Day 23energy

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Overview

“Once the renewable infrastructure is built, the fuel is free forever. Unlike carbon-based fuels, the wind and the sun and the earth itself provide fuel that is free, in amounts that are effectively limitless.” – Al Gore

No matter how quiet we get, there always seems to be a buzz surrounding us. We hear it in our homes and even on quiet dimly-lit streets. It’s the hum of energy at work powering our world. 

The buzz is only getting louder. With the global population on the rise, demand for energy is skyrocketing. Yet, many sources say that our global oil supply has already peaked, meaning that it is highly unlikely any large new oil reserves, the basis for petroleum, will be discovered.  

Three fossil fuels – petroleum, natural gas, and coal – have dominated the energy sector for over 100 years. None of these sources are renewable. They emit tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, polluting our air and threatening our health. Through destructive mining practices such as fracking, offshore drilling, and careless discarding of waste, the fossil fuel industry has damaged many ecosystems beyond repair with massive oil spills or leaked methane. It has driven climate change to full-blown catastrophe and harmed communities in the most vulnerable corners of the earth.

How can we keep depleting non-renewable resources when the world is only becoming more energy-dependent? The answer is simple:we cannot. Even as use of fossil fuels becomes more efficient, it remains impossible to fuel infinite economies on finite resources. Efficiency merely prolongs the negative consequences of extraction; this is not a long-term solution for humankind. 

Fortunately, planet earth produces endless amounts of clean energy everyday, just waiting to be harnessed. Wind, waves, and the sun are all sources of renewable energy that can be utilized without many of the negative consequences of fossil fuels. And after initial costs of equipment, these sources of energy are practically free! 

Why then has it taken so long for renewables to gain traction? And why are we still primarily reliant on fossil fuels? Well, the fossil fuel industry has long had control over politics due to strong lobbying efforts, subsidies, and deep-pocket campaign contributions.The United States government associates jobs with fossil fuels, making many Americans feel that if we lose fossil fuels, we also lose jobs. However, solar energy actually employs twice as many people as coal! 

The good news is that the world is waking up to renewable energy’s vast potential.  

In 2019, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the Green New Deal, an ambitious plan to transition the US economy away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy. After the US President pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg pledged to lead a group of mayors, governors and CEOs in cutting emissions according to the Paris Accord. 

Much of the rest of the world is pursuing a clean energy future. More than 15 major cities have set ambitious goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with many more are on the way. China is constructing a Forest City where houses, schools, and businesses are covered in trees, plants, and solar panels that will absorb 10,000 tons of CO2 per year and produce enough clean energy for an entire city! In Ontario, the largest coal plant in North America has been converted to a solar farm. 

In addition to creating jobs, renewable energy creates a diverse energy supply, improves public health, and puts every country on the road to energy independence. How’s that for buzz?!