With a gas station on almost every corner, it’s hard to imagine life without fossil fuels. Fossil fuels power everything from homes to businesses to cars. But fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources and have negative effects on the environment. To reduce our dependence on these fuels, cleaner energy alternatives have gained popularity in recent years. One possible alternative is geothermal energy. Geothermal power plants drill deep wells underneath Earth’s surface to pump water that is heated by magma. The steam from this hot water spins a turbine that is hooked up to a generator that produces electricity. The cold water is then pumped back into Earth to be reheated.

Do you think geothermal energy is a renewable resource? Why or why not? What are the benefits of using this energy to power homes and businesses? Can you think of any consequences to communities or the surrounding environment?