1. Developing alternative sources and uses of energy. Why do we need alternative fuels or sources of energy?

2. First we need to discuss fossil fuels. (Background) What are fossil fuels? Most fossil fuels are formed from the remains of long-dead creatures and plants. Buried over the course of hundreds of millions of years, these carbon-based deposits have been converted by heat and pressure over time into such combustible substances as crude oil, coal, natural gas, oil shales and tar sands. A smaller portion of fossil fuels is the handful of other naturally occurring substances that contain carbon but do not come from organic sources. What are fossil fuels? Most fossil fuels are formed from the remains of long-dead creatures and plants. Buried over the course of hundreds of millions of years, these carbon-based deposits have been converted by heat and pressure over time into such combustible substances as crude oil, coal, natural gas, oil shales and tar sands. A smaller portion of fossil fuels is the handful of other naturally occurring substances that contain carbon but do not come from organic sources.

3. Why can’t we make more FF? To make more fossil fuels would require both the creation of new topsoil filled with hydrocarbons, and time-lots of time. To make more fossil fuels would require both the creation of new topsoil filled with hydrocarbons, and time-lots of time. At current consumption rates, the reserves of oil and coal and other fossil fuels won't last hundreds of years, let alone hundreds of millions of years. At current consumption rates, the reserves of oil and coal and other fossil fuels won't last hundreds of years, let alone hundreds of millions of years. As for creating more, experts have pointed out that it can take close to five centuries to replace a single inch of topsoil as plants decay and rocks weather. As for creating more, experts have pointed out that it can take close to five centuries to replace a single inch of topsoil as plants decay and rocks weather.

4. The Advantages of Fossil Fuels in Energy Production There are many reasons why the world became dependent on fossil fuels, and continues to rely on them. For example, it has so far been relatively cost-effective in the short run to burn fossil fuels to generate electricity at strategic centralized parts of the grid and to deliver the electricity in bulk to nearby substations; these in turn deliver electricity directly to consumers. These big power plants burn gas or, less efficiently, coal. There are many reasons why the world became dependent on fossil fuels, and continues to rely on them. For example, it has so far been relatively cost-effective in the short run to burn fossil fuels to generate electricity at strategic centralized parts of the grid and to deliver the electricity in bulk to nearby substations; these in turn deliver electricity directly to consumers. These big power plants burn gas or, less efficiently, coal.

5. Cheap & Easy Thus far, fossil fuels have been abundant and easily procured. Petroleum reserves worldwide are estimated at somewhere between 1 and 3.5 trillion barrels. Thus far, fossil fuels have been abundant and easily procured. Petroleum reserves worldwide are estimated at somewhere between 1 and 3.5 trillion barrels. Perhaps the simplest reason why the world continues to depend on fossil fuels is that to do anything else requires change: physical, economical, and-perhaps the most difficult- psychological. The basic technology for extracting and burning fossil fuels is already in place, not only in the large power plants but at the consumer level, too. Perhaps the simplest reason why the world continues to depend on fossil fuels is that to do anything else requires change: physical, economical, and-perhaps the most difficult- psychological. The basic technology for extracting and burning fossil fuels is already in place, not only in the large power plants but at the consumer level, too. Coal, furthermore, is relatively cheap Coal, furthermore, is relatively cheap

6. So-Why Do We Need Alternatives? If nothing else, most people could come up with the first and most obvious reason: fossil fuels are not, for all practical purposes, renewable. At current rates, the world uses fossil fuels 100,000 times faster than they can form. The demand for them will far outstrip their availability in a matter of centuries-or less. If nothing else, most people could come up with the first and most obvious reason: fossil fuels are not, for all practical purposes, renewable. At current rates, the world uses fossil fuels 100,000 times faster than they can form. The demand for them will far outstrip their availability in a matter of centuries-or less.

