Why is Renewable Energy important to our future?
Renewable energy has never been more in demand. Many governments, businesses and individuals all around the world have begun to wake up to the need for more renewable energy. We have already done irreversible damage but we can still maintain and mitigate any further impact. It is vital that we optimize our use of sustainable and renewable energy sources. We must address the problems of global warming, health effects and the sustainability of fossil fuel dependency.
Renewable energy is far better for the environment.
Most sources of renewable energy result in little to no emissions compared to the combustion of fossil fuels which results in a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. This means a smaller carbon footprint and an overall positive impact on the natural environment. Wind energy also helps to cut the amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions because it does not rely on any burning of fossil fuels to function.
Global health will improve.
Worldwide increases in fossil fuel-based road transport, industrial activity, and power generation contributes to elevated levels of air pollution. In many developing countries, the use of charcoal and fuelwood for heating and cooking also contributes to poor indoor air quality. Renewable energy emits no or low air pollutants which will increase global health. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 7 million people die every year due to respiratory diseases caused by breathing in polluted air.
Renewable energy sources promote economic growth.
The renewable energy industry is becoming one of the fastest growing sectors hitting 12.7 million jobs globally in September 2022. The renewable energy industry is more labor intensive. Solar panels need humans to install them; wind farms need technicians for maintenance. In addition to the jobs created directly in the renewable industry, growth in clean energy can create a positive ‘ripple’ effect on the larger community. Industries in the energy supply chain will benefit and unrelated local businesses will receive help from increased household and business incomes.
Reliability and resilience
Wind and solar and less prone to large-scale failure because they are distributed or modular. Distributed systems are spread out over a large geographical area so a severe weather event in one location will not cut off power to an entire region. Modular systems are composed of numerous individual wind turbines or solar arrays. If some of the equipment in the system is damaged, the rest can typically continue to operate.
If many countries achieve their goals, we will be in a world largely powered by renewable energy. Many of us will be using electricity to power our vehicles and using fossil fuels will be seen as an old-fashioned way of doing things.
