You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that renewable energy sources like solar and wind power should replace fossil fuels such as coal and gas as soon as possible. Others think we should continue to use fossil fuels while it is still cheap to do so.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.
You should write at least 250 words.
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Model Essay 1
As society stands at a crossroads between continuing reliance on fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy, the urgency for a sustainable future intensifies. This essay asserts that while fossil fuels have their economic merits, the transition to solar and wind power is essential for environmental stewardship, focusing on the environmental imperatives of renewables, their economic viability, and the pragmatic approach to phasing out fossil fuels.
Renewable energy proponents highlight the pressing need to address climate change. Solar and wind power, being inexhaustible and cleaner, offer a pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the deployment of solar farms across deserts can generate substantial electricity without the carbon footprint associated with coal or gas. Moreover, advancements in technology have significantly reduced the cost of renewables, making them increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources. This transition not only promises a sustainable future but also fosters innovation and job creation in green technologies.
Conversely, the argument for maintaining fossil fuel usage hinges on their current cost-effectiveness and infrastructure. Fossil fuels, deeply integrated into our global economy, provide reliable energy for industries and emerging economies. The proponents argue that an abrupt shift to renewables could disrupt economies, particularly in regions where alternative energy infrastructure is underdeveloped. They advocate for a gradual transition, leveraging the affordability of fossil fuels while incrementally investing in renewable technologies.
In my view, the transition to renewable energy is imperative for environmental sustainability and economic resilience. While the immediate cost-effectiveness of fossil fuels is undeniable, the long-term environmental and health costs far outweigh these benefits. By investing in renewable energy, we commit to a sustainable future, mitigate the impact of climate change, and foster economic growth in new industries. Therefore, a strategic and phased approach to transitioning away from fossil fuels is essential, balancing economic considerations with our environmental responsibilities.
In conclusion, the debate between renewable and fossil fuels underscores a critical crossroads for our global community. While acknowledging the role of fossil fuels in our current energy landscape, the future must pivot towards renewables for sustainability and climate mitigation. This transition, albeit challenging, is crucial for ensuring a healthier planet and a robust economy for generations to come.
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Model Essay 2
In the modern era, the dichotomy between renewable energy adoption and the continuation of fossil fuels forms a critical global dialogue. This essay posits that despite the economic allure of fossil fuels, the imperative shift to renewables like solar and wind is paramount for environmental preservation, focusing on the ecological necessity, cost-effectiveness of renewables, and a strategic transition from traditional energy sources.
The environmental urgency for adopting renewable energy cannot be overstated. Solar and wind power offer clean alternatives that significantly reduce carbon emissions, a principal contributor to global warming. For example, the Gobi Desert's solar power initiatives demonstrate how renewables can supply vast amounts of electricity with minimal environmental footprint, contrasting sharply with the deleterious effects of coal and oil extraction. These renewable projects exemplify the synergy between human ingenuity and natural resources, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.
Economically, the argument that fossil fuels are less expensive than renewable sources is becoming increasingly obsolete. The cost of solar and wind technology has plummeted over the past decade, making it competitive with, if not cheaper than, fossil fuel energy production. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports a significant decrease in the cost of generating renewable energy, signaling a shift towards economic viability. Moreover, renewables' low operating costs and the potential for energy independence present compelling economic benefits over the volatile pricing and geopolitical tensions associated with fossil fuel dependency.
In conclusion, while fossil fuels have powered the world for centuries, the evidence overwhelmingly supports a transition to renewable energy sources. This transition not only addresses the urgent environmental concerns posed by climate change but also offers a sustainable economic future. As we forge ahead, the integration of solar and wind power into our energy matrix is not merely a choice but a necessity for securing a livable planet for future generations.
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Model Essay 3
Some people assert that countries should switch to green energy, whereas some others believe that energy production from fossil fuel could be continued if it is economically viable for a country. Despite being harmful to people and environment, some fossil fuel centric establishments might hinder nations from going for green energy, even though this essay believes that renewable energy is the best alternative option in terms of both reduced health risk and less government expenditure.
In recent days, because of burning fossil fuels, air pollution level has increased all time high which is causing various fatal diseases, whereas green energy is neither environmentally harmful nor health hazardous, as it is produced from renewable sources such as wind, water, and sunlight etc. Switching to this technology, nations can prevent a mountainous medical expenditure each year because fewer number of people will fall sick, thanks to the cleaner environment due to green energy technology. As a result, governments can diverse their health fund for other spheres of public needs and eventually bring an overall improved quality of life.
However, though the green energy sources are renewable, they might not be cost effective unless there is a structural setup for harnessing energy from the renewable sources, such as, air, water, Sun etc. In fact, every nation has its customised energy establishments, and they are functional mostly in accordance with the conventional energy production from fossil fuels. Overhauling this whole mechanism overnight might not be a feasible option for all the countries, as it could incur a huge cost that is ultimately born by general people through taxation or other fees. Moreover, some countries have abundant mineral resources, giving them comparative advantage for using fossil fuels in terms of cost. Therefore, for some nations, it might not be viable to drastically switch to green energy sources, at least as long as fossil fuel is their cheaper option.
In conclusion, it appears that fossil fuels are harmful to people and environment, while the green energy can provide many benefits. In my opinion, the better alternative to coals and gas are the renewable energy sources, as it promotes better health and protect the Earth from further damage from fossil fuel usages.
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