3.2.3.1 Solar Power and Energy Policy

Solar power, and energy policy in Georgia

1. Exploratory

The state of Georgia has emerged as a surprising bright spot in the United States' solar industry despite the lack of renewable energy mandates. According to NPR, Georgia now ranks tenth in the country for installed solar capacity. There for Georgia has become one of the fastest-growing states in solar energy production in the US. One key driver of this growth is the falling cost of solar technology, and with Georgia having no mandates on renewable energy it has attracted large investments from solar companies. (Silicon Ranch , 2017) Additionally, the state's relatively mild weather makes solar power a more viable option than in other parts of the country. Georgia Power's decision to purchase solar power from independent producers has also been a factor in the state's solar success. (Hsu, A., & Kelly, M. L. , 2019, June 24) Large companies like Google and Facebook have contributed to the growth of solar energy in Georgia. Solar energy projects have also created jobs and revenue for the more rural areas in Georgia.

2. Diagnostic

One of the main reasons behind Georgia's solar success is the state's supportive policies for solar power and the fact that solar energy has become more affordable due to technological advancements, making it a more attractive option for businesses and homeowners. The state's solar industry has been able to grow because of the state's regulatory structure, which encourages investment in the solar industry. (Silicon Ranch , 2017) Additionally, Georgia has a favorable tax policy for solar power, which has helped to encourage investment in the sector. The tax policy being incentives for solar projects, making it more financially feasible for companies to invest in solar energy.

3. Cause and Effect

If Georgia continues to support its solar industry, the state could become a leader in solar power. The state's supportive policies for solar power have already led to significant growth in the sector, and as more companies invest in solar energy and demand for renewable energy increases, it is likely that the solar industry in Georgia will continue to grow tremendously. This growth could lead to the creation of more jobs and revenue for rural areas in the state. more solar power is installed, the cost of solar technology will continue to fall, making it even more cost-effective for consumers. (Hsu, A., & Kelly, M. L. , 2019, June 24) This, in turn, will drive even more investment in the sector, creating a virtuous cycle of growth. Additionally, an increased use of solar power could lead to a reduction in carbon emissions, benefiting the environment.

4. Priority

The most important issue here is the need for more states to adopt supportive policies for renewable energy. Georgia's success shows that a lack of mandates doesn't have to hold a state back from embracing renewable energy. By adopting policies that encourage investment in the sector, states can create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and drive economic growth. Therefore it is important that Georgia continues to support the development of renewable energy. This includes maintaining tax incentives for solar projects, promoting the use of renewable energy by large corporations, and investing in infrastructure to support solar energy production.

5. Application

Georgia's solar success provides an example for other states to follow and how state policies and incentives can encourage the development of renewable energy. Therefore by adopting policies that support the growth of renewable energy, states can create a more sustainable energy future while also driving economic growth. This is relevant to the study of culture as it highlights how societal values, such as a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, can drive changes in the energy sector. Additionally, businesses and individuals can benefit from investing in solar power, as it can help reduce energy costs while also reducing their carbon footprint and also how technological advancements can make sustainable practices more financially feasible for businesses and individuals.

6. Critical

This article challenges the assumption that state-level mandates are necessary for the growth of renewable energy and the continued development of the solar industry. Georgia's success shows that supportive policies can be just as effective in driving growth in the sector as well as having financial incentives and commitments from large corporations can drive demand for renewable energy. Georgia's success in solar energy production without such mandates suggests that financial incentives and commitments from large corporations can drive demand for renewable energy. This challenges the notion that government intervention is necessary for the growth of renewable energy and highlights the importance of private sector investment in sustainable practices.

References

Hsu, A., & Kelly, M. L. (2019, June 24). How solar grew in Georgia despite lack of mandates on renewable energy. National Public Radio. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2019/06/24/733795962/how-georgia-became-a-surprising-bright-spot-in-the-u-s-solar-industry

Silicon Ranch. (2017). Silicon Ranch Hazlehurst II Project on Georgia Farm Bureau TV [Video]. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/217896697

Activity 3.2.3 – Alternative Energy – Solar Energy

Alternative Energy: A Key to Sustainable Development

Alternative energy refers to energy sources that are renewable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. These sources of energy include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy. Unlike fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, alternative energy sources do not release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which contribute to climate change. (Mutiti, S, 2018) The use of alternative energy is essential for sustainable development, as it provides a clean, reliable, and affordable source of power that can meet the growing demand for energy while reducing the impact on the environment.