7. Look to the Future Although technology has made extracting fossil fuels easier and more cost effective in some cases than ever before, such is not always the case. As we deplete the more easily accessible oil reserves, new ones must be found and tapped into. This means locating oil rigs much farther offshore or in less accessible regions; burrowing deeper and deeper into the earth to reach coal seams or scraping off ever more layers of precious topsoil; and entering into uncertain agreements with countries and cartels with whom it may not be in our best political interests to forge such commitments. Although technology has made extracting fossil fuels easier and more cost effective in some cases than ever before, such is not always the case. As we deplete the more easily accessible oil reserves, new ones must be found and tapped into. This means locating oil rigs much farther offshore or in less accessible regions; burrowing deeper and deeper into the earth to reach coal seams or scraping off ever more layers of precious topsoil; and entering into uncertain agreements with countries and cartels with whom it may not be in our best political interests to forge such commitments.

8. The Downside of FF There are human and environmental costs involved in the reliance on fossil fuels. Drilling for oil, tunneling into coalmines, transporting volatile liquids and explosive gases-all these can and have led to tragic accidents resulting in the destruction of acres of ocean, shoreline and land, killing humans as well as wildlife and plant life. There are human and environmental costs involved in the reliance on fossil fuels. Drilling for oil, tunneling into coalmines, transporting volatile liquids and explosive gases-all these can and have led to tragic accidents resulting in the destruction of acres of ocean, shoreline and land, killing humans as well as wildlife and plant life.

9. Downside cont Even when properly extracted and handled, fossil fuels take a toll on the atmosphere, as the combustion processes release many pollutants, including sulfur dioxide-a major component in acid rain. When another common emission, carbon dioxide, is released into the atmosphere, it contributes to the "greenhouse effect," in which the atmosphere captures and reflects back the energy radiating from the earth's surface rather than allowing it to escape back into space. Even when properly extracted and handled, fossil fuels take a toll on the atmosphere, as the combustion processes release many pollutants, including sulfur dioxide-a major component in acid rain. When another common emission, carbon dioxide, is released into the atmosphere, it contributes to the "greenhouse effect," in which the atmosphere captures and reflects back the energy radiating from the earth's surface rather than allowing it to escape back into space.

10. Some Obvious Downsides Scientists agree that this has led to global warming, an incremental rise in average temperatures beyond those that could be predicted from patterns of the past. This affects everything from weather patterns to the stability of the polar ice caps. Scientists agree that this has led to global warming, an incremental rise in average temperatures beyond those that could be predicted from patterns of the past. This affects everything from weather patterns to the stability of the polar ice caps.

11. Actions Previously Taken 58/210. Promotion of new and renewable sources of energy, 58/210. Promotion of new and renewable sources of energy, including the implementation of the World Solar Programme 1996- 2005 including the implementation of the World Solar Programme 1996- 2005

12. Actions/Res 58/210 Recalling also the recommendations and conclusions contained in the Plan of Recalling also the recommendations and conclusions contained in the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (“Johannesburg Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (“Johannesburg Plan of Implementation”)1 concerning energy for sustainable development, Plan of Implementation”)1 concerning energy for sustainable development, Welcoming initiatives that aim to improve access to reliable, affordable, Welcoming initiatives that aim to improve access to reliable, affordable, economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally sound energy services economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally sound energy services for sustainable development in order to contribute to the achievement of the for sustainable development in order to contribute to the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including those set out in the United internationally agreed development goals, including those set out in the United Nations Millennium Declaration,2 Nations Millennium Declaration,2 Emphasizing that the World Solar Programme 1996-2005 is aimed at Emphasizing that the World Solar Programme 1996-2005 is aimed at encompassing all forms of new and renewable energy, including solar, thermal, encompassing all forms of new and renewable energy, including solar, thermal, photovoltaic, biomass, wind, hydro, tidal, ocean and geothermal forms, photovoltaic, biomass, wind, hydro, tidal, ocean and geothermal forms,

