economy a further boost.
Switching to alternative energy sources is also beneficial to our country. The United States has the potential to produce incredible amounts of solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro energy. As we increase dependence on our domestic clean energy sources, we also break the hold of oil-producing nations over our population. This allows more Americans to secure gainful employment, patent new ideas and inventions, and live an overall higher quality of life.
Perhaps most importantly, switching to alternative energy sources is beneficial to our children, our most precious resource. The condition of our environment is steadily declining due to our use of traditional fuel sources. The longer these practices continue, the unhealthier the environment will become for our children and grandchildren. Switching to clean energy sources will guarantee our children a future that is clean, healthy, and secure.
Considering all the risks of continuing our dependence on fossil fuels, can we really afford not to change? The numerous benefits to our environment, our economy, our children, and ourselves make switching to alternative energy sources a necessity, not a choice.
