Final answer:
The question pertains to the feasibility of using thermal pollution as a source for home heating as outlined by Susanne A. Benz and colleagues. While geothermal heating offers potential, the high cost and technical challenges of deep drilling limit its widespread application. The percentage of sites where thermal pollution could be used for heating changes under different scenarios, but specific figures have not been provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing the impact of thermal pollution as a result of urbanization, industrialization, and a warming climate, it is crucial to understand that thermal pollution involves excessive heat in the environment, specifically when water used to cool industrial processes is released back into water bodies at elevated temperatures. Such water typically has reduced dissolved oxygen levels, posing risks to aquatic life. Meanwhile, global climate change is exacerbated by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which intensify the natural greenhouse effect and contribute to Earth's surface warming. Considering thermal pollution in relation to geothermal heating possibilities, the practicality of using thermal pollution to meet home heating needs is very limited. According to Susanne A. Benz and colleagues, the feasibility of extracting geothermal heat, which is replenished by radioactive decay, is challenging. Deep boreholes are required, and covering significant land area with such collectors presents logistical obstacles.
Under different scenarios, the percentage of sites where thermal pollution could be harnessed for home heating would vary based on multiple factors including technological advancements, policy decisions, and socioeconomic parameters. However, as of the current knowledge cutoff, specific percentage changes under different scenarios put forth by Susanne A. Benz and colleagues have not been provided. It's essential to consider sustainable practices and innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact while addressing energy needs.