Source 1: âEnergy Sourcesâ
Important Ideas,
Details, and Evidence
Idea 1: Because our supply of conventional energy sources is limited, scientists and environmentalists are looking for renewable energy sources.
Notes
âcoal and oil are examples of fossil fuels,â which are nonrenewable and therefore limited in supply
It takes âmillions of yearsâ for fossil fuels to form.
âone day we will run out ofâ fossil fuels
renewable energy sources: sources that can be âreplenishedâ
Idea 2: There are many types of renewable energy sources.
Notes
Wind energy can be stored for later use.
Solar energy âharnessed using solar panelsâ can be used to generate electricity.
Geothermal energy comes from the heat in Earth.
Water from a dam or river goes through a turbine to create hydroelectric energy, which âactivates a generator to produce electricity.â
Conclusion
Based on ideas and information from the text, we should replace conventional energy sources with renewable energy sources because we will eventually run out of conventional sources of energy, such as oil and coal.
Source 2: âAlternative Energy Sourcesâ
Important Ideas,
Details, and Evidence
Idea 1: In contrast to conventional sources of energy, which are limited, alternative energy sources can be created over and over again.
Notes
Conventional energy sources, such as coal and oil, âare available in limited quantities and will run out eventually.â
Examples of alternative energy sources include âsolar energy, wind power, hydroelectric energy, biomass or the energy from plants, and geothermal energy.â
Idea 2: Although it may be expensive and time consuming to switch from conventional to alternative sources, there are many good reasons to use alternative sources.
Notes
Alternative energy sources are better than conventional ones because they âdo not cause pollutionâŚlike coal and oil,â which ârelease harmful gases.
Idea 3: Denmark shows how a country can successfully switch from using conventional energy sources to mostly using alternative sources.
Notes
âIn the 1970s, Denmark imported oil to generate 92 percent of the energy it needed.â
Today, Denmark uses wind farms to generate 50 percent of its energy.
ââŚthis country has shown that it doesnât cost a ton to use available natural sources of energy.â
Denmark uses ârenewable energy sources to produce over 40 percent of the electricity it consumes.â
Denmarkâs goal is to stop using fossil fuels by the year 2050.
Conclusion
Based on ideas and information from the text, we should stop using fossil fuels and start using renewable forms of energy for several reasons. For one, fossil fuels are limited and will run out, while alternative energy sources are renewable. Additionally, alternative energy sources donât cause pollution the way conventional ones do. Finally, Denmark has shown that it is possible to get a majority of energy from renewable sources at a relatively low cost.
explantation: plato