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Tuesday, March 16, 2010
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MNN.COM > Eco-Glossary

Energy

 
Energy is essential to life. Living creatures draw on energy flowing through the environment and convert it to forms they can use. Over time, many different sources of energy have been discovered, developed, used and in some cases, abused. Some energy sources, such as solar and wind (among others) are considered renewable, and therefore environmentally friendly, because they do not deplete the planet of valuable resources, nor do they contribute heavily to greenhouse gas emissions.
 
Other energy sources are cause for concern because they produce serious pollutants, specifically coal and petroleum (oil), which are both ubiquitous in the world of energy production. The burning of these, which produces power for electricity, emits CO2, NO3, ozone and other greenhouse gases that contribute directly to climate change. Scientists and researchers worldwide have worked for years to establish prevalence of cleaner, more renewable forms of energy in order to decrease human exacerbation of global warming and climate change.
 
Other important forms of energy include biomass, nuclear, natural gas, hydroelectric, geothermal and others. (Source: EIA / Photo: Flickr)

Recent Stories


Virginia governor signs offshore energy bills

Wed, Mar 10 2010 at 6:51 PM EST

The bills supporting offshore oil and gas exploration and directing royalties from drilling back to Virginia each hinge on actions by the federal government and Congress.


Oklahoma electric crews say bobcat caused outage

Wed, Mar 10 2010 at 5:04 PM EST

Crews find smoldering body atop utility pole.


Midweek links: Narrow streets, Lego fixes and poop power

Wed, Mar 10 2010 at 1:40 PM EST

Can New York City be fixed with Lego bricks? What would L.A. look like with narrow streets? And why is everyone getting excited about parking lots?


Obama aide urges listing of gas-drilling chemicals

Wed, Mar 10 2010 at 9:58 AM EST

Critics claim the chemicals used in fracturing, the process used to drill for shale gas reserves, have contaminated groundwater supplies.


Centuries-old shipwrecks discovered in Baltic Sea

Tue, Mar 09 2010 at 11:26 AM EST

The oldest wreck probably dates back to medieval times and could be up to 800 years old, while the others are likely from the 17th to 19th centuries.


Sarkozy urges global expansion of nuclear energy

Mon, Mar 08 2010 at 7:13 AM EST

French President Sarkozy urges global investors and the World Bank to help finance nuclear reactors in undeveloped and smaller countries that could not otherwise afford it.


Oil drilling likely restricted to protect bird

Sun, Mar 07 2010 at 7:08 PM EST

U.S. Interior Department will emphasize preserving the iconic sage grouse on lands where oil companies want to drill and wind companies want to put turbines.


Quick hits: Consuming consumers and all we consume

Thu, Mar 04 2010 at 5:07 PM EST

Can over-consumption actually save the planet? Are we finally on the downslope of the bottled water craze? And should Al Gore be talking about meat?


Katrina victims seek to sue greenhouse gas emitters

Thu, Mar 04 2010 at 1:47 AM EST

Class-action suit brought by Mississippi residents claims emissions from big companies fueled global warming and increased storm's ferocity.


Why Lindsey Graham believes in climate change

Wed, Mar 03 2010 at 4:38 AM EST

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham confesses why he has to push forward climate change legislation.


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