Topic: Why Research for Alternative Forms of Energy? Considering the finite nature of fossil fuels, such as petroleum, natural gas and coal, and the human population is expected to grow to more than 8 billion by the year 2023, the sources for and uses of energy are some of the most pressing and influential questions to be answered by industry and science today. The search for alternative fuels is a major part of this endeavor. Here is an interesting interview with Bill Gates on this topic.

· Q&A with Bill Gates on the World’s Energy Crisis

Instructions

Here are some questions to consider in your discussion of the topic of Energy use in the 21st century:

· What are possible forms of alternative energy?

· What is/are the reason(s) why mankind should research for alternative forms of energy?

· Are bioethanol and biodiesel good alternatives to petroleum fuels? And is using corn to produce bioethanol or canola oil to produce biodiesel the right method?

· What about hydrogen gas? Can hydrogen gas be produced from renewable sources?

· Where do you think we will be in 50 years on this issue?

· Find a reference that discusses an alternative fuel. Tell us what the article says about it and include your article as a reference.