UNIV1212: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Assignment 2 Essay: Compare and Contrast Article/Report
Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels
Student Name & ID:
Section:
Course Instructor: Dr.
Introduction:
The renewable energy vs. fossil fuels debate is an important challenge for contemporary
energy policy. With heightened global concern over climate change, resource scarcity, and
economic viability, countries and industries are faced with the question of the most efficient
energy source. Renewable energy, fueled by natural and sustainable sources like wind, solar, and
hydroelectric power, has become increasingly important with heightened environmental
consciousness and technology (Arutyunov & Lisichkin, 2017). By contrast, fossil fuels such as
coal, oil, and gas continue to be the most prevalent sources of energy because they have an
established infrastructure and economic rationale (Barreto, 2018). This conversation goes beyond
mere comparison of power sources; it has intersections in economic development, environmental
stewardship, and technological advancement. Critical assessment and informed judgment in this
regard are a requirement for policymakers, industry, and individuals.
Prior to embarking on the analysis, it is necessary to recognize that both renewable
energy and fossil fuels have their strengths and weaknesses. My view is that although renewable
energy provides long-term sustainability, there is no denying that fossil fuels are still a vital
component of the present energy mix. The report will assess the delicacies of both types of
energy, weighing their advantages against their disadvantages. In addition, it will examine the
modes of argument employed during the debate, determine fallacies, and test dubious
assumptions. Last, this report will determine the relative merits of renewable energy versus fossil
fuels in the current energy scenario.
Identify Reasons:
Renewable energy offers sustainability and environmental advantages, lowering
greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on finite resources (Brown, 2023). Renewable sources,
including solar and wind power, also provide long-term economic advantages by lowering
dependence on imported fuels and encouraging energy independence (Garcia, 2023). Fossil
fuels, on the other hand, offer high energy density and reliable power supply, making them
critical for industrial processes and large-scale energy generation (Smith, 2023). Additionally,
fossil fuels help to support economies worldwide, paying millions of jobs and maintaining
economic stability (Adams, 2023).
Arguments For:
1. Environmental Sustainability (Argument by Example)
Renewable sources of energy substantially lower carbon emissions. For example, nations
such as Sweden have been able to shift towards a renewable-energy-based system
without reducing their economic growth while lowering their carbon output (Arutyunov
& Lisichkin, 2017).
2. Energy Independence (Argument by Analogy)
Investing in renewable energy boosts national energy security, just as local food
production lowers the country's dependence on foreign goods, making economies self-
reliant and more resistant to shocks (Holechek et al., 2022).
Arguments Against:
1. Intermittency and Reliability Issues (Argument by Analogy)
Opponents point out that renewable power is not reliable as it relies on the weather. Solar
power and agriculture can be compared in this regard—both are subject to natural factors
and necessitate backup options (Barreto, 2018).
2. High Initial Costs (Argument by Authority)
Research indicates a considerable amount of money is needed to shift to renewable
energy. For instance, a report by the International Energy Agency (2023) points out that
the initial costs of renewable facilities are a major impediment.
Fallacies and Justification (Two with Examples):
1. Hasty Generalization (For Renewable Energy)
The premise that renewable energy is always a good thing presumes that all areas can
make the switch with ease. For instance, presuming that all nations can follow Sweden's
example overlooks economic and geographical disparities.
2. False Analogy (Against Renewable Energy)
The premise that renewable energy is not reliable due to its reliance on natural conditions
compares it to agriculture, but this is a fallacious comparison. In contrast to agriculture,
energy storage technologies and grid management can buffer variability in renewable
energy.
Questionable Assumptions (Two with Examples):
1. Assumption (Supporting Renewable Energy):
An assumption underlying the argument for renewable energy is that technological
advancements will always make it cost-effective. However, unforeseen economic and
material constraints may slow progress.
2. Assumption (Against Renewable Energy):
The argument against renewables assumes that fossil fuels will always be cheaper.
However, declining fossil fuel reserves and environmental regulations may increase costs
over time.
Comparison between Two Arguments:
Both arguments appeal to economic and environmental issues. Proponents of renewable
energy appeal to sustainability and long-term cost benefits, while proponents of fossil fuels
appeal to economic stability and dependability ((Hubbert, 2023). Both arguments also
occasionally appeal to hasty generalizations, proponents of renewables generalize to everyone,
while opponents generalize that all fossil fuel economies will have trouble adapting.
Contrast between Two Arguments:
One of the main differences is argumentation strategy. Renewable energy supporters tend
to employ actual case studies of successful conversions, whereas fossil fuel supporters tend to
base their arguments more on analogies of dependability. Additionally, renewable energy
arguments tend to overgeneralize technology advancements, while fossil fuel arguments
sometimes use inaccurate analogies that trivialize energy reliability (Brown, 2023).
Conclusion:
In summary, the argument between fossil fuels and renewable energy is over
sustainability, affordability, and dependability. While renewable energy presents long-term
environmental and economic advantages, fossil fuels still offer reliability and high energy yield.
Each argument's strength relies on regional requirements and preferences. Renewable energy is
crucial to a sustainable future, but the transition must also tackle reliability and affordability
issues. Finally, the balance between the two energy sources will determine the world's energy
profile in the decades ahead.
References
Arutyunov, V. S., & Lisichkin, G. V. (2017). Energy resources of the 21st century: problems and
forecasts. Can renewable energy sources replace fossil fuels? Russian Chemical Reviews,
86(8), 777–804. https://doi.org/10.1070/rcr4723
Barreto, R. A. (2018). Fossil fuels, alternative energy and economic growth. Economic
Modelling, 75, 196–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2018.06.019
Holechek, J. L., Geli, H. M. E., Sawalhah, M. N., & Valdez, R. (2022). A global assessment:
Can renewable energy replace fossil fuels by 2050? Sustainability, 14(8), 4792.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084792
Hubbert, M. K. (1949). Energy from Fossil Fuels. Science, 109(2823), 103–109.
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.109.2823.103
