MEMORANDUM

TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:

MR. GOMEZ
MONICA PINON
ISSUES OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES IN TODAYS WORLD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2014

Full description of topic:

Carbon Dioxide is released everyday to the Earths atmosphere and it can last about a hundred
years. It is the accumulation of this gas that causes the warmth of our planet, and as a
consequence the Global Warming Effect. However, there is an answer to this problem! The way
energy is consumed can be replaced, along with current technologies that release carbon dioxide.
Alternatives that have better performances and that do not emit carbon dioxide do exist, they are
called Alternative energies. Alternative energies are renewable and clean. Some examples of
alternative energies are: Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Biomass Energy, Geothermal Energy, and
Hydroelectric Energy. Unfortunately, not everybody agrees that alternative sources need to be
used now and not until non-renewable energies sources run out.
Reason topic was chosen:
Most teenagers do not care about the planets health. This is a big problem for our future
generations and I believe it is important to spread the word. I chose this topic because it passions
and excites me, but most importantly, because I believe I can make a difference. I want to have a
clean and safe future, the problem is that some people do not know the truth or they decide to
ignore it. The more people that know the truth about the Earths critical situation means the
sooner things will get done. I also chose this topic because I feel it is unfair to treat our planet
this way. We are killing ourselves by killing the only place we can call home.
Relationship between the topic and Mechanical Engineering:
Mechanical Engineering skills in the renewable energy industry are very important. Mechanical
Engineers can design many things, for example the wind turbine blades and towers. Also, it is
important to understand the reliability under extreme conditions: heat of the sun, storms,
humidity, etc. Renewable energy uses motors and generators with specialized controls, and
Control theory courses are usually taught in the Mechanical Engineering department, alongside
other important courses that provide skills for the energy industry. Some examples are:
Thermodynamics, Rotation Machinery, and Material Sciences.
Academic Sources:

The Heartland Institute has science campaigns with the purpose to cause doubt about the science
of climate change, and is now teaming up with the American Legislative Exchange Council
(ALEC) to go against renewable energy laws. However, The International Energy Agency is
working to help the renewable energy sources grow.