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__ Topic 2: How are humans using technology to deal with climate change concerns? __

Governments are encouraging their countries to become more green and energy efficient. China, which is one of the largest polluter in the world, is trying to develop hydrogen fusion power plants so they can use a differe nt power source than coal and reduce carbon emissions. Many countries are switching to renewable energy sources such as wind power, solar power and hydropower. In Brazil, ethanol fuel from sugar canes provides 18% of the country’s automotive fuel. Many other countries such as the United States are beginning to use ethanol fuel.



Cities are being built upward instead of outward, cities are being made more denser. An advantage of have densifying cities is that people would be more closer to their work and stores, people could walk there, ride there bikes or take the transit. A disadvantage would the city would be more crowded. More greener buildings are being made. These buildings use water, energy and resources efficiently and reduce waste and pollution. People are investing more into renewable energy sources. As fossil fuels get more expensive, renewable energy gets cheaper.



Scientists have discovered many ways we can develop energy and reduce carbon emissions. Hydrogen fusion is the most likely way we could be getting our energy from in the future. Fusion power is power generated by nuclear fusion reaction. In this kind of reaction, two light atomic nuclei fuse together to form a heavier nucleus and in doing so, release a large amount of energy. In June 2005 many countries including United States, China, Russia and Japan announced that they will construct an experimental fusion reactor. The advantages of fusion power is that there are no carbon emissions, fuel is abundant, and is reliable. Problems with hydrogen fusion is that lots of energy is created at has to be undercontrol or else it could turn in to a nuclear bomb. Another problem is that some countries could use the radioactive waste to make nuclear bombs



Another Alternative power source is algae. Like many other plants, algae produce an oil that can be converted for industrial use. The algae are grown in plastic cylinders that are supplied with water, carbon dioxide and sunlight. The resulting biomass is then turned into a synthetic natural gas to fire electricity-generating turbines. The carbon dioxide released by burning the gas is fed back into the system to help grow the next generation of algae. Algae is already being used to produce biodiesel fuels in North America, and other countries. Some simple technologies or low-tech solutions that could minimize the effect of human activities on the environment are, using compact fluorescent light bulbs, living close to your work, or putting solar panels on your house

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