Dangers of Vaccines

Life as we know it in America is changing as we confront a real danger of unstable

sources of energy and escalating evidence of environmental damages. As the demand for

energy increases we may reach a point of no return. Difficult choices must be made to

ensure a sustainable future. There is no time to waste. In the National Issues Forum

booklet, The Energy Problem: Choices for an Uncertain Future, the energy problem is

addressed with a look at different approaches to a alternative fuel solution.

Within the introduction titled "Facing the Tough Choices" some real dilemmas are

addressed. America is addicted to energy. As a nation America consumes more than

20% of the overall world energy while only accounting for 4.5% of the earths population.

America's energy demands are far beyond that of any other developing nation and are

increasing at a staggering rate. Fossil fuels are depleting at an alarming rate and will

continue to do so. Our consumer based economy and way of life rely heavily on

affordable, readily available energy. The price of oil has a direct effect on the daily lives

of most Americans. Relying on foreign sources for oil, especially in the Middle East

causes instability to the supply and cost. We must base our international relationships on

our dependency on other nations resources and this can be very dangerous. Wars are

fought and blood is shed over these needs. Environmental problems are also a large

concern when dealing with the energy problem faced today. Americas reliance on fossil

fuels has caused a great deal of global warming. The developing world cannot continue

to sustain its energy demands using fossil fuels. Fossil fuels have a horrifically negative

effect on air quality as well as our water, land and other aspects of the environment. The

warmest days ever recorded have occurred in the past decade. It is predicted by scientists

that the earths temperature will rise between two and ten degrees Fahrenheit between now

and the middle of the century. It was predicted by the Department of Energy that

worldwide emissions of carbon dioxide will rise by 60% in the next 20 years. This is

mainly due to the estimated increase of the use of oil, coal and natural gas. If the forecast

is right , we may be passing the point where we can avoid immense climate change, rise of

sea levels, flooding, severe storms and widespread disease all of which are associated with

global warming. If human beings do not step up to face this energy issue with immediate

urgency, and carbon emissions continue to increase , climate change will be absolutely

irreversible, creating perhaps more refugees than every war in history combined

We could see conditions like those of the times during mass extinctions. Earth could be

transformed into an world unimaginable to the one we know today.

Alternative sources of energy are also called "renewable". They differ greatly from

fossil fuels because they are not limited and can constantly be replenished. These are the

first alternative energy sources discussed in the NIF booklet. Wind, water, the sun, the

heat of the earth and biological sources make up these renewable resources. Wind

turbines nationally already produce energy to serve 1.6 million households. The sun can

be used heat water and also houses through solar electric panels. Rivers can also be used

to convert electricity. The world famous Hoover Dam generates electric power to 1.3

million Americans. Hydrogen fuel cells are on the promising edge of technology today.

These can be used for transportation and produce only electricity, water and heat.

Nuclear energy is another alternative energy source discussed. This energy is

being transformed through the use of coal , which is not a clean energy source but while

used this way does not produce emissions. Nuclear energy is abundant and inexpensive.

Currently, nuclear power accounts for 20% of the United States' electricity production.

Surprisingly, nuclear power plants have had the fewest accidental deaths in comparison to

oil and hydroelectric plants.

The third approach disused in the NIF booklet pertains to reducing our demand for

energy. While on the path to finding new ways of generating energy we must begin to

conserve the energy we are already using. Americas consumer based life takes a great

deal of energy. People all around the globe need to