When it comes to combating climate change, renewable energy is one of the top 5 global warming fighters!
What is energy and where does it come from?
Energy is everything! We are energy! We eat, travel, and work with energy. But, where does all this energy from? We acquire most of our energy from fossil fuels, which is causing great damage to our planet. To emphasize, fossil fuel exploitation causes the following: acid rain, oil spills, bad air quality, and global warming. On the other hand, renewable energy provides us with energy in a more eco-friendly manner. How is that so? Keep reading to find out!
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is created from sources that naturally refill themselves over time and never run out. Also, it is the fastest growing source of energy in the world. Most importantly, it leads to no direct greenhouse gas emissions.
Examples :
- Solar
- Wind
- Hydroelectric
- Biomass
- Geothermal
Benefits :
- Reliable source of power
- No direct greenhouse emissions
- Decreased pollution
- We don't have to rely on other nations for these sources
- Can prevent wars, famine, and political instability
- Prices are stable over time
Downsides:
- Building dams and wind farms can damage wildlife habitat
- Animal migration patterns can be affected
- Minimal emissions are produced during manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance
Although renewable energy has some downside effects, they are way less harmful than all the problems that fossil fuel exploitation is causing to our planet. To end with, let's remember to encourage using renewable energy over non-renewable energy!