ENERGY SOURCES

Energy is everywhere. All life depends on it. The Earth and our solar system get most of their energy from The Sun. Without The Sun, life on Earth would not exist. The Sun shines on plants, giving them the energy they need to grow and thrive. Animals eat plants, which gives them energy, too.

Energy comes from nature. The Sun, the wind, water, fire, and lightning are all sources of energy. In most parts of the world, the sources of energy were used are fossil fuels such as coal and oil which are called non-renewable energy. The energy from fossil fuels gives us most of the electricity that lights and heats our houses. Oil also gives us the gasoline that runs our cars. Unfortunately, the burning of fossil fuels pollutes the air.

Scientists are working to develop new ways of providing energy without harming the Earth. Through advances in research into alternative, renewable energy, the world is slowly changing from using fossil fuels to using wind power, water power, and solar energy. Windmills are used to capture wind power. Dams help to harness energy from water. Solar panels collect energy from The Sun’s rays and store it for future use.

Almost everything we do requires some sort of energy.  It’s important to understand where our energy comes from, how it is produced, and what effect each type has on our environment.  As technology improves, we can balance the use of non-renewable fossil fuels with renewable energy for a healthier planet.