Even though my research isn't specifically about the problem I addressed below, I believe that my project could be a potential solution to it. I want to find an effective method of separating H2 and O2, the water components. That would be an environment-friendly and renewable fuel. Even though this is something quite challenging to be accomplished, I believe it can be done.
Fact
Yes. Vehicles are one of the most important parts of nearly everyone's lives nowadays. Therefore, different fuels are also part of that, because they are what makes it possible for vehicles to work.
In 2013, about 130,000,000,000 gallons of gasoline were consumed in the USA. More than half of the air pollution in the world is caused by vehicles. Since 1970, the number of miles driven in the USA has tripled (and consequently, the emission of pollution in the atmosphere has also increased significantly).
Yes. Petroleum is the source of our primary fuel nowadays (gasoline), but is it a finite resource, other than having harmful consequences to the environment. Even though we already have alternative fuels such as ethanol, they also have bad consequences. The exploration of petroleum causes serious damage to the environment, since it is toxic to almost all forms of life. It also causes several other problems such as acid rain, oil spills, climate changes and the release of volatile organic compounds in the environment.
If began with the increase in the number of cars. Every day this problem gets exponentially bigger, and we are running out of the resources that are available to us.
Yes. There are solutions to the problem. However, they are not viable yet for a number of reasons. My project is about studying how to make one of those solutions viable, both economically and scientifically. Although it is rather challenging for this problem to be solved, it is possible.
Definition
Gasoline and other commonly used fuels are are harmful to the environment, and are finite resources in the nature, Eventually we will run out of them.
It belongs to and affects the whole world. If a solution is not found by the time we cannot the fuels we use today. an even bigger problem will be created.
Quality
The problem is a rather serious thing. However, my project could propose a potential solution if the answer for my question can be found.
Quite serious. It affects the whole world.
Eventually we will run out of resources, and fuel-based transports won't be a viable option anymore.
A lot of scientific research, and the deeper exploration of alternative energy methods such as the use of solar energy, photolysis.
Policy
Yes. Even though it will take a lot of scientific research and time, the consequences of the problem will be much bigger if nothing is done
Alternative fuel methods should be studied, such as the one I am proposing.
An efficient and viable method of separating the water components has to be found. Otherwise, even using extremely limited resources in the future will be more viable than using H2 as a fuel.
Fact
- Did something happen?
Yes. Vehicles are one of the most important parts of nearly everyone's lives nowadays. Therefore, different fuels are also part of that, because they are what makes it possible for vehicles to work.
- What are the facts?
In 2013, about 130,000,000,000 gallons of gasoline were consumed in the USA. More than half of the air pollution in the world is caused by vehicles. Since 1970, the number of miles driven in the USA has tripled (and consequently, the emission of pollution in the atmosphere has also increased significantly).
- Is there a problem/issue?
Yes. Petroleum is the source of our primary fuel nowadays (gasoline), but is it a finite resource, other than having harmful consequences to the environment. Even though we already have alternative fuels such as ethanol, they also have bad consequences. The exploration of petroleum causes serious damage to the environment, since it is toxic to almost all forms of life. It also causes several other problems such as acid rain, oil spills, climate changes and the release of volatile organic compounds in the environment.
- How did it begin and what are its causes?
If began with the increase in the number of cars. Every day this problem gets exponentially bigger, and we are running out of the resources that are available to us.
- Can it be changed?
Yes. There are solutions to the problem. However, they are not viable yet for a number of reasons. My project is about studying how to make one of those solutions viable, both economically and scientifically. Although it is rather challenging for this problem to be solved, it is possible.
Definition
- What exactly is the problem/issue?
Gasoline and other commonly used fuels are are harmful to the environment, and are finite resources in the nature, Eventually we will run out of them.
- To what larger class of things or events does it belong?
It belongs to and affects the whole world. If a solution is not found by the time we cannot the fuels we use today. an even bigger problem will be created.
Quality
- Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
The problem is a rather serious thing. However, my project could propose a potential solution if the answer for my question can be found.
- How serious is the problem/issue?
Quite serious. It affects the whole world.
- What happens if we don't do anything?
Eventually we will run out of resources, and fuel-based transports won't be a viable option anymore.
- What are the costs of solving the problem/issue?
A lot of scientific research, and the deeper exploration of alternative energy methods such as the use of solar energy, photolysis.
Policy
- Should action be taken?
Yes. Even though it will take a lot of scientific research and time, the consequences of the problem will be much bigger if nothing is done
- What should be done about this problem?
Alternative fuel methods should be studied, such as the one I am proposing.
- What needs to happen to solve this problem/address this issue?
An efficient and viable method of separating the water components has to be found. Otherwise, even using extremely limited resources in the future will be more viable than using H2 as a fuel.