Chapter 9
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Discussion Questions - Replacing Fossil Fuel With Clean Energy
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According to the definition of clean energy given in this chapter, why are (a) biofuels and (b) nuclear power not forms of clean energy? Do you find fault with this definition?
- Carefully explain the difference between categories A and B in figure 9.1. Then explain the difference between category D and the other three categories.
- Do you agree with the assessment that fossil fuel used by cargo ships, airplanes, most construction and farm equipment, along with tanks, mobile guns, and other war equipment, cannot be replaced by clean energy? Explain why or why not.
- Explain the argument in the text that the substitution of clean energy for fossil fuel would counteract global warming only minimally. Do you agree with that argument?
- In your own terms, explain the probable impact of replacing fossil fuel by clean energy upon: (a) the problem of nonbiodegradable plastic junk, (b) ozone depletion, (c) problems resulting from use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, and (d) loss of species diversity.
- Discuss your own perception of problems resulting from the fact that large expanses of the earth’s surface are unsuitable for commercial production of clean energy.
Copyright 2012,
by the Contributing Authors.
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Cite/attribute Resource.
Sayre, K. (2009, February 18). Chapter 9. Retrieved May 23, 2012, from Notre Dame OpenCourseWare Web site: http://ocw.nd.edu/philosophy/environmental-philosophy/discussion-questions/chapter-9.
