Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Why Use
Water Power?
When you look at a map of the world,
one image leaps out. The land on Earth
is surrounded by water. Within the land
are lakes, rivers, and streams. All together,
about 70 percent of Earth's surface is covered with
water. This huge supply is one reason why some people think
water makes a great source of power. Most of the fuels used to
generate electricity today—fossil fuels—have a limited supply.
Coal is the most common fuel used. Experts think the known
reserves of coal will run out in about 130 years. Natural gas
and oil are also important energy sources used to generate
electricity. The known reserves of these fuels will run out even
sooner. Water is all around us, and it will never disappear.
Fighting Global Warming
Coal and other fossil fuels have another problem. They add to
pollution in the air and water. Burning them is also thought to
increase global warming. Scientists know that the temperature
of Earth's atmosphere, land, and seas is slowly rising. If the
warming continues, the planet may face many dangers.
For example, global warming is causing the disappearance of
glaciers found on some mountains. When these glaciers melt,
they provide water for people who live nearby. If the glaciers
disappear, that water supply will be gone. In the Arctic, melting
ice has already affected polar bears. The bears spend much
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