Arguments for Alternative Energy

The primary arguments for alternative energy are based on the need to mitigate climate change, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable development. Alternative energy sources are clean and renewable, which means they do not emit greenhouse gases, air pollutants, or toxic waste into the environment. (Mutiti, S, 2018) As a result, they have a lower carbon footprint and can significantly reduce the impact of climate change. Moreover, alternative energy sources are cost-effective in the long run. Although the initial investment in alternative energy technologies may be higher than traditional fossil fuels, the operating and maintenance costs are relatively lower. Alternative energy sources also have the potential to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth. Another advantage of alternative energy is energy independence. Alternative energy sources are often available locally, which means that they can reduce dependence on foreign oil and other fossil fuels. This can improve national security and reduce the risk of supply disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts or natural disasters.

Assessing Solar Energy

Solar energy is one of the most abundant and readily available forms of alternative energy. It is the energy produced by the sun and converted into usable energy through solar panels. The advantages of solar energy include:

Advantages:

1. Solar energy is clean and renewable, which means it does not emit harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases into the environment.

2. Solar energy is readily available in most parts of the world, making it a reliable and sustainable source of energy.

3. Solar panels require very little maintenance, and they have a long lifespan of up to 25-30 years.

4. Solar energy can be used to power homes, businesses, and even large-scale power plants, making it a versatile source of energy.

5. Solar energy can reduce electricity bills and save homeowners and businesses money in the long run.

   
   

However, solar energy also has its limitations and disadvantages:

Disadvantages:

1. Solar panels can be expensive to install, which makes the initial investment high for homeowners and businesses.

2. Solar panels require a large amount of space to produce enough energy to meet the demands of most households.

3. Solar panels are dependent on sunlight, which means that they produce less energy on cloudy days or during the winter months.

4. The production of solar panels requires the use of rare earth minerals and other resources, which can have a negative impact on the environment.

5. The storage of excess energy generated by solar panels is still an issue, as battery technology has not advanced enough to store large amounts of energy.

   
   

Conclusion:

Solar energy is a promising alternative energy source that can help reduce the impact of climate change and provide a sustainable source of energy. While solar energy has its limitations and disadvantages, it is still a viable option for homeowners, businesses, and large-scale power plants. The continued investment in solar energy technology and research can improve its efficiency and address some of its limitations, making it a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy in the future.

References 

Mutiti, S., Mutiti, C., Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D. (2018). Introduction to environmental science (3rd ed.). Biological Science Open Textbooks. University System of Georgia. Chapter 4 – MUTITI_et_al_4_alternative_energy.docx

Clean Coal? Myth or Reality

 There is no such thing as "clean coal" as it is still a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, human health problems, and environmental degradation. The concept of clean coal is a myth propagated by the coal industry and politicians to justify continued reliance on fossil fuels. (“There is no such thing….”) Coal has been a primary source of energy for the world for many years, but its use has been heavily criticized for its negative impact on the environment. With increasing concerns over climate change and pollution, the idea of "clean coal" has been proposed as a solution to the environmental problems associated with coal use. However, the concept of clean coal is often debated, with many arguing that it is simply a myth. In this paper, we will examine the arguments for and against the existence of clean coal. Proponents of clean coal argue that it is possible to reduce the negative environmental impact of coal by using advanced technologies to capture and store carbon emissions. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants and storing them in underground geological formations. This technology is seen as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. Proponents also point to other advanced technologies, such as ultra-supercritical boilers and gasification, as ways to reduce emissions and make coal a cleaner source of energy.(Plumer, B., 2017) However, opponents of clean coal argue that the concept is simply a marketing term used by the coal industry to maintain its dominance in the energy market. They argue that the technologies used to capture and store carbon emissions are expensive, unproven, and not yet commercially viable. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, "clean coal" is a "dirty lie" and a "distraction from the real work that needs to be done to address climate change." (“There is no such thing…”)They argue that the focus should be on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, which do not emit carbon dioxide or other pollutants. One of the key issues with clean coal technology is the cost. According to a report from the International Energy Agency, the cost of CCS technology is currently around $100 per ton of carbon dioxide captured. This cost is significantly higher than the cost of producing electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar. In addition, the cost of building and operating CCS facilities is high, which makes it difficult for coal-fired power plants to compete with other sources of energy. Another issue with clean coal technology is the risk of carbon leakage. Carbon leakage occurs when emissions are reduced in one location, but increase in another location as a result. For example, if coal-fired power plants in the United States implement CCS technology, but other countries continue to use coal without CCS, then the overall reduction in global emissions may be minimal.(Mclaughlin,T.,n.d.)This is because the demand for coal may increase in other countries as a result of the reduced supply in the United States. Furthermore, even with the use of advanced technologies, coal still produces a range of pollutants that are harmful to human health and the environment. These include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. The use of coal also has a significant impact on water resources, as coal mining and processing require large amounts of water and can lead to water pollution. In conclusion, while there are technologies that can reduce the negative environmental impact of coal, the concept of clean coal is not a reality. (Mclaughlin,T.,n.d.) The cost of implementing these technologies is high, and the risk of carbon leakage remains a concern. In addition, even with the use of advanced technologies, coal still produces a range of harmful pollutants. The focus should instead be on transitioning to renewable energy sources that do not emit carbon dioxide or other pollutants. This will require significant investment and political will, but it is necessary if we are to address the urgent challenge of climate change.

