Planet Earth, in Darkness

Whatever yours views are on drilling for oil, mining or nuclear energy, I think that it is clear to us all that coal and oil will, one day run out.

Many probably thought that it would be OK because when it did, we would all be using nuclear energy.

Now however, since the Japanese earth quake, some people are having their doubts on the safety of nuclear reactors. Whether their concerns are fully justified or not, it is a fact that the more you have the more prone you become to the chances of a disaster.

Examples would be: we have been mining for centuries, yet still mining accidents happen. We have not been drilling for oil so long but then we have been for decades, yet still accidents can happen, such as in the Gulf of Mexico.

The difference here is though, if there is an accident at a nuclear plant, it may not only be the workers there that are affected, perhaps not even just the region. An accident at a nuclear plant could have affects globally.

I do not think that even the biggest optimist believes that all our power needs can be met by Wind, Wave and Hydro alone, especially as the needs continue to increase.

Perhaps another source we could use is “People Power” or “Auto Power”.

The people power could be pressure pads at the entrances to Malls. The pressure pads linked to a ratchet and gear system that in turn is linked to a dynamo. The auto power would use the same system except with pressure strips across highways or parking lot entrances.

This wouldn’t solve all the problems on their own. They could however supply a Mall or Toll Booth with energy one day a month. Perhaps these could be used as backups instead of using diesel generators. A domestic one could be developed for use at your home.

I am not an engineer and appreciate that this may not be practical, that is not the point. The point is that all of us must try to keep thinking of ways of either reducing energy needs or developing reusable resources for energy.

It may be that a new source will be discovered to cater to all our needs but it is more likely that it will be a combination of many that will save the day.

Scientists do not have a monopoly on good ideas. Whether it be by tapping the energy from the Earths core or walking round in circles, humanity, globally can solve the problem.

We must, unless we want to start preparing for the day when our World will be plunged into darkness.