Keeping carbon in the ground
Fossil fuels are costing us too much in blood and treasure. Alternative energy sources like wind, solar and geothermal promise energy without polluting the air and without using dwindling water reserves.
The case for keeping fossil fuels in the ground and turning to alternative energy sources is gaining traction.
A marked increase in methane and carbon fossil fuel gases has been measured in ice cores in the Arctic and Antarctica. These gases warm the atmosphere and oceans to create record numbers of fires, floods, droughts and shrinking shorelines that cost billions and displace hundreds of thousands of people and animal species.
Not only can extracting and burning fossil fuel pollute the air and water, but water is also needed to cool the power plants.
A dwindling supply of groundwater was one of the concerns of the folks living in Oakwood Hills. Last summer, they voted down a power station in their community. A smokestack near an elementary school brought out many parents, but another long-term concern was that the plant would need massive amounts of water for cooling.
Seizing the moment, Google and Apple have started to utilize solar energy. When the costs of extracting and cooling are considered, alternative power sources are actually cheaper and can create more jobs.
"Clean energy jobs will help the economy," state three Republican representatives in a recent editorial in the Daily Herald. Seeing the advantages of using alternative energy, they are supporting the Clean Jobs Bill.
Just in time to halt the devastating effects of fossil fuel, innovators see the possibilities of switching from dirty to clean energy.
Susan Spengler
Palatine