13. A/Res/S-9/2 The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development was a landmark event. At that Conference, we launched a new global partnership for sustainable development - a partnership that respects the indivisibility of environmental protection and the development process. It is founded on a global consensus and political commitment at the highest level. Agenda 21, 1/ adopted at Rio de Janeiro, addresses the pressing environment and development problems of today and also aims at preparing the world for the challenges of the next century in order to attain the long-term goals of sustainable development. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development was a landmark event. At that Conference, we launched a new global partnership for sustainable development - a partnership that respects the indivisibility of environmental protection and the development process. It is founded on a global consensus and political commitment at the highest level. Agenda 21, 1/ adopted at Rio de Janeiro, addresses the pressing environment and development problems of today and also aims at preparing the world for the challenges of the next century in order to attain the long-term goals of sustainable development.

14. Current Events Renewable energy tour, Nov. 13 Renewable energy tour, Nov. 13 Renewable energy tour, Nov. 13 Renewable energy tour, Nov. 13 Oct 30, 2009 (2 hours ago) Oct 30, 2009 (2 hours ago) A news release issued by Wisconsin Farmers Union: Chippewa Falls, Wis. (October 30, 2009) – The Wisconsin Farmers Union and other Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign partners will host a bus tour on Nov. 13 to highlight the benefits of four homegrown renewable energy policies promoted by the campaign and the opportunities for clean energy jobs in Wisconsin. The four signature partners of the activities are Wisconsin Farmers Union, the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, Clean Wisconsin and RENEW Wisconsin. The Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, and Office of Energy Independence are co-sponsors of the event. The bus tour will begin at 9 a.m. at the Montfort Wind Farm, 254 Highway 18, Montfort, Wis. The wind farm is an example of one way to reduce carbon emissions and emphasizes the campaign's advocacy for a Low-Carbon Fuel Standard. A LCFS calls for a reduction in carbon emissions from transportation fuels, based on the carbon content of all fuels, and the transformation of the market. The Fuels for Schools and Communities Program and the Biomass Crop Reserve Program will be addressed at the second stop on the tour – at the Meister Cheese Plant.. A news release issued by Wisconsin Farmers Union: Chippewa Falls, Wis. (October 30, 2009) – The Wisconsin Farmers Union and other Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign partners will host a bus tour on Nov. 13 to highlight the benefits of four homegrown renewable energy policies promoted by the campaign and the opportunities for clean energy jobs in Wisconsin. The four signature partners of the activities are Wisconsin Farmers Union, the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, Clean Wisconsin and RENEW Wisconsin. The Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, and Office of Energy Independence are co-sponsors of the event. The bus tour will begin at 9 a.m. at the Montfort Wind Farm, 254 Highway 18, Montfort, Wis. The wind farm is an example of one way to reduce carbon emissions and emphasizes the campaign's advocacy for a Low-Carbon Fuel Standard. A LCFS calls for a reduction in carbon emissions from transportation fuels, based on the carbon content of all fuels, and the transformation of the market. The Fuels for Schools and Communities Program and the Biomass Crop Reserve Program will be addressed at the second stop on the tour – at the Meister Cheese Plant..

15. More News Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles Could Power Your Home Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles Could Power Your Home Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles Could Power Your Home Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles Could Power Your Home Oct 30, 2009 (2 hours ago) Oct 30, 2009 (2 hours ago) Today the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) require an overnight charge back at your home. But scientists at Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) have found a way to use these PHEVs as large mobile batteries that can be integrated and used in powering your home. Today the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) require an overnight charge back at your home. But scientists at Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) have found a way to use these PHEVs as large mobile batteries that can be integrated and used in powering your home.

