Oce 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Oce 1 - Essay Example Economically, fossil fuels have become expensive to the extent that it influences greatly the prices of other commodities. To help address the issue, world leaders have been advocating for measures aimed at limiting the use of fossil fuels as a source of energy. This was evident when world leaders with the exception of the U.S. gathered in Kyoto in 2005 in an attempt to come up with an amicable solution to the problem (Krà ¼ger 5). This led to the signing of the Kyoto protocol, which advocated for the use of renewable sources of energy as opposed to fossil fuels. Despite the U.S. not being among the countries that took part in the signing of the Kyoto Protocol, it is finding unwise to rely much on fossil fuels as its main source of energy (Krà ¼ger 8). This is because it is creating economic hardships, as well as environment problems that make the U.S. venerable to many natural calamities such as droughts and extreme flooding among others. As a result, Krà ¼ger notes that the government has recognized the need to increase funding for harnessing alternative sources of energy (8). In this regard, the government is finding it viable to invest more on renewable sources of energy that scientists argue, are more efficient and environmental friendly. This paper will discuss the need for the government of the United States to provide assistance in the harnessing of solar and wind power. Most Americans and scientists agree that in order to fight global warming and achieve energy independence, the U.S. has to avoid the use of fossil fuel and adopt the use of other renewable sources of energy that are efficient and cost effective. These include solar energy, wind power, hydroelectric power, and biomass. Reports show that overreliance on fossil fuels is becoming a big threat to the U.S. economy and the environment (Winkler par.2). The impacts of fossil fuels use on the environment include the