Last time when I was traveling around Copenhagen, I saw a little note written on the bus that translates the bus uses clean energy. I couldn’t but applaud the initiation of using green energies in public transport. Since buses and trains like public vehicles are on the road for a long period of time, they possibly cause a major emission. But green energy is the lifesaver that causes zero or no emissions at all.
I think it is needless to say how important is clean energy in today’s world and for the upcoming future. Right now, around 80 percent of the world’s total energy is produced by burning fossil fuel — coal, oil, and natural gases. Usually, two things happen when we use sources like fossil fuels. First of all, it emits a huge amount of CO2 in the air which is ultimately leading the world to life-threatening climate change. Secondly, it is predicted that we have been using fossil fuels for the last 150 years to empower human civilization and there is a higher chance that the stock can come to end within this century. According to ‘Our World in Data’ the projected reserve of fossil fuel is disappointing: coal – 139 years, oil – 54 years, and natural gas – 49 years.
Have you noticed we are using energy in every walk of our life? For instance, right now the device you are using for reading this blog and the room you are in are also using energy. However, the different words we use before energy like renewable, green, clean, solar, and wind sometimes overlap and we do mistakes to find slight distinctions among them. Let’s try to nail down what is clean energy.
What is clean energy?
Clean energies are energy, produced in such a way that does not add any harmful gases like Carbon monoxide (CO) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) to the air. Clean energies are usually generated by using resources like copper, and nickel which are non-renewable. Last few decades, we all know how human beings are fighting against the climate crisis. From that perspective, using clean energy in every sector of our life could be an upstanding decision we can do for ourselves. Moreover, clean energy is not the only best option to save our planet.
These days, green energies are regarded as one of the most sustainable energy sources in recent times. Green energy usually is produced from natural resources like sunlight, which we call solar energy. It is remarkable that energy generated from natural sources is automatically replenishable and renewable. There are some other kinds of energy that we directly get from nature, such as wind energy, wave energy, tidal energy, hydroelectric energy, geothermal energy (produced from the heat that is generated within the Earth), energy from biomass and biogas, bioethanol energy (produced mainly from sugar and starch), biothermal energy (that generates electricity from the composting of organic materials), etc. Green energies are clean, and they minimize carbon emission to a higher level which is a bequest for the citizen of planet earth.
The countries leading renewable energy
If we look around the world, wind, and solar energies seem to be the fast grown and highly produced renewable energy. In 2021, the European countries alone produced around 40.9 percent of the overall renewable energies. Three of the Nordic countries — Denmark, Norway, and Finland are thriving in producing clean sustainable energies. In Denmark, at least 50 percent of their energy supply comes from natural energy sources which can be called breaks all the previous records. On the other hand, China is holding the first position in producing renewable energy in the world followed by USA, Brazil, and Canada. Below is a chart showing the countries that produce the highest amount of renewable energy:
Why is renewable energy so important?
To fight the climate crisis
Energies are essential for human activities. Data from the Environment Protection Agency shows that around 4.75 million dry metric tons of biosolid were produced in the USA in 2019. Biosolids provide nutrition to plants but at the same time emit greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases and fossil fuels are the dominant contributors to the climate crisis. According to International Energy Agency, the demand for energy is increasing and the demand will be 70 percent higher than now by 2040. Unfortunately, a lion’s share of the energy is produced by burning fossil fuel, oil, which emits an enormous amount of CO2 into the air. In the USA, at least 27 percent of the emissions are being generated from diesel and petrol consumed by private and public transports. The bitter truth is that emissions are occurring at an alarming rate ultimately causing numerous life-threatening diseases and climate change.
Green energy can save your money
A study conducted at Oxford University Shows that relying hundred percent on renewable energy sources not only ensures a sustainable future but also can ensure financial benefits. By 2050, switching to renewable energy could save $12tn. Another example could be an electric car that may cost you initially but if you think about the maintenance cost, they are way more cost-efficient than internal combustion cars. However, the reserves of fossil fuel, coal, oil, and natural gas are limited; hence, they will come to an end one day. In the end, renewable energies are environment friendly and the best possible way to address climate change issues.
Renewable energy is healthier
There are a number of things that seem entangled with each other. For example, if we can banish emissions from the planet, we can ensure surprising health benefits. A number of diseases including asthma, bronchitis, and (according to some medical scientists) cancers are directly related to pollution. A study conducted in 2007 shows that there would be 57,000 fewer deaths annually in the USA if their air quality could be improved. We all know, individual and public health is important and only clean and green energy can secure that.
Economic benefits
Renewable energy productions are getting familiarized and production is increasing swiftly. However, it is true, the initial cost of green energy plantations might be high for some countries with natural resources, the outcome from renewable energies can save up to 4.2 trillion annually for the world by 2030. In addition, countries around the world are investing in renewable energies to reach the carbon neutral goal by 2050 which could be seen as a golden employment opportunity for the people who are working in the energy sector. A report shows that more than 30 million jobs would be created in clean energy, efficiency, and low-emissions technologies by 2030.
Concluding notes
It is quite praiseworthy how the cities and municipalities are moving forward to ensure zero carbon sustainable life around the world. Unfortunately, there is still debate among the experts regarding growing installation cost of renewable energy plants. It is obvious that energy demand is rampant and it will increase in the upcoming days. Therefore, it is wise to turn our attention to finding ways in which we can bring down the installation costs. We all know how acute the climate crisis is getting and to fight this threat while burning fossil fuels can never be a good option. Only renewable energy sources can lead us to a sustainable future. I would like to conclude my story sharing the news link that can be considered ‘revolutionary’ in this regard in human history: “Breakthrough in nuclear fusion energy announced.”
