Question

10 a small coastal town is considering different energy sources to power its community. the town council is debating between investing in solar panels, wind turbines, a natural gas plant, or a coal plant. they want to choose an option that minimizes carbon emissions while also staying within the towns limited budget.
which option would best suit the towns needs based on these priorities?

• investing in solar panels, which produce no carbon emissions but have a high installation cost, requiring an increase in energy prices for residents
• installing wind turbines, which produce no carbon emissions and have a moderate installation cost, offering a balance between environmental sustainability and affordability.
• building a natural gas plant, which emits no carbon emissions and is the most expensive option, meaning the town maximizes its environmental benefits.
• constructing a coal plant, which is the cheapest option, produces the highest energy output and the most carbon emissions, making it more harmful to the environment but more affordable for residents.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the town's priorities: minimize carbon emissions and stay within budget.
2. Evaluate each option:

• Solar panels: High installation cost (may exceed budget) and increase energy prices.
• Wind turbines: No carbon emissions, moderate installation cost (balances sustainability and affordability).
• Natural gas plant: Incorrect claim (natural gas emits carbon), and most expensive.
• Coal plant: High carbon emissions (opposes priority).

1. Wind turbines meet both priorities.

Answer:

B. Installing wind turbines, which produce no carbon emissions and have a moderate installation cost, offering a balance between environmental sustainability and affordability.