Instruction
First, watch the following video called "Energy 101: Biofuels":
https://www.eesi.org/topics/bioenergy-biofuels-biomass/description (Links to an external site.)
Second, read the following article from National Geographic called "Biofuels Explained":
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/biofuel/ (Links to an external site.)
As you read, consider how burning biomass to produce electricity avoids many of the problems associated with gathering, refining, transporting, and burning fossil fuels (gas, oil, and coal); yet, the use of biomass as fuel is not without its own set of problems.
What challenges might arise from a large-scale conversion to biomass energy?
How do these challenges compare with those encountered with fossil fuels?
Which set of challenges do you think is more likely to be overcome?
Does one energy source have more benefits and fewer costs than others? Explain.
Some other issues and questions to consider as the class discusses this issue this week:
What are the benefits of each type of energy?
What are the disadvantages of each type?
Will the initial investment needed for biomass energy eventually become cost effective?
Who should regulate a wide-scale conversion to biomass energy?
Second, post your answers to these questions as a response to this conference. I expect that you will need to do some of your own research on this topic and not rely solely on the two resources that I provided above. In addition, your answer should be in your own words (cite any references that you use)!
Third, you should respond to the postings of at least TWO of your classmates. Please discuss these topics and critique each other's ideas (constructively, of course). These responses should be substantial and should respond directly to the student's post (not just "I agree with you" or "nice post"). In other words, I would like to class to discuss with each other this topic.
Please post your initial response by Saturday, October 2 at Noon CST and your two responses to your classmates by Sunday, October 3 at 11:59 PM CST.
Please do not wait to the last minute to make your initial posting to give time for everyone to respond to each other's postings!