Prioritize renewable energy for a safer future.

In recent years, the world has witnessed alarming changes due to climate change. Carbon emissions, caused by using non-renewable energy, result in global warming, climate change, and severe weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves. These changes have far-reaching consequences that impact not only human health but also global security, economic stability, and social equity. In response to these issues, it is essential to prioritize renewable energy to ensure a safer future for our planet. This article highlights the benefits of renewable energy and explains why we need to prioritize it.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy consists of energy sources that come from natural processes that do not deplete over time. The most common renewable energy sources include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. The production of renewable energy has several advantages. First, it produces no greenhouse gases, which reduces our carbon footprint, and slows down climate change. Second, renewable energy sources do not emit pollutants. Third, renewable energy is cheaper and more cost-effective than using non-renewable energy sources. Fourth, renewable energy can provide energy security for many regions, especially those that are remote but have abundant renewable sources.

Why Prioritize Renewable Energy?

There are several reasons why policymakers should prioritize renewable energy over non-renewable energy. First, renewable energy can help reduce carbon emissions and slow down climate change. As carbon emissions continue to grow, we need to decrease our reliance on non-renewable energy if we want to meet global greenhouse gas emission targets. The reduction can be achieved through investing in renewable energy development and promoting policies that support renewable energy growth.

Second, the use of renewable energy sources can improve air quality. Renewable energy produces fewer pollutants than non-renewable energy. As a result, using renewable energy can reduce respiratory diseases and premature deaths by reducing the number of pollutants in the air. For example, studies show that the use of renewable wind energy can reduce smog and airborne toxic chemicals.

Third, renewable energy can stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty. The demand for renewable energy is growing rapidly around the world. Countries that invest in renewable energy have more opportunities for innovation and growth than countries that rely on non-renewable energy. Moreover, expanding the use of renewable energy can create new jobs and improve the lives of people who have limited access to electricity.

Fourth, renewable energy can increase energy security. Non-renewable energy sources are finite and can be subject to geopolitical tensions and price volatility. In contrast, renewable energy sources are abundant and available in most parts of the world. By diversifying energy sources, countries can have more control over their energy supply and reduce their dependence on energy imports.

Examples of Countries that Prioritize Renewable Energy

Many countries around the world have prioritized renewable energy. Below are examples of countries that are succeeding in developing renewable energy sources:

1. Iceland – Iceland is a small island nation in the North Atlantic that has made great strides in achieving energy independence through renewable energy. In 2019, almost 90% of Iceland’s primary energy consumption came from renewable sources. The majority of the country’s electricity comes from geothermal power plants.

2. Denmark – Denmark is another example of a country that has made a significant investment in renewable energy sources. Wind energy meets almost half of Denmark’s electricity demands. Furthermore, the country has set a target to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

3. Germany – Germany has emerged as a leader in renewable energy. The country has invested heavily in wind and solar power, which accounts for more than 40% of its electricity generation. Moreover, Germany has set a target of phasing out non-renewable power sources by 2038.

4. China – China is the world’s largest producer of renewable energy. It has invested heavily in renewable energy infrastructure, particularly wind and solar power, in the past few years. By 2025, China aims to generate 20% of its electricity from renewable sources.

Policies that can Promote Renewable Energy Growth

To promote renewable energy, we need government policies that support the expansion of renewable energy production. The policies should be designed to incentivize the development of renewable energy infrastructure and reduce the cost of renewable energy. Below are policies that can promote renewable energy growth:

1. Feed-in Tariffs – Feed-in tariffs are policies that require utilities to buy electricity from renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, at a set price. The policy enables companies and individuals to invest in renewable energy and generate income by selling the excess electricity back to the grid. It also allows renewable energy producers to compete with non-renewable energy companies.

2. Net Metering – Net metering is another policy that promotes renewable energy growth. Net metering gives homeowners with solar panels the ability to sell their excess electricity back to the grid. The policy is essential for promoting the adoption of sustainable energy in residential and commercial settings.

3. Tax Credits – Tax credits are incentives that reduce the tax burden of companies or homeowners when investing in renewable energy. The credit is usually applied to the capital costs of installing renewable energy infrastructure. The policy is essential for making renewable energy more affordable and accessible.

4. Renewable Portfolio Standards – Renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are policies that require utilities to produce a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources. The policy encourages utilities to diversify their energy sources and invest in sustainable energy. It is essential for promoting the growth of renewable energy.

Conclusion

Renewable energy is a crucial solution for achieving a safer future. By prioritizing renewable energy, we can reduce our carbon footprint, improve air quality, stimulate economic growth, and increase energy security. Examples of countries such as Iceland, Denmark, Germany, and China have shown that through investing in renewable energy infrastructure, we can achieve these goals. Furthermore, policies such as feed-in tariffs, net metering, tax credits, and renewable portfolio standards are essential tools for promoting renewable energy growth. It is critical to implement these policies and take action to promote renewable energy if we want to create a safer and more sustainable future for our planet.