Fuel Conservation - Aditya Tekchandani

Small steps of fuel conservation

Can make a big change

- by Aditya Tekchandani – VIII B

Unless all the people in the world conserve and use renewable sources of energy, the problems related to pollution and environmental degradation cannot be solved. Blue skies and green grass, we cannot have as long as we use excess of fuel. The aftermath and fallout of the excessive use of fossil fuels has adversely affected man. Our environment is like a gigantic balloon of transparent substance in which we have our being. When this balloon was created it was filled with pure wholesome gases. However, the black and poisonous smoke from the burning of fossil fuels has damaged this beautiful balloon to such an extent that reclaiming it to its pristine purity and beauty is impossible. Man, the foolish creature, fails to see that his very existence depends on this balloon. Man’s perception about the indispensability of the environment must change, otherwise the balloon will burst and his own existence will end with it. It is a known fact that carbon dioxide gas released when fossil fuels are burnt, is one of the primary gases responsible for global warming. Rise in temperature of the Earth has resulted in melting of polar ice caps, flooding of low lying areas and rise in sea levels. If such conditions continue, our planet Earth might face some serious consequences in the near future.

Besides damaging the environment, air pollution can result in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders or COCP and lung cancer. Long-term exposure may increase respiratory infections in the general population. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to fine particulate matter and other airborne toxins.

Sagacious and frugal use of fossil fuels in the direct need of the hour. The present rate at which the fossil fuels are being used is quite alarming. Nothing will be left for the coming generations. Now the question arises ;”Are we to leave a planet totally devoid of fossil fuels to the coming generations?” We will be called a highly selfish generation, if we don’t leave fuels for the future generation. We need to put our acts together. We must follow the principles of sustainable development. After all it is our responsibility to bequeath a healthy and prosperous planet. Let’s take care of our planet and use the fossil fuels wisely and frugally! If each one of us uses fossil fuels sagaciously along with using renewable fuels, we can do much in saving our environment as well as future for the coming generations.

The best option in front of us at present to tackle the problems posed by the fossil fuels is the option of using alternative sources of energy. The ever increasing demand for energy cannot be met by fossil fuels. It will lead to environmental collapse as well as utter depletion. Renewable sources of energy are the best bet in the scenario. And what can be a better renewable resource than the sun? Besides, it is a renewable and clean energy source. Taking both environmental and economic cost, solar energy works cheaper than fossil fuel resources. Once we master techniques to harness solar energy, it can be a vital source of power across the entire planet.

The rise in economic activity and the burgeoning population have led to a tremendous demand in the transport sector, especially in urban India. In the near future, India’s urban population is expected to grow fivefold to a staggering 200 million; rural population will also grow alarmingly. With this tremendous growth has emerged a very critical issue of keeping air and noise pollution in urban areas under control. The viable solution to the above mentioned problems is the use of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads. EVs will reduce pollution by 16 lakh metric tons. The Government must promote and encourage people to replace their pollution causing vehicles with smart zero-emission vehicles. For this the Government must make stricter laws to protect the environment. The Government must also provide subsidy on these smart vehicles.

In conclusion it can be said that if we have to conserve our fossil fuels and save our health and environment from the adverse effects of using fossil fuels, frugal consumption, and replacing the fossil fuels with alternative sources of energy are absolute musts. We must switch over to them as early as we can for a brighter, healthier and safer future!