The Main Benefits of Renewable Energy

The Main Benefits of Renewable Energy

13.8 percent of the electricity generated in the United States in 2015 came from renewable energy sources (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2016). Renewable energy produces power without the negative environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels, such as releasing pollutants into the air that cause environmental problems. Renewable energy has a significant positive effect on the environment because it reduces air pollution, mitigates global warming, and creates more jobs for people.

Air Pollution and Its Environmental Impact

Air pollution occurs when fossil fuels release pollutants like heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Fossil fuels emit numerous harmful substances into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and arsenic, which lead to health issues and premature death. Moreover, these pollutants cause acid rain, which can damage ecosystems. According to Selin (2017), acid rain adversely affects aquatic life and plants, leading to the destruction of ecosystems. If renewable energy replaces fossil fuels, it could significantly diminish acid rain and help preserve ecosystems. Therefore, renewable energy should replace fossil fuels to combat acid rain and reduce air pollution.

Reducing Global Warming

Renewable energy has the potential to reduce global warming. In 2015, three-quarters of US energy consumption in transportation came from gasoline used in automobiles, commercial trucks, ships, and airplanes. The combustion of gasoline for transportation accounted for 27% of total US greenhouse gas emissions (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2016). This data highlights the substantial contribution of transportation to greenhouse gas emissions, which could be mitigated by adopting renewable energy sources. In 2016, petroleum products provided 92% of the energy used in US transportation and accounted for an estimated 37% of overall US energy consumption (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2017). The heavy reliance on fossil fuels emphasizes the need to shift towards renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gases.

Job Creation in Renewable Energy Industries

One concern about transitioning to renewable energy is the potential job loss for fossil fuel workers. In 2017, the oil, gas extraction, and coal mining industries employed 600,000 people in the United States (National Mining Association, 2017). However, in 2015, the renewable energy sector provided 769,000 jobs (International Renewable Energy Agency, 2016), indicating that renewable energy industries employ more workers than fossil fuel industries. This is crucial because it shows that transitioning to renewable energy could create more jobs than it eliminates. For instance, the coal industry employed 90,000 workers in 2012, but by 2016, only 50,000 remained employed, reflecting a shift towards renewable energy (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). The renewable energy sector is expanding, creating more jobs and gradually replacing those lost in fossil fuel industries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, renewable energy can positively impact the environment by reducing air pollution and global warming while creating more jobs in renewable energy industries. The transition to renewable energy sources is vital for mitigating the harmful effects of fossil fuels on the environment and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. By replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy, we can help prevent environmental degradation and promote sustainable economic growth.

References:

• International Renewable Energy Agency. (2016). Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review 2016.
• National Mining Association. (2017). U.S. Coal Industry Employment.
• Selin, N. E. (2017). Acid rain. In Environmental Science: In Context.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2017). Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction: NAICS 21.
• U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2016). Monthly Energy Review.
• U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2017). Petroleum & Other Liquids.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2016). Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2015.