Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Our Hunger for Energy
Most people have heard of the cult TV series Star Trek . Thanks to this programme,
we know that in the not-too-distant future man will start exploring the infi nite
expanses of the universe. The energy issue will have been resolved long before
then. The Warp drive discovered in 2063 provides unlimited energy that Captain
Kirk uses to steer the starship Enterprise at speeds faster than light to new
adventures. Energy is available in overabundance; peace and prosperity rule on
earth and environmental problems are a thing of the past. But even this type of
energy supply is not totally without its risks. A warp core breach can cause as
much damage as a core meltdown in an ancient nuclear power station. Warp
plasma itself is not a totally safe material, as the regular viewers of Star Trek very
well know.
Unfortunately - or sometimes fortunately - most science fi ction is far removed from
the real world. From our perspective the discovery of a warp drive seems highly
unlikely, even if dyed - in - the - wool Star Trek fans would like to think otherwise. We
are currently not even close to mastering comparatively simple nuclear fusion.
Consequently, we must rely on known technology, whatever its drawbacks, to solve
our energy problems.
In reality, energy use has always had a noticeable impact on the environment.
Looking back today, it is obvious that burning wood was less than ideal and that
the harmful noxious fumes created by such fi res considerably reduced the life
expectancy of our ancestors. A fast-growing world population, increasing prosperity
and the hunger for fuel that has developed as a consequence have led to a rapid
rise in the need for energy. Although the resulting environmental problems may
only have affected certain regions, the effects of our hunger for energy can now
be felt around the world. Overconsumption of energy is the main trigger for the
global warming that is now threatening to cause devastation in many areas of the
world. However, resignation and fear are the wrong responses to this ever-growing
problem. There are alternative energy sources to be tapped. It is possible to develop
a long-term safe and affordable energy supply that will have only a minimal and
 
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