16. Even MORE News Indian Biofuel Industry to Grow Strongly Indian Biofuel Industry to Grow Strongly Indian Biofuel Industry to Grow Strongly Indian Biofuel Industry to Grow Strongly Oct 30, 2009 (5 hours ago) Oct 30, 2009 (5 hours ago) As per a recent research report "Emerging Biofuel Market in India" by RNCOS, on the back of various initiatives by the Indian government and growing concern of energy security, biofuel industry in India is expected to grow strongly As per a recent research report "Emerging Biofuel Market in India" by RNCOS, on the back of various initiatives by the Indian government and growing concern of energy security, biofuel industry in India is expected to grow strongly

17. Change in Attitude (suggestions for a solution) The reality is that except for altering our ways of thinking, there will not be one major change but a great many smaller ones. A comprehensive and successful energy plan will necessarily include these things: The reality is that except for altering our ways of thinking, there will not be one major change but a great many smaller ones. A comprehensive and successful energy plan will necessarily include these things:

18. Change in Power Grid Supplementing the energy produced at existing power plants with alternative energy means, and converting some of those plants to operate on different "feedstock" (fuels) Supplementing the energy produced at existing power plants with alternative energy means, and converting some of those plants to operate on different "feedstock" (fuels) Shifting away from complete reliance on a few concentrated energy production facilities to adding many new and alternative sources, some feeding into the existing "grid" and some of supplying local or even individual needs Shifting away from complete reliance on a few concentrated energy production facilities to adding many new and alternative sources, some feeding into the existing "grid" and some of supplying local or even individual needs

19. Availability/Consumption Providing practical, economical and convenient ways for consumers- residences, commercial users, everyone-to adapt and adopt new technologies to provide for some or all of their own energy needs Providing practical, economical and convenient ways for consumers- residences, commercial users, everyone-to adapt and adopt new technologies to provide for some or all of their own energy needs Learning ways in which we can use less energy now ("reduce, reuse, recycle"), using advances in technology as well as simple changes in human behavior to reduce consumption without requiring people to make major compromises or sacrifices Learning ways in which we can use less energy now ("reduce, reuse, recycle"), using advances in technology as well as simple changes in human behavior to reduce consumption without requiring people to make major compromises or sacrifices

20. Algae Algae is one of the alternative energy sources which has been developing very rapidly. Many strains of algae are very high in oil content, making them ideal for biodiesel. Colonies of this substance can be replaced every single day, because of the rapid growth. This could lead to large amounts of energy being produced to meet the global power demands. This feedstock does not require fertile land or food crops, so there is no worries about food shortages or rising prices. Biofuels and alternative energy sources can replace fossil fuel and end the dependence on foreign oil that plagues the entire world. Algae is very environmentally friendly, causing no damage to the land, air, or water, and as an added benefit this feedstock removes pollution from the air while growing as well. Algae is one of the alternative energy sources which has been developing very rapidly. Many strains of algae are very high in oil content, making them ideal for biodiesel. Colonies of this substance can be replaced every single day, because of the rapid growth. This could lead to large amounts of energy being produced to meet the global power demands. This feedstock does not require fertile land or food crops, so there is no worries about food shortages or rising prices. Biofuels and alternative energy sources can replace fossil fuel and end the dependence on foreign oil that plagues the entire world. Algae is very environmentally friendly, causing no damage to the land, air, or water, and as an added benefit this feedstock removes pollution from the air while growing as well.alternative energy sources alternative energy sourcesalternative energy sources alternative energy sources

21. Tidal Power Tidal power is one of the alternative energy sources that many are looking at, in part because of the potential it holds, and the way that this source has been developing. The tides hold enormous amounts of power even in calm weather, and using tidal turbines to capture this power can be one of the leading sources utilized in the future. More coastal areas around the world are considering planning and developing tidal power plants to help offset future power needs, but the criteria must be perfect, with powerful tidal currents running through the waters where the turbines are placed. The disadvantages of this source may include a negative impact on the marine life in the area, but this is normally monitored closely to ensure the fish and other marine populations are not harmed. Tidal power is one of the alternative energy sources that many are looking at, in part because of the potential it holds, and the way that this source has been developing. The tides hold enormous amounts of power even in calm weather, and using tidal turbines to capture this power can be one of the leading sources utilized in the future. More coastal areas around the world are considering planning and developing tidal power plants to help offset future power needs, but the criteria must be perfect, with powerful tidal currents running through the waters where the turbines are placed. The disadvantages of this source may include a negative impact on the marine life in the area, but this is normally monitored closely to ensure the fish and other marine populations are not harmed.alternative energy sourcesalternative energy sources

