Most Americans – if not all of them – have undoubtedly felt the hardships and strains of relying of on fossil fuels in recent history. Steep oil prices and environmental concerns have become grand issues in the political and economic spectra of late and will certainly remain there until major strides are made.
Fossil fuels have powered our country since its industrial boom and have unquestionably helped us develop into the international power we are today. But, along with the beneficial aspects of fossil fuels, there are certainly dreadful consequences that go along. According to essortment.com, the burning of fossil fuels is the highest contributor to greenhouse gases – harmful gases that alter the natural state of our atmosphere, causing global climate change. Furthermore, scientists agree that we will run out of fossil fuels in the relatively near future. The exact date is questionable, as no one knows for sure the exact amount of oil still trapped underground or the rate at which it will be used. According to the Discovery Company’s website, howstuffworks, scientists have predicted dates that realistically calculate the peak of oil production – sometime between now and the middle of the 21st century. This suggests to me that we must begin to look for alternative sources of fuel, or else face grave consequences when oil supplies do become scarce.
One such alternative is algal biofuel. ExxonMobil and Synthetic Genomics Inc have also recognized the potential of algae and have partnered to make the concept of algae biofuel a reality. It seems ironic that one of the world’s largest oil companies would invest in a product that would lessen our dependence on oil. But in fact, they too realize the depletion of oil and the reliance we will soon have on alternative energies. ExxonMobil has devoted a branch of their website to some of the advantages and facts about algae biofuel. It suggests that algae can grow where no other plants thrive, it requires photosynthesis (which consumes Carbon dioxide), and is more efficient – acre per acre – than all other biofuels, along with many more benefits.
It is clear that alternative energy is a necessity for the future. We just have to find a happy medium. That is, we have to find a balance between cost, supply, and effects. I believe algal power will be a key player in this compromise and plan on investigating further its benefits and disadvantages.
