Renewable energy is a central part of wider efforts to combat both climate action and ecological degradation. Renewables are a natural form of energy derived from sunlight, wind, waves, geothermal heat, and tides. Common sources of renewable energy are hydropower, solar, wind, and geothermal. We must replace energy generated by fossil fuels with sustainable power sources. This is one of the most serious challenges humanity has ever faced and our failure to make this transition will augur a catastrophe.
We need energetic processes which produce as little pollution as possible. We need sustainable development that will allow us to live within the limits of what the Earth is able to provide and what is required for a healthy biosphere. We need a green economy that aims to reduce environmental risks and ecological scarcities. We need a socially responsible low carbon economy that conserves and protects the Earth’s ecosystems.
Renewables not only offer environmental benefits like climate change mitigation but also afford energy security and a wealth of economic advantages. Renewable energy is a huge and growing source of jobs. The number of clean energy employment opportunities dwarfs the number of jobs in the fossil fuel industry. There is also $160 trillion dollars worth of savings associated with climate action and massive risks associated with inaction.
Reducing our need for energy is also a very important way to reduce adverse environmental impacts associated with power generation. Efficient energy (aka energy efficiency) helps to maintain the environment by protecting the air and preventing the worst of climate change. It also helps by reducing the emission from dirty power plants. Energy efficiency is also tied to the creation of smart grids which manage energy distribution. However, locally generated renewable energy combined with energy storage systems may be the most forward-looking way of addressing energy demand.
Hybrid Renewable Energy Sources (HRES) are also playing a role in meeting our energy needs, particularly in remote areas. HRES involves combining the two renewable energy sources with the aim of providing higher energy efficiency along with greater energy output and efficiency.