22. Waste Municipal waste is one of the most promising alternative energy sources that has been developed so far, in part because of the enormous amounts of municipal waste that litters the earth and oceans, and pollutes the environment. The abundance of this waste already available, plus the large amounts created each day, make it renewable. This source of energy does have some disadvantages, because it can be done using a number of methods, and some are cleaner than others. This method of generating power does offer an answer to two separate issues though, the problem of fossil fuel use and the problem of waste disposal. Municipal waste is one of the most promising alternative energy sources that has been developed so far, in part because of the enormous amounts of municipal waste that litters the earth and oceans, and pollutes the environment. The abundance of this waste already available, plus the large amounts created each day, make it renewable. This source of energy does have some disadvantages, because it can be done using a number of methods, and some are cleaner than others. This method of generating power does offer an answer to two separate issues though, the problem of fossil fuel use and the problem of waste disposal.

23. Fungi Among I Fungi is one of the most dynamically developing alternative energy sources. In recent years there have been new fungi discovered which can be used as a source of biofuel, and this means that biodiesel does not necessarily need land or water for feedstock. One fungus can actually make long hydrocarbon chains just like petroleum, but the downside is that there must be conditions present which have very low oxygen levels. More research and development is being done by a number of scientists and energy companies to make certain fungi more effective and efficient as a power source, one that is clean and eco-friendly. Fungi is one of the most dynamically developing alternative energy sources. In recent years there have been new fungi discovered which can be used as a source of biofuel, and this means that biodiesel does not necessarily need land or water for feedstock. One fungus can actually make long hydrocarbon chains just like petroleum, but the downside is that there must be conditions present which have very low oxygen levels. More research and development is being done by a number of scientists and energy companies to make certain fungi more effective and efficient as a power source, one that is clean and eco-friendly.

24. Food Waste Food waste is another one of the alternative energy sources, one which is considerably better than fossil fuels like oil or coal, and that does not damage the environment. With this process food scraps from homes and businesses are put in a machine called an anaerobic digester, or in a landfill which is specially designed to serve the same purpose. The conditions must be warm and moist, with bacteria added to help speed up the organic decomposition which occurs. During the process, methane and other gases are released, and these are captured and used to generate energy. This process offers the benefit of capturing the greenhouse gases created, where in a traditional landfill these gases are released to harm the environment. Food waste is another one of the alternative energy sources, one which is considerably better than fossil fuels like oil or coal, and that does not damage the environment. With this process food scraps from homes and businesses are put in a machine called an anaerobic digester, or in a landfill which is specially designed to serve the same purpose. The conditions must be warm and moist, with bacteria added to help speed up the organic decomposition which occurs. During the process, methane and other gases are released, and these are captured and used to generate energy. This process offers the benefit of capturing the greenhouse gases created, where in a traditional landfill these gases are released to harm the environment. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/08071620480 5.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/08071620480 5.htm

25. Country’s Position In Japan, 21 countries adopted a declaration on aviation and marine emissions and called on the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization to commence new talks on emissions by year end. The Ministerial Conference on Global Environment and Energy in Transport held in Tokyo late last week, ministers adopted a declaration that emphasized future actions in the transport sector to tackle climate change and air pollution. The minsters agreed to encourage R&D for sustainable alternative aviation fuels, and support efforts to standardize reporting on aviation related emi In Japan, 21 countries adopted a declaration on aviation and marine emissions and called on the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization to commence new talks on emissions by year end. The Ministerial Conference on Global Environment and Energy in Transport held in Tokyo late last week, ministers adopted a declaration that emphasized future actions in the transport sector to tackle climate change and air pollution. The minsters agreed to encourage R&D for sustainable alternative aviation fuels, and support efforts to standardize reporting on aviation related emi21 countries adopted a declaration on aviation and marine emissions and called on the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization21 countries adopted a declaration on aviation and marine emissions and called on the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization

