Introduction to Environmental Science, 2015 edition

5.1 Alternative Energy and the Environment
       a. The World’s Growing Energy Needs
5. 2 Solar Energy
5.3 Biomass Energy
        a. Municipal Solid Waste
        b. Solid Biomass: Burning Wood
        c. Gaseous Biomass: Landfill Gas or Biogas
        d. Liquid Biofuels: Ethanol and Biodiesel
        e. Biomass Growing Methods: Vertigro
        f. Second Generation Biofuels
        g. “Advanced” Biofuels
        h. Second Generation Biofuels
5.4 Wind Power
5.5 Geothermal Energy
5.6 Other Alternative Renewable Energy Sources
        a. Hydrogen
        b. Water Power
        c. Fuel Cells
        d. Electric Cars
        e. Tidal Power
5.7 Policy and Conservation

By the end of this chapter students should be able to:

1. Describe arguments for alternative energy.

2. Explain the following aspects of solar energy:

a. Describe how passive solar energy works and provide examples of its use.

b. Explain how solar panels (photovoltaic cells) work.

c. Describe the limitations and environmental costs associated with solar energy.

3. Explain the following aspects of biofuels / biomass energy:

a. Describe what is meant by the term “carbon neutral” and explain how biomass energy can and cannot be carbon neutral.

b. Describe current achievements in biofuels and potential of this area for growth.

4. Describe wind energy and explain the advantages and disadvantages.

5. Describe geothermal energy and explain the advantages and disadvantages.