Works Cited

Plumer, B. (2017, August 23). What ‘clean coal’ is—and isn’t. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/23/climate/what-clean-coal-is-and-isnt. 

There’s no such thing as clean coal. (n.d.). Popular Science. https://www.popsci.com/coal-power-plants-cpp/

Mclaughlin, T. (n.d.). Clean coal’s dirty secret: More pollution, not less. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-coal-pollution/

Activity 3.2.1 – Natural Resources Review

 

Energy resources can be associated with many things when you first hear it most tend to think of gas and oil, and it consists of both of those but one of the larger contributors is the sun.(Brian A. Jerome, 2007) energy resources can be separated into two categories, renewable and non-renewable. Renewable sources include solar power, biomass, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, and geothermal energy. These renewable sources are easier to replace, as they are mainly derived from what earth has a large abundance of that can be easily replaced. So the disadvantages to these renewable sources is that they can be expensive to build and to destroy, and if used incorrectly can cause even more pollution, then non-renewable sources do. Non-renewable sources include oil and coal and these sources disadvantages are that they create a large amount of air pollution, and contribute heavily to climate change. This is without mentioning that these sources once they are gone, will not be around for millions of years as coal is made up of decomposed animals and plants from millions of years ago. Once these sources have been depleted, we will never see them nor are these sources something that will progress us in the future.

Work cited

Brian A. Jerome, & Visual Learning Systems (Producers), & . (2007). Energy Resources. [Video/DVD] Visual Learning Systems. Retrieved from https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/energy-3 

Activity 3.1 – Human Population

• South Korea

• 5 births per 1000 people

• 6 deaths per 1000 people

• -0.1 %Population growth rate 

• Life expectancy for 80 males and 86 females

• 1990 :1.6  2020: 0.8 Fertility rate

• 43,480 (GNI)

  
  

  (Population Ref., 2021)

  
  

South Korea was one of the more developed countries I found. South Korea has a birth rate of 5 per thousand people (Population Ref., 2021). An interesting fact about Korea’s childbirth is that Korea reached 0.95% birth rate in 2019, which is the lowest among OECD countries (Childbirth in South Korea, 2022). The birth rate in South Korea is one of the lowest compared to other countries in East Asia and even to its neighboring county North Korea which is 14 per thousand people. The low birth rate can also be attributed to the lower fertility rate because in 1990 there was a fertility rate of 1.6, and as of 2020 the fertility rate drop down to 0.8 making South Korea the lowest fertility rate in the world. The death rate is 6 deaths per thousand people which is the second lowest in East Asia.The population growth rate though is at -0.1% this can be attributed to the births per thousand people being lower that the death rate. With their population growth rate being in the negative. It is one of the lowest population growth rate, especially compared to that of Afghanistan, which is 2.6. Granted the life expectancy of males in South Korea is 80 and the females live to an average of 86 years old which is one of the high life expectancies. With the average life expectancy in South Korea being 83 years it is one of the higher life expectancy’s, and also at least an extra 20 years compared to Afghanistan were the average 65 years old. Finally the Gross National Income in South Korea is 43,480.

• Afghanistan

• 32 births per 1000 people

• 6 Deaths per 1000 people 

• 2.6 Population growth rate 

• Life expectancy for 64 males and 67 females

• 1990 7.5 , 2020 4.3 Fertility rate 

• 2,110 (GNI)

  
  

  (Population Ref., 2021)

  
  

 Afghanistan is one of the least developed country I have found. As their Gross National Income is only 2,110, this one of the lowest GNI in South Asia and only is only about 5% of what South Koreans make. With a birth rate of 32 per thousand people there are a lot of mouths to feed and barely any money. With a death rate of 6 per thousand people Afghanistan is easily one of the more overpopulated countries for its size. An with an average of 2.6 in the population growth rate it will only get more crowded. Though the life expectancy for mean is 64 years and women 67 years they do not necessarily live as long of a life as those in South Korea. The large birthrate can be attributed to the fertility rate that in 1990 was 7.5, but has since 2020 drop down to 4.3 (Population Ref., 2021). Afghanistan versus South Korea even though they are both in Asia the differences could be more, but they do have one similarity and that is there death rate of 6 per thousand people that doesn’t seem like many but when you compare it to the amount of people being born it can very heavily impact a country no matter the size.

