Our energy choices have direct implications for our health, our environment, and our climate-and right now we are dangerously dependent on coal and other fossil fuels for most of our electricity needs. Power generation is a leading cause of air pollution and the single largest source of U.S. global warming emissions.
Energy sources are used as fuels. Fuel is burned in machinery to create motion (such as in a car) or heat (such as in a home heating system). When fuels are used for producing electricity, heat or motion causes a generator to rotate, creating electricity for everyday use in homes and businesses.
RP Siegel frequently contributes to Triple Pundit, a website devoted to sustainability initiatives favoring "people, planet, profits." Recently Triple Pundit posted Siegel's series exploring the advantages and disadvantages of four widely used energy sources that fuel American industry. Whether a fossil fuel or renewable energy, every source presents its own unique set of challenges.