Environmental Problems, Their Causes, and Sustainability 1

Nuclear energy(fission and fusion)$73 billionFossil fuels$32 billionRenewable energy$19 billionEnergy efficiency(conservation)$15 billionFigure 18-34 U.S. energy policy priorities. U.S. Department of Energy research and development fundingfor various sources of energy, 1948–2003. If other government subsidies and tax breaks are included, thefigures for nuclear power and fossil fuels are much higher, and fossil fuels receive approximately 60% ofthese benefits, nuclear energy 30%, and renewable energy and energy conservation only 10%. (U.S.Department of Energy)rity in two ways: first by reducing dependence on importedoil, and second by decreasing dependence onlarge and centralized nuclear power and coal plantsthat are vulnerable to terrorist attacks.We have the technology, creativity, and wealth tomake the transition to a more sustainable energy future.But making this transition depends primarily onpolitics, and thus on pressure individuals and groupscan put on elected officials and officials of energyresource companies by voting with their ballots andpocketbooks (by refusing to buy some products andletting company executives know why). Figure 18-36(p. 408) lists some ways you can contribute to makingthis transition by reducing the amount of energy youuse and waste.A transition to renewable energy is inevitable, not becausefossil fuel supplies will run out—large reserves of oil, coal, andgas remain in the world—but because the costs and risks ofusing these supplies will continue to increase relative torenewable energy.MOHAMED EL-ASHRYImprove Energy EfficiencyIncrease fuel-efficiencystandards for vehicles,buildings, and appliancesMandate governmentpurchases of efficientvehicles and other devicesProvide large tax credits forbuying efficient cars,houses, and appliancesOffer large tax credits forinvestments in energyefficiencyReward utilities for reducingdemand for electricityEncourage independentpower producersGreatly increase energyefficiency research anddevelopmentMore Renewable EnergyIncrease renewable energy to20% by 2020 and 50% by 2050Provide large subsidies and taxcredits for renewable energyUse full-cost accounting andlife cycle cost for comparing allenergy alternativesEncourage government purchaseof renewable energy devicesGreatly increase renewableenergy research anddevelopmentReduce Pollution andHealth RiskCut coal use 50% by 2020Phase out coal subsidiesLevy taxes on coal and oil usePhase out nuclear power or putit on hold until 2020Phase out nuclear powersubsidiesFigure 18-35 Solutions: suggestions of various energy analysts to help make the transition to a more sustainableand less risky energy future.http://biology.brookscole.com/miller14407