Geothermal energy: a solution to the energy crisisAbstractSo far, scientists have not found an effective replacement for fossil fuels that can both handle the large energy demand and solve the problem of global warming. I propose that geothermal energy is a clean, widely available and renewable alternative to the use of fossil fuels. In this article I will explain how the use of geothermal resources can be energy efficient, environmentally clean and economical. I believe the US government should increase funding for geothermal energy research. This could be the solution to our current energy crisis and global warming. Introduction There is a call to action to solve the current energy crisis. What we urgently need is a clean, abundant and reliable source of energy. Geothermal energy could be the solution. Geothermal energy produces no CO2 and is inexpensive compared to the incredibly high gas prices. This type of energy is also renewable and can continue to feed the world's growing population. “The new [geothermal] plants can produce electricity for between 4.5 and 7.3 cents per kilowatt hour, making them competitive with new conventional fossil fuel-fired power plants.” (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2) This shows that if there was more research focused on this topic, geothermal energy could become the solution to our energy crisis. Current Energy ConsumptionCurrently, energy consumption has increased exponentially. Energy consumption increases by 2% every year, doubling in just 35 years. As of 2003, energy consumption in quadrillions of BTUs (British Thermal Unit = 1055.06 Joules) are: North America - 118.3, Europe - 127.4, Asia - 120.2, Middle East - 19.6, Central/ South America- 21.9,......center of article......y source." January 22, 2007. June 27, 2008. Moore, Bill. "Sustainble Island: Geothermal Wonderland." July 25 2008 .Sandoval, Steve. "Valles Caldera Geothermal Focus of Talk Thursday at Bradbury Science Museum Laboratory." 26 July 2008. "Geothermal Energy." July 2008 .World Chancing Team. ""Hot Rocks" for Home Energy." Tools, Models and Ideas for Building a Bright Green Future 2008 .