Energy is generated at power plants that convert some sort of raw material into power and system has its advantages and disadvantages but mainly posing environmental concerns. All non-renewable fossil fuels release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere causing global warming. These orthodox methods of energy production sunsequently result in hazards to the environment, to wildlife and to human health.
Nuclear power poses the obvious dangers of radio activity released into the air, water and soil. There are also concerns of unknown future risks from waste storage and old power stations. Furthermore, unpredictable dangers from major accidents causing cancer to people exposed to low level radiation from nuclear waste.
Oil-fired power causes atmospheric pollution and acidification by waste gases from furnaces. Pollution from accidental oil spillages still continues causing mass destruction of marine life, from plankton to fish and birds. Stored oils pose a risk of explosion as well.
Coal-fired power results in dereliction of land by mining, especially with surface mines. Besides causing atmospheric pollution and acidification from impurities, mining wastes poisons plant life as well as some risk to waterlife through waterbourne pollution. The sulphur dioxide produced by emissions also poses as an indirect health hazard and there are considerable hazards during mining.
Gas-fired power, although causing a minor degree of air pollution as a result of burning, habitats are being destroyed by pipelines and the risk of explosions persists.
Hydroelectric power poses no pollution hazards but could cause loss of land through flooding and the risk of landslides.
With all these risks considered, the amount of energy spent on heating and cooling add up to three quarters of domestic energy use. The waste is colossal and reducing domestic heat consumption plays a significant part in reducing the pollution caused by burning fuel.
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