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Renewable Energy is More Beneficial than Nonrenewable Energy
Introduction
Envision a global scenario where we can have unlimited provision of energy in its various forms for the upliftment of mankind without having to face serious issues like the effects that it has on the environment, adverse effects on the economy, and social problems like diseases. Such a world is very possible using renewable energy sources of power. Green current, which is energy derived from natural resources that are naturally replenished, has significant merits than non-green energy resources which are for instance coal, oil and natural gases. In this post of today, I will expound on reasons as to why renewable energy is not only more sustainable but is also more advantageous concerning the preservation of the environment, development of the economy, and enhancement of human health.
Environmental Benefits
Another benefit of renewable energy is the lenient impact on the environment as opposed to the conventional energy sources. The burning of fossil fuels leads to high emission of carbon to the atmosphere thus exacerbating the problem of global warming and climate change. Conventional sources of energy on the other hand release greenhouse gases while renewable sources of energy release little or no greenhouse gases. EPA (2020) defines that electricity generation from even local renewable provisions including wind and solar has a negative impact on CO2 emissions in contrast to providing electricity through fossil fuels. Besides, renewable energy projects do not entail the extraction phase that further results in destruction of ecosystems as evident in, drilling of fossil fuels, and mineral mining.
The naysayers may counter argue that there are certain costs to facilitating renewable energy systems including solar panels, and wind turbines among others. These consequences are considerably less severe and do not last as long as the constant and intensified negative effects resulting from the utilization of nonrenewable energy resources. In addition, it is noteworthy that as main technology barriers are being overcome, additional developments in the field of energy generation are made to increase the yields and reduce the impact on the environment of the renewable energy systems.
Economic Advantages
The use of renewable energy also has an added advantage of economic gains in their usage. Renewable energy is one sector that has known how to create employment opportunities for the people. For instance, IRENA established that renewable energy industries provided work to 11 million people in the year 2020. Five million people globally (IRENA, 2020). Renewable energy jobs are more geographic clustered and are involved in several industries from production, installation and repair activities, research and development, hence supporting the local economy.
However, it is true that renewable energy can achieve energy security and stabilization of the price of energy. Fossil fuel prices are unpredictable due to the occurrences of geopolitical risks that might cause shifts in the price and disruptions in supply. Renewable energy on the other hand uses plenty and domestic resources and hence does not necessitate importation of fuels and thereby improves energy security. Thus, the probable cost and feasibility of renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power have greatly reduced the levels of competition with the conventional sources of energy. Most of the renewable energy projects may require more capital investment at first but in the long run, as is seen through fuel costs and maintenance costs the returns are great.
Health and Societal Benefits
Renewable resources’ utilization can generate deep positive impacts on the population’s health. Burning fossil fuels emits gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides and particulate matter which have been found to cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The WHO estimated that emissions of air pollutants resulting from the burning of fossil fuels, claim up to 4. About 2 million deaths per year before the age of 65 in the global population (World Health Organization, 2021). Though avoiding fossil fuels and utilizing clean energy sources, air pollution can greatly be reduced thus enhancing health standards and doing away with health-related expenditures.
Besides, the use of renewable energy sources has potential for benefiting the human quality of life by providing efficient energy supply. In most of the developing zones, RE systems, especially solar home systems play a vital role in providing electrical power to the electrified or rural zones. The availability of this energy can foster education and economic enhancement leading to poverty eradication and improvement of society.
Conclusion
Therefore, the use of renewable energy is a favorable prospect in comparison with nonrenewable energy regarding the impact on the environment, economy, and population’s health. It is thus evident that adoption of renewable energy reduces the impact of climate change, fuels the economy, secures energy necessities, and sustains healthy living. Going forward, to create a better and improved future for the many generations to come, there is no better place to start than switching to renewable source of energy.
References
Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Energy. EPA.gov.
International Renewable Energy Agency. (2020). Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2020. IRENA.org.