On September the 9th, 1915, Nikola Tesla published an article titled “The Wonder World to Be Created by Electricity.” From sparking the onset of the 2nd Industrial Revolution to being an essential part of modern life, economy, and technology, electric energy has indeed played its part in making our world what it is today- an imperfect, yet wonderful world.
From the primitive voltaic cell that consisted of zinc, copper, and salt water, to the electromagnetic generators producing municipal electricity, to the compact lithium-ion battery in the phone you’re probably reading this from, energy production has come a long way. The advent of electricity has made municipal and industrial energy production, transmission, and consumption less stressful and cleaner.
The discovery of electricity has done a lot for humanity- but at a price. Many countries produce electricity using thermal plants. Thermal plants produce energy by boiling water to produce steam. This steam then turns the turbines of giant alternators that produce electrical energy. This energy is first fed to a step-up transformer before being transmitted via power lines.
All is well and good, except that the heat that boils the water in 63% of thermal plants worldwide comes from burning fossil fuels such as natural gas, petroleum, and coal. Fossil fuels are called fossil fuels because they are formed from the dead remains of animals and plants. These fuels result from millions of years of heat and pressure from Earth’s crust. Carbon constitutes 40–50% of the dry weight of organisms. Burning these fuels results in a lot of carbon being released into our atmosphere.
So while electricity has saved many of us from the stress and grime of burning coal and other fuels in our homes for power, it hasn’t stopped humanity from polluting Earth’s atmosphere. It took millions of years to store this carbon in the soil. But it has taken humanity only thousands of years to release that trapped carbon. And as we all know by now, carbon in the form of CO2 is one of the primary drivers of global warming and climate change.
Electricity production is the 2nd highest source of Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, only behind transportation. Electricity contributes 25–27% of GHG emissions. Something must be done if we’re planning on keeping warming below 2°C. But electricity is vital to our society, so canceling electricity is out of it. Electricity is here to stay.
While we continue to put pressure on governments to transition to renewable energy sources, there are actions individuals can take to use energy conservatively and effectively. Effective and conservative energy use would reduce the demand for energy production infrastructure. This would reduce how much fossil fuel has to be burned to supply electricity to your city.
An excellent place to start would be your light bulbs. Energy-saving bulbs use 70–90% less energy than traditional bulbs. They also last 8–10 times longer and generate less heat. That energy saved may seem insignificant. But multiply that amount saved by the number of bulbs in your home, then by the number of houses on your street- it’s starting to look a bit significant, isn’t it?
The same goes for electrical appliances. Look out for Energy star labels on electrical appliances before you buy and use them. Appliances with that label indicate that those appliances are energy efficient. Also, switch off bulbs and electrical equipment you’re no longer using. With electrical equipment, go further to unplug them when they’re no longer in use. Plugged appliances also draw current (idle load).
Another way to conservatively use energy would be to AVOID WATER WASTE. It takes electrical energy to pump water. Wasting water means more water would need to be pumped, meaning more electricity would be needed. Repair that leaky tap or faucet. Don’t spend too much time in the shower (unless you really need to). Don’t sit comfy in your room when there’s an overflowing tank pouring away outside your window.
Warm (or hot) water flowing from a tap is one of the most beautiful things to happen in a bathroom since Archimedes’ “Eureka!” moment. Yet warming water for every home activity is energy intensive. Use cold water instead to wash your clothes and dishes.
Decide to learn about more ways to utilize energy conservatively and efficiently. More importantly, resolve to apply all you learn and use energy properly. It’s for the good of our planet and perhaps more importantly, for our own good.
