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Activity 3.2.3.1 Solar Power and Energy Policy

  Six-Point Critical Analysis of Current Event   1. Exploratory   The article by Hsu & Kelly (2019) explains how solar energy in Georgia has changed . Even though Georgia isn’t very strict when it comes to renewable energy. A notable example is the solar farm in Hazlehurst wh ich is ar ound 500 acres . This shows that renewable energy is starting to appear in more  rural areas . The video from Silicon Ranch s how cases that not only is it focusing on clean energy, but also focusing on farming .   The growth that Georgia has had in solar energy proves that there are many wa ys to promo te renewable energy other than state mandates. This shows   that policies may not always be needed for progression and change. Comparing Georgia with other states , for example the way California's state mandates show how the differences can  accomplish the same goal s in the end.   2. Diagnostic   The main reason why Solar energy ...

Activity 3.2.3 – Alternative Energy – Solar Energy

 Solar Energy     Today's changing world raises the question of whether we need alternative energy sources. The question of alternative energy arises from the concerns of global warming, resource depletion, and irreversible environmental damage. Solar energy is known as an alternative energy source. Solar energy is captured by using  photovoltaic cells, which can then be converted to heat or electricity. We can drive through most neighborhoods and see solar panels on people's houses because this is quite a popular alternative energy source.  Advantages      One of the biggest advantages of solar energy is that it’s renewable and widely available. The sun is an endless energy source, and solar power can be accessed almost anywhere on Earth. Unlike finite fossil fuels, solar energy can be harnessed as long as the sun is shining, making it one of the most sustainable energy options out there (Mutiti et al., 2018). Solar energy is also environmen...

Clean Coal? Myth or Reality

      Clean coal sounds like a great idea! It suggests we can use coal's energy without hurting the environment too much. But the truth is, it's not as simple as it sounds, and it makes us think about whether coal can be a sustainable option. Fans of coal argue that we can still use it while lessening its negative effects. However, there is no such thing as clean coal. Despite advancements in technology, the environmental and health issues caused by coal mining and burning are serious, and the proposed solutions to make it cleaner just don't work (EPA). Coal is one of the dirtiest fossil fuels out there. When it is burned, it releases a mix of harmful substances, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and many different tiny particles into the atmosphere. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, coal-fired power plants are major sources of air pollution, which contributes to significant health problems like asthma and heart...

Activity 3.2.1 – Natural Resources Review

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 Concept Map Concept Map Reflection After watching Exploring Natural Resources, I was able to come up with the concept map above. The video provided information about what kinds of natural resources are and how they can be affected by the things around them. Recycling and reusing materials such as plastics and metals gives these materials a new purpose and helps conserve and control waste. Meanwhile, reusing natural resources, such as wood,  can prolong and control the use of these natural resources. Renewable resources such as solar power and wind power could also be seen as an alternative to nonrenewable because they replenish over time. Solar energy by using the energy that is captured through the panels, and wind energy by using wind turbines These are more cleaner types of energy. Even wood and fish need to be monitored and controlled so that they can be sustained if we catch too much fish, it could lead to extinction, or even using too much wood could lead to scarcity. W...