1. Why is it important to switch from oil energy sources to clean, renewable sources such as solar energy?
Provisional answer: Oil energy sources cause damage to the environment in the form of air pollution and climate change. Dependence on foreign oil is bad for the nation economically and also in terms of increasing the risks of terrorism and war. The existing energy system is at risk of large-scale power outages (Thornton, 2003). The world's supply of oil resources will eventually run out. Switching to solar energy would be a big step toward resolving these problems.
2. What will be involved in developing a solar energy infrastructure?
Provisional answer: All buildings will need to have solar panels installed on them. Buildings will also need to be equipped with a system to store the energy and put it to use. There is also a need for organizations to oversee the nation's solar energy program.
3. What kind of resistance can be expected to the effort to switch to solar power?
Provisional answer: It can be expected that many people will resist the change because they are opposed to change in general. Many others will resist it because of the costs involved. However, it seems that the costs will be worthwhile in the long run (Jackson, 2008). An educational campaign in the mass media could be helpful in overcoming such resistance.
4. Will a "carbon tax" be an effective economic incentive in getting consumers and businesses to switch to solar energy?
Provisional answer: The tax will increase the demand for alternate fuel sources and will also provide funding for developing the necessary solar energy infrastructure (Schoder, 2011).
Of the four questions and answers described above, I think that the fourth one would provide the best basis for creating a thesis statement. Specifically, the thesis would be: "a 'carbon tax' will
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