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Tidal Energy



Pollution is becoming a huge problem in today's world. The main cause of polluting emissions is the burning of fossil fuels to make energy. The process of creating energy through the burning of fossil fuels is both environmentally un-friendly, and un-healthy to humans. The burning of fossil fuels, coal specifically, releases many harmful toxins including nitrogen oxides, mercury, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide. Nitrogen oxides play a huge role in the formation of ground level ozone (smog) during the summertime and in the formation of fine particulate matter (soot). Smog and soot have both been proven to cause various health problems. Mercury, however, can cause severe problems in the nervous system of humans and wildlife. Sulfur dioxide contributes to the formation of particulate pollution which is breathed in and annoys the respiratory system worsening respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. Carbon dioxide levels are also rising resulting in global warming. Tidal power is a good energy alternative to the burning of fossil fuels because of many different reasons.

Before I describe the many benefits of using tidal energy over the burning of fossil fuels, lets find out how tidal energy works. The way tidal energy works is there is a huge dam built in a river estuary. As the tide come in and goes out, the water is moved through tunnels in the dam. The movement of the tides in and out is used to turn a turbine, or to push air down tunnels which also turns a turbine. As the turbine spins, it creates energy. These dams also have huge locking doors with gates that open to let ships through.

Now, for the benefits of using tidal energy. Tidal energy is free after the initial building costs. Tidal energy produces no greenhouse gases or other waste, which benefits your health and environment. Tidal energy uses no fuel and produces electric reliability. The turbines will continue to spin and create energy as long as there are tides. Tidal energy is also a renewable resource. It is your resposibility to support the use of tidal energy over the burning of fossil fuels. Using tidal energy will keep your environment clean and healthy. Help save your earth!


 * Bibliography:**

__Tidal Energy__." December 1st, 2009,[]

"__The Health Risks of Burning Coal for Energy__." December 27th, 2006. December 1st, 2009. []

"__Tidal Power: Energy From the Sea__." November 10th, 2009. December 1st, 2009. []