Ethical Energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 10

Ethical Energy - Essay Example ore selecting a method that will generate adequate power for the present, have the potential for expansion to meet future needs and is minimally damaging to the environment. Due to the large investment involved, ethical issues that may result in selection of an inappropriate source or power generation is a factor that has to be considered. This is a preliminary report for the Board of Directors of Karsson arguing for a source that will be satisfactory regarding all the parameters mentioned above. It will take into consideration the advantages and disadvantages inherent in different methods of power generation along with ethical issues that have to be taken into consideration. (Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector). Greenhouse gases are those which absorb harmful radiation that is given off by the surface of the earth after it absorbs it from the sun’s rays. â€Å"Greenhouse [GH] molecules are those that absorb terrestrial radiation, that which is emitted by the Earth’s surface as a result of the warming effect of incoming solar radiation.† (Barrett 2005, p.1037). The greenhouse gases found in the earth’s atmosphere are water (vapour), CO2 or carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. This is given in the decreasing order of absorption with ozone having the least absorption capability. (Ozone plays a major role in blocking UV and other harmful rays from the sun rather than retaining or absorbing from the earth’s surface). This absorption is important to maintain life sustaining temperature. But when levels of these gases increase (due to pollution) the heat generated is more than what is required or safe and ultimately results in the phenomenon called global warming. The chart given above shows the greenhouse emission as per sector or industry. It can be seen that the biggest contributor of greenhouse gases is from power stations. It is true that some methods of generation are more harmful than others and this will be discussed later in this