Works cited

Population Reference Bureau. (2021). 2021 world population data sheet. 2021-World-Pop Data-Sheet.pdf

Childbirth in South Korea. (2022, June 19). Wikipedia. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childbirth_in_South_Korea

Activity 2.3 – Biosphere and Interconnections

This concept map links the connection of energy and the forms that it undergoes and how it is controlled by the laws of thermodynamics.

This concept map depicts how biodiversity is intertwined with the needs and welfare of humans and the stability and integrity of our ecosystems, and how biodiversity can help progresses in the medical and food industries through the study of it.

This concept map shows the complexity of biomes, and what each one of them entitles.

Everything in our world connects to it it is a complex system of organisms, plants, and animals that all inevitably lead back to each other. For instance, bio diversity allows there to be a a large variety of life in the world, and within the habitats and ecosystems around us. Through biodiversity we are able to progress within medical field by studying the complexities of nature, as well as make revelations in the food industry. Biodiversity itself can be separated into utilitarian value, and Intrinsic value.(Freedman, 2018) Utilitarian value is the food, bio materials and energy that is created through biodiversity which inevitably comes back to humans. Energy in itself cannot be created nor destroyed. Therefore, it is a true constant. Energy has many different forms which undergo different processes, where it can become more concentrated or less concentrated, which then cycles back into the atmosphere as heat. (Freedman, 2018) 

Biomes are large habitats that are divided up into five major types. The five major types of biomes are aquatic, grassland, Forest, desert, and tundra. Biomes are characterized by the vegetation soil, climate and wildlife that are present in these ecosystems for example, aquatic biomes include freshwater and marine. (Freedman, 2018) Freshwater, being lakes, ponds and rivers; Marine being oceans, call reef, and estuaries. The forest biome contains much of the worlds biodiversity, therefore, biomes are a large collection of the variety of biodiversity that surrounds us. The most basic connection between biomes energy and bio diversity are that biome is the collection of different ecosystems, which contain biodiversity and biodiversity is the collection of different species of animals and plants and other organisms that surround us that contain energy which is constantly being recycled and reused by humanity, and the earth itself through heat. 

References 

Freedman, B. (2018). Environmental Science [Review of Environmental Science]. Environmental Science [Review of Environmental Science]. edge://external-file/FREEDMAN_Environmental-Science.pdf

Activity 2.2.1 – My daily water use

Water calculator name	Url	Per person per day usage
My San Antonio water bill	N/A	62 gallons
Home Water Works	https://home-water-works.org/calculator	35 gallons
Water Filter Portal	https://waterfilterportal.com/water-use-calculator/	107 gallons

Water usage per person per day from my bills

November Usage : 5,557

           +

December Usage : 5,237

           +

January Usage : 5,985

Total = 16,779 gallons in total

16,779 divided by 3 months = 5,593 gallons average a month

5,592 divided by number of people in the house 3 = 1,864 gallons per person per month

1,864 divided by 30 days = 62 gal per day per person

Reflection

I have found in my review of my water bill that my household uses the same average as others in my community. I have also seen the amount used per month pass the what I used for this project and saw that the months that we had a family member living with us the our water usage practically doubled from about 5,500 gallons to about 12,000 gallons. In my usage of the water usage calculations I realized the sheer amount we use everyday washing dishes and doing laundry; the sites also provide me with useful ways to reduce my water usage and plan to implement them in my everyday life from now on. Even though I plan to work towards reducing my water usage from my calculations from the past three months, we are actually below the average usage of water for people in San Antonio, Texas. What I have found though is that the water usage calculator seems to overestimate my water usage and are all over the place with their calculations depending on the site I used. Some ways I plan to lessen our water usage is by setting up a rainwater collection tank and having that water be specifically for watering plants, trees, and grass. Another way is looking into getting the low flow toilets, faucets, and looking into the more eco-friendly water, saving dishwashers and washing machines although I am simply just looking. I plan to also cut down on shower time and avoid baths as they are a large contributor to water usage waste.