The Blurb

Green Energy

One aspect of being green is replacing our fossil fuel energy sources with renewable ones.  Our new president, Barack Obama, has promised to do this soon (click here for a shorter version).  I also wrote a letter to President Obama expressing concerns about this.  Here is one quote:

"You, of all people undoubtedly know that green energy can create millions of jobs, and reduce government spending in the long term, but I am concerned that you support "clean" coal technology.

There is no good reason to support "clean" coal technology over any renewable sources.  "Clean" coal is still dirtier than renewable sources, less efficient, can be implemented in the same amount of time, can be implemented for a similar amount of money, and most importantly will run out someday.  We know that if "clean" coal is used, we will be right back to where we are today in fifty years, just down however many billions of dollars required to build coal plants.

However, if renewable sources are used and created, we will have access to energy that never runs out, hence "renewable."  Also, many renewable sources don't pollute at all, except for building the wind turbines, solar arrays, or tide generators.  Renewable sources will create the same number of jobs that "clean" coal will create, but jobs will not disappear when the coal runs out.  This will also gain us favor with European countries that have implemented carbon caps."

I also recently recieved a comment from Mike H, asking about nuclear energy, another renewable source, but not as good as wind, tide, and solar.  Nuclear energy is a great source of energy, but when the uranium rods run out, they leave behind toxic nuclear waste.  Wind, tide, and solar energy leave behind nothing, will create new jobs indefinitely, and help America to rise above the economic crisis.

All opposition to renewable energy is due to the fact that it is totaly new, and will take a while to build.  This is true, but we must keep in mind that it will take an equally long time (about 10 years) to create oil drills in Alaska.  According to a Gallup poll, 77% of Americans surveyed thought that America should increase energy production from alternative sources.  Another Gallup poll says that 24% more Americans say we should concentrate on protecting the environment than increasing energy sources, a big concern with drilling in Alaska.

It is clear that we need renewable sources of energy, not just to stop global warming, but also to maintain America's energy independence so we don't rely on other countries for fuel.

Signed,

The Blurb's Senior Assistant Editor in Chief

What do you think?  Should America expand its alternate energy sources?  Post your thoughts and comments here on The Blurb!

The Blurb Goes Green

You may have seen the recent color change for the Blurb.  This color change symbolizes our next project--raising awareness of the environmental problem and updating readers on steps taken worldwide to help this problem.  And what better day to kick it off than Earth Day?

We at the Blurb feel that Earth Day should be everyday, and encourage you to do the same.  This is also a chance to encourage all of your friends to be green!  Encourage them to check out the Blurb every day, and learn of the real environmental situation of America and the world.  In honor of Earth Day, I have written a poem:

Nature

 

The trees whispering,

The rain giggling,

And the birds gossiping and calling like unruly teens.

This is the lullaby of nature,

Ingrained through centuries to bring comfort,

To bring security,

And to bring calm.

Nature brings peace.

 

 

However, every year that we don't make a concious effort to preserve nature, more and more is destroyed, and we will eventually lose it.  On this Earth Day, and every day, make a concious effort to be green, and save the planet.

Signed,

The Blurb's Senior Assistant Editor in Chief