It is indeed true that the knowledge behind science can be used to answer several questions on non-renewable energy. For instance, should we use non-renewable energy resources? How can the non-renewable energy resources be used? This part of the essay will explore these questions using oil in the Middle East as an example.
To begin with, physical science has a rich knowledge on non-renewable energy resources. A dominant example of non-renewable resource is oil. It cannot be renewed because once the oil fields have been depleted; it is not possible to carry out additional mining activities (Zycher, 2011).
For example, even though the Middle East region is rich in oil as a natural resource, the wells will eventually dry up if mining activities continue over an extended length of time.
It is scientific knowledge that the use of fossil fuels such as oil leads to the pollution of the environment. When fossil fuels undergo the process of combustion, the hydrocarbons are transformed into carbon-dioxide and water molecules. There are some traces of fossil fuels that also emit poisonous gases when subjected to heat. For example, hydrogen sulfide is one such toxic gas.
This implies that the use of oils or fossil fuels poses unique environmental challenges. Carbon dioxide is largely responsible for greenhouse effect when emitted into the environment. It is a major greenhouse gas that has been responsible for the warming effect in the atmosphere (Ryley & Chapman, 2012).
When carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere, it creates a warming effect leading to higher level of evaporation from the surface due to increased heat. When this type of emission covers a large area on the atmosphere, it interferes with the climate spectrum of the affected region.
Worse still, carbon dioxide emission from the combustion of fossil fuels (oils) has led into destructive effects on the climatic pattern of the world. This explains why scientists have come up with the term ‘global warming’ to refer to the extreme changes in global temperatures.
This has also led to significant variations or changes in climate. This is the reason why science can be used to explain the lethal effects of non-renewable energy resources such as oil.
Although non-renewable energy has its own share of negative effects to the environment, it is vital to observe that this form of energy is still viable and reliable for use bearing in mind that it does not require complex installations before it can be harnessed.
It can also be used to supply large amounts of energy within a relatively short time compared to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro electric power. Hence, scientific knowledge can be used to determine the best type or form of energy to use when running various processes. For instance, driving heavy machines in factories requires a large amount of uninterrupted source of energy such as oil.
On the same note, automobiles can best use non renewable energy from oil instead of electric, hydropower or energy from the wind. This is attributed to the fact fossil fuels are portable even in car engines (Dettinger, 2011).
Finally, Science plays an important role in the process of decision making. It is possible to choose the right form of energy for use after acquiring adequate scientific knowledge. Moreover, science provides facts that can later be used to give vital recommendations.
References
Dettinger, M. (2011).Climate change, atmospheric rivers, and floods in California :A multi model analysis of storm frequency and magnitude changes. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 47 (3), 514–523.
Ryley, T., & Chapman, L. (2012). Transport and climate change. Bingley, UK: Emerald.
Zycher, B. (2011). Renewable electricity generation: Economic analysis and outlook. Washington D.C: AEI Press.