Okavango Challenge

I know that everyone in America has pretty much heard of the infamous Renewable Power vs. Fossil fuel debate. Most people realize that oil and other fossil fuels are vastly being depleted through the many different machines that require Fossil fuels to run. But what most people don’t understand is that this energy source is very limited. So much in fact that in the next 50 years, globally, we are expected to run out completely. To make matters worse, the human population is expected to skyrocket to nearly 10 billion in the coming decades. Now I don’t know about you, but to me this means we need to be more effective and focus on more specific targets with power. I believe Urban Power efficiency will become one of the top priorities in the future. With the expanding cities can only mean more power usage and more pollution. Reducing this increase of pollution sits at the top of switching to clean power. Another driving force is the demand for more energy. It is quite evident that the more people, the higher the demand for energy. We need an exponentially increasing amount of resources to compensate for the population increase. Lastly, Sustainability is a major issue that needs to be incorporated into any future power plans. This subject includes a whole array of sub points such as cost effectiveness and ecological footprints. Some energy systems are noticeably cheaper than others but have more detrimental effects on the environment. The limiting factor here is, when does the health of nature overcome the expenses of energy? It is only a matter of time before engineers, scientists, and the human population finally integrate Urban design into every corner of their lifestyles. It all comes down to, is it worth it? Do the ends justify the means? Do we shift our energy systems to uncertain Renewable energy, or keep our trustworthy Fossil fuels?

I think the first step is to start using energy efficiently. there are so many ways in which people (ESPECIALLY Americans) can reduce energy usage. this would lower our energy needs exceptionally in the future.
I think that renewable sources of energy are fantastic ideas but the current political and social climate is not doing them any favors. Either people are adverse to them, or they are pushed into market before they are ready. I think they need to emerge naturally, rather than trying to implement unproven technologies, which often damages their reputations.
I think the first step to energy sustainability is to use less, as i said. Nuclear energy is a good modern alternative which while not renewable, doesnt pollute that much. the days of chernobyl are behind us. its a safe technology, as is the storing of the wastes until we have something to do with them. The most immediate renewable source i think is wind which has already been implemented (in my opinion too fast.) Hydroelectricity has already been implemented to its maximum i think so that really isnt an option. I think once solar cells become mainstream and technology gives them the practicality and price to be usable they are going to power our long term future.
as for cars, I think hydrogen/electric is the clear Utopian goal but for now biofuels (NOT CORN BASED ETHANOL, that was just a bad idea) will supplant some fossil fuels. I think that this option should stay around for people like me who enjoy our cars, its a clean alternative and provides all the thrills if not more than a fossil fuel powered engine.