Industrial Revolution Research Paper

During the Industrial Revolution, coal mining expanded significantly, which led to coal being a primary source of energy. Even as coal industries flourished and the economy boomed, coal mining had significant problems such as health and safety, and corruption. This led to people searching for other sources of energy. Nicholas Wood, a leader in coal mine engineering and safety, inspired many changes in the coal industry. After he researched alternatives to coal, people explored new ways to obtain energy without the negative impacts coal had. Scientist Amory Lovins further developed the solar cell and contributed to renewable energies today. The significant change of shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energies as a result of the health and

For years scientists looked for alternative forms of energy to coal. In 1883, the first solar cell was created which allowed light energy to be directly converted into electricity. This first solar cell was less than 1% efficient, so coal remained a primary source of energy. Despite being inefficient, the invention of the solar cell was a turning point in history. People continued to research new sources of energy and eventually, renewable energy, wind, hydro and solar all became affordable options. During the 20th century through today, scientist “Amory Lovins has been a leading proponent of a renewable power revolution that would wean the U.S. off fossil fuels and usher in an era of energy independence”(Montaigne). Just as Nicholas Wood progressed the development of coal mining, Lovins continues to develop new ideas and plans regarding solar energy. As the use of solar energy becomes increasingly popular throughout the world, there are both positive and negative

In the last decade, there has been a significant push to go solar. For example, an increased number of people have invested in solar panels and companies have speculated in other renewables, such as wind turbines. An example of this is “Solarize Needham”, a partnership between citizens, the town, and a private enterprise to increase awareness about and use of solar energy. “Solarize Needham” resulted in many community members purchasing solar panels for their homes. The town of Needham now has a solar array covering what was once an old landfill. There are 11,780 solar panels covering more than 12 acres of land. The array generates power equal to “100% of the annual electricity consumed at Needham High School, Pollard Middle School and Newman Elementary School, the town’s three largest buildings”(Town of Needham Solar Array). As communities continue to encourage more renewable energy uses, the dependence on coal will