The decreasing reliance on coal means less CO 2 emissions, which are to blame for much of the global warming problem we face today. Over the years, building new nuclear reactors has become both uneconomical and politically unpopular. The Good News Worldwatch reports that wind power is the world's fastest growing energy source. Winds must reach at least 12 mph to turn the blades of a wind turbine fast enough to produce electricity. To give you an idea of how fast this is, picture a wind that keeps a flag outstretched or keeps a tree's leaves and twigs in constant motion.
Consumers are interested in wind power because of the low cost of wind-generated electricity.
Find out if your state is involved in any wind energy projects. The use of solar energy is also increasing. In India, where there is a great deal of sunlight year round, the government is working on using solar energy in more than 1 million households within the next few years. The Japanese have developed a solar roofing material that allows roofs to harness the energy of the Sun, in effect becoming power plants for buildings. Analyzing the Alternatives Despite the growth of alternative energies, a closer look at the numbers shows that we still depend heavily on fossil fuels and nuclear energy.