According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions in the U.S. increased by about 7% between 1990 and 2013. In 2013 CO2 accounted for about 82% of all U.S. Greenhouse gas emissions from human activity”. Greenhouse gases are normal atmospheric gases (Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide, Water Vapor, Methane, Ozone, and Chlorofluorocarbons) that absorb and release radiation that then heats the Earth’s surfaces. “The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. is the combustion of fossil fuels”. The bulk of atmospheric carbon dioxide stems from the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas (Environmental Protection Agency). The emissions from these fossil fuels contribute to an overload of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leading most scientists to conclude that the Earth’s rising temperature can be attributed to human activities. As a result of the above mentioned findings there has been significant evidence of climate change. Climate change refers to the process by which the Earth’s core temperature begins to rise and a trend of climate related anomalies begin to occur (Environmental Protection Agency). Trends include surface temperature changes, heavy rains, changes in ocean current patterns, etc. The use of fossil fuels as an energy source will deplete …show more content…
"The amount of solar radiation striking the earth over a three-day period is equivalent to the energy stored in all fossil energy sources." (Alternative Energy). Furthermore, it represents an alternative energy source to the fossil fuels that currently pollute our air and water, threaten our public health, and contribute to global warming. Advancements in technology and low cost production of solar panels in the last decade have made solar power less expensive; it could become cheaper than conventional electricity in many parts of the