26. Attempts at Using Biofuels

27. Brazil "When it comes to ethanol and flexible-fuel vehicles, Brazil is way ahead of the U.S., and indeed the rest of the world. As the fuel crises of the 1970s hit Brazil, the government reacted with Proálcool produced from sugar cane, a major product of Brazil, to reduce dependence on imported oil. In the early 1970s, up to 25 percent alcohol was blended with gasoline. Brazil responded to the second crisis with vehicles that could run on 100 percent alcohol. By 1984, over 90 percent of Brazilian cars and light trucks ran on alcohol, in part because the fuel was available everywhere in Brazil and also because subsidies and incentives made ethanol substantially cheaper than gasoline. "When it comes to ethanol and flexible-fuel vehicles, Brazil is way ahead of the U.S., and indeed the rest of the world. As the fuel crises of the 1970s hit Brazil, the government reacted with Proálcool produced from sugar cane, a major product of Brazil, to reduce dependence on imported oil. In the early 1970s, up to 25 percent alcohol was blended with gasoline. Brazil responded to the second crisis with vehicles that could run on 100 percent alcohol. By 1984, over 90 percent of Brazilian cars and light trucks ran on alcohol, in part because the fuel was available everywhere in Brazil and also because subsidies and incentives made ethanol substantially cheaper than gasoline.

28. The Philippines We have the decades of existing technology to compete with the high prices of gasoline, diesel and other fuels. It is now a Philippine law - Philippine Biofuels Act of 2006 - that the fuel refiners and producers must gradually increase the percentage of their fuel productions to the alternative, renewable, and cleaner fuels. We have the decades of existing technology to compete with the high prices of gasoline, diesel and other fuels. It is now a Philippine law - Philippine Biofuels Act of 2006 - that the fuel refiners and producers must gradually increase the percentage of their fuel productions to the alternative, renewable, and cleaner fuels. Philippine Biofuels Act of 2006 Philippine Biofuels Act of 2006

29. Support Your Country’s Position Many forms of energy that we have grown dependant on are from non renewable energy sources. This means that when the energy has been consumed, the supply has gone and cannot be replaced. An example of this is coal. Coal is known as a fossil fuel and largest source of energy for the generation of electricity worldwide. When coal has been mined and burnt, it cannot be replaced. Finding alternative energy sources, ideally from renewable sources will decrease our dependency on fossil fuels and other non renewable energy sources Many forms of energy that we have grown dependant on are from non renewable energy sources. This means that when the energy has been consumed, the supply has gone and cannot be replaced. An example of this is coal. Coal is known as a fossil fuel and largest source of energy for the generation of electricity worldwide. When coal has been mined and burnt, it cannot be replaced. Finding alternative energy sources, ideally from renewable sources will decrease our dependency on fossil fuels and other non renewable energy sources

30. Possible Opposition Cost Cost Availability Availability Research and development Research and development Dangers (nuclear power plants) Dangers (nuclear power plants)

31. Opposition There are financial, political, and technical pressures as well as time constraints that will force tough choices; solutions will need to achieve the biggest emissions reductions for the least money in the shortest time. Hydrogen cars, cold fusion, and other speculative technologies might sound cool, but they could divert valuable resources from ideas that are already achievable and cost-effective. It's nice that someone managed to run his car on liposuction leftovers, but that doesn't mean he needs to be subsidized. There are financial, political, and technical pressures as well as time constraints that will force tough choices; solutions will need to achieve the biggest emissions reductions for the least money in the shortest time. Hydrogen cars, cold fusion, and other speculative technologies might sound cool, but they could divert valuable resources from ideas that are already achievable and cost-effective. It's nice that someone managed to run his car on liposuction leftovers, but that doesn't mean he needs to be subsidized.

32. The End