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Pros And Cons Of Corn To Replace Fossil Fuels

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In recent years, the debate over whether or not ethanol could feasibly replace fossil fuels has emerged. However, with the current technology, I do not think that it is reasonable to believe that converting corn to ethanol could replace the use of fossil fuels in the world. During the past seven years, most cars in the United States can only run on ten to fifteen percent ethanol, and that ethanol is not as efficient as the eighty-five to ninety percent gasoline mixture that is used (Sojka, 2011). Corn is the best producer of ethanol among crops commonly considered to produce the biofuel, with a theoretical yield of around 124 gallons of ethanol produced per dry ton of corn (US Dept. of Energy, 2016). There are impacts for the nation and for the world, if ethanol was to replace fossil fuels as gasoline. In the United States, many jobs would be lost in the oil, coal, and gas industries. Although some of these could be gained in agriculture and the conversion of corn and other crops to fuels. Globally, there could actually be a food shortage. Even if all the United States corn and soybean crop went to the production of ethanol, that would only cover 18 percent of the global need for fuels …show more content…

One pro of ethanol it that it is sustainable; we can be nearly certain that the corn will continue to grow back and we will have a continued energy source. Another pro is that ethanol releases less greenhouse gas into the atmosphere as compared to fossil fuels (Hill et al., 2006). The cons of ethanol as compared to fossil fuels are also to be considered. As previously stated it could cause a food shortage that would affect a great number of the world’s population. Another con is that ethanol has a lower net energy yield as compared to fossil fuels; that is, by the time the corn is grown and converted to fuel, so much energy has been used in the process that only 25 percent is gained back (Hill et al.,

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Like alot of other genetically modified crops, the introduction of bt corn sparked a ton of very negative consequences. Bt corn particularly creates lots of genetic pollution. However Bt corn can protect itself, it can also reproduce more often and more quickly. By corn has been engineered to to fend off pest, it can also be engineered to have more vitamins, minerals, and anti cancer substances. Bt corn doesn't need or insecticides nor does it benefit from them, because the insecticide, is actually engineers into the corn itself.

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Why is genetically modified corn better than regular grown corn? People will have different opinions because people have different ways of looking at this topic. Genetically modified corn is changed and non genetically modified corn is not. I love talking about the genetics of corn so I’m going to share a little about it with you today.

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Fossil fuels are the predominant energy source in the modern world, mainly consisting of coal, natural gas and oil. Its extensive use can be attributed to the affordability and reliability of fossil fuels, with these factors preventing renewable energy sources like wind and solar power from surpassing its usage, and in the example of Australia, “around 86% of … electricity is generated from [fossil fuels], with renewable energy sources [making] up the remaining 14%” (Origin Energy, 2015). However, fossil fuels are not without disadvantages, which include its detrimental impact to the environment through the emission of greenhouse gases, as well as its eventual exhaustion in the near future. With the world’s population growing and the supply

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It's an alternative to fossil fuels, so the consumption of fuels such as coal or oil is reduced. This reduction of coal and oil consumption benefits the situation of global warming and global climate change. Less use of fossil fuels means lowering greenhouse gas emissions (Co2and others).   By reducing the consumption of fossil fuels we also improve the quality of the air affecting the disease and quality of

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Fossil-fuel power plants are indeed proven effective when comes to generating power. But this should not be the only basis since the hazards of these plants should also be considered. Coal power plants produce a large amount of carbon emissions greatly contributing to the climate change and it pollutes the environment also in a form of acid rain (14 Far-Reaching Advantages and Disadvantages of Coal, 2015). Burning coal produces sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide which are combined to create fine particulate matter. Fine particulate matter affects the lungs if inhaled causing unrepairable damage.

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For many years, humans have changed their surroundings and neighboring organisms that suit their needs. This took place when humans planted seeds into the earth to grow their own food, and continued to happen when humans reached out to provide food and shelter to other humans in exchange for labor and sustenance. When early agriculture proved successful, the best and strongest animals and crops were chosen for the next generation. This was the dawn of genetic modification. Many argue that the U.S. should not continue to produce and sell Genetically Modified foods, but in order to feed and accommodate the mass population of the U.S., we need to do a better job at using the nutrients, water, and energy needed to produce food (Messer 1), and we would not be able to do this without using GM foods.

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