Clean Air, Green Earth: An Arsenal of Tech to Protect Our Planet

CLEAN AIR AN ARSENAL OF TECH TO PROTECT OUR PLANET GREEN POWERING THE WORLD THE NOT-SO-GREAT AND JUST PLAIN BAD: Non-Renewable and Environmentally-Detrimental Energy Carbon dioxide Sulfur dioxide emissions Nitrogen oxide emissions Mercury pollution emissions Acid rain COAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Electricity is generated from a steam turbine which is heated by burning coal. 39% of the United States is powered by coal. Carbon dioxide Carbon monoxide Sulfur dioxide Nitrogen oxide emissions emissions emissions NATURAL GAS emissions ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Using natural gas produces about 30% fewer pollutants than coal. Using steam or gas turbines, electricity is generated by burning natural gas. of the United States is 27% powered by natural gas. of the United States 19% is powered by nuclear. NUCLEAR ENVIRONMENTAL Nuclear fission of IMPACTS uranium atoms creates Pollutant emissions and radiation from a heat, which produces steam that is used to drive turbine generators and produces electricity. nuclear power plant are typically minimal; instead, it impacts the environment in other ways. Risk of plant melt-down Radioactive waste remains Risk of radioactive waste dangerous for up to 240,000 environment contamination years THERE ARE BETTER WAYS: Renewable and Clean Energy Hydroelectric power is a clean energy source when done correctly. Dams, which block rivers and flood habitats can destroy ecosystems, endanger species, and decompose plant life producing greenhouse gases. HYDROPOWER Electricity-generating turbines are rotated using the kinetic energy of a flowing river. of the United States is 6.8% powered by hydropower. WIND POWER Using massive turbines, electrical power is generated from the air flow of the wind. of the United States is 4.4% powered by wind. SOLAR POWER Converts sunlight into electricity through the photoelectric effect of solar cells. 0.4% of the United States is powered by solar energy. 44 of the United States is 0.4% powered by GEOTHERMAL ENERGY Electricity is generated using steam from naturally occurring hydrothermal convection springs deep beneath the Earth's crust. geothermal energy. Geothermal wells release greenhouse gases from deep underground, but these are at much lower levels than non-renewable energy sources. TRANSPORTATION Hydrocarbon emissions POLLUTION ON WHEELS: The Vehicles of Yesterday Particulate matter emissions Carbon monoxide emissions Nitrogen oxide emissions THE CAR Vehicles produce 30% of all air pollution in the United States Sulfur dioxide emissions Internal combustion engines are run by burning gasoline as fuel. Carbon dioxide emissions A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR OUR HIGHWAYS: The Vehicles of Today and the Great Promise for Tomorrow FUEL EFFICIENT BIOFUEL Gasoline vehicles that require less fuel to operate than previous generations of cars. Vehicles fueled by organic matter, including corn, algae, and soybeans. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT: Vehicles that need less fuel to drive will naturally create less pollutants. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT: The use of biofuel can reduce emissions by up to 80% HYBRID ELECTRIC Vehicles that run entirely on electricity. Hybrid vehicles run on two or more distinct power sources; typically gasoline and electricity. ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT: Conserves fuel and reduces BENEFIT: When the electricity comes pollutants by up to from clean and renewable %06. sources, electric vehicles produce zero emissions. HYDROGEN FUEL CELL Sources: www.worldenergy.org| www.greenpeace.org|| www.energystar.gov| www.world-nuclear.org|| www.eesi.org | www.ucsusa.org| www.epa.gov | www.eia.gov| An electric vehicle powered by a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen within the on-board fuel cells. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT: Although the process to create the hydrogen fuel can produce emissions, the vehicles themselves produce zero emissions. Water and heat are the only by-products. www.energy.gov| www.driveclean.ca.gov| www.wikipedia.org | www.americanrivers.org TAKING SMALL STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Easy Ways You Can Make a Difference Reduce your carbon footprint by using energy efficient appliances and programmable thermostats. Look for the Energy Star label! Not a technology person? You can still do your part by recycling, composting, and planting trees. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with an energy efficient alternative. Compact fluorescent light bulbs use 1/3 the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs do, while LED light bulbs use only 1/4, if not less. Protect the Planet PROTECT OUR FUTURE CONSUMERPROTECT.COM EARTH: