Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
In contemporary times, high dependence on energy from fossil fuels has set the world on “fire” and the only thing that seems readily available to put out this fire and provide a safer alternative is clean, renewable energy.
Energy as a phenomenon is one important aspect that the world needs to function and operate, but the future of the earth’s existence as well as humanity is now largely dependent on how this energy is produced.
There are different types of energy existing in the world today but renewable energy stands out from all of them, as it promises a safer earth in the future.
Fossil fuels such as crude oil, coal, and natural gas as energy sources are limited sources, and the more you extract them, the sooner they run out as they do not renew fast. These fossil fuels are said to be causing harm to the earth by producing large amounts of carbon dioxide when burned. The carbon emissions, in turn, trap heat in the lower atmosphere, resulting in abnormal warming of the earth and activating a chain of climatic changes that end up in damaging consequences, such as flooding, desertification, and biodiversity loss, among others.
Renewable energy, on the other hand, is a source of clean, reliable, unlimited, affordable, and decarbonized energy. It differs from fossil fuels in the aspects of its endless abundance, and one distinct advantage and difference with renewable energy is the fact that it does not produce greenhouse gases. Rather, it is obtained from natural sources that have the ability to be renewed without destroying the earth’s systems.
Some of the renewable energy types include solar energy, wind energy, hydro, biomass, tidal and geothermal energy. Amazingly, these resources cause little or no damage to the environment or climate.
Although fossil fuels account for the most percentage of global energy production, renewable energy seems to be gaining ground. In a research conducted in 2011, it was found that renewable energy is the fastest-growing form of energy compared to other forms. Then, in 2022, it was further discovered that 29 percent of global electricity comes from renewable energy, with utilization trends still growing. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy is projected to grow to 35 percent by 2025.
The world today faces climate challenges and energy production is the major cause, as the huge amounts of greenhouse gases that cover the earth and trap the heat of the sun are generated through energy production when fossil fuels are burned in order to generate heat and electricity.
These fossil fuels are the largest drivers of climate change globally, accounting for almost 90 percent of all carbon emissions and about 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Research findings indicate that, in order to prevent the worst effects of climate change on the earth, these dangerous emissions need to be reduced to a large extent and attain net zero emissions of carbon or greenhouse gases by 2050.
For net zero emissions to be achievable, human dependence on fossil fuels needs to be redirected to alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, sustainable, reliable, and most importantly, safe and affordable.
Renewable energy, which is derived from natural sources, seems to be the solution and perfect alternative, since it can be renewed quickly and produce little to no greenhouse gases or carbon emissions in the energy generation process. This makes it a good solution and alternative to preventing environmental damage and degeneration, which is good for the earth’s climate.
One benefit of renewable energy is that it is easily accessible and this is because it is available in all countries of the world, although its potentials are yet to be fully discovered, explored, and used.
According to data provided by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), it is estimated that by 2050, 90 percent of global electricity should and could come from renewable energy sources. As a result, these energy sources provide a way out for countries that depend on imported energy sources. This is because renewable energy will make them energy independent, as well as politically and economically independent since fossil fuel importation makes countries subordinate to supplier nations.
In addition, renewable energy also protects economies from unpredictable swings of fossil fuel prices and brings about economic growth, while creating new job and employment opportunities because, as the industry grows, there is need or more workforce to develop and install renewable energy technologies.
Renewable energy also provides the world with the cheapest power alternatives possible as the prices of its technologies are fast reducing. It is a cheaper option when compared to conventional energy sources.
These technologies present the most economically efficient way to generate electricity in several growing markets and can be developed locally.
Renewable energy is an energy source that addresses air pollution and health issues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 99 percent of humans on the earth breathe in air that does not meet up with air quality limits and this threatens their health.
As a result, more than 13 million mortalities recorded all over the world on an annual basis are due to environmental causes, including air pollution from burning fossil fuels. This air contamination can be avoided by switching to clean energy sources such as solar and wind.
In contrast to fossil fuels which are limited in availability, renewable energy is just as the name implies. This means it can remain unlimited, which makes it a very important element in a sustainable energy system that allows for development without putting future generations at risk.
This type of energy is also very reliable and resilient, and might just be the right energy path to a safer planet that can truly guarantee a brighter and happy future for all its people.