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Global warming is one of the major problems facing our planet. The Industrial Revolution ushered in a gradual increase in the global temperature. From 1880 to 1980, the increase was pegged at an average of 0.7 degrees Celsius (McMillan & Turrentine, 2021). Since 1981 however, the rate of increase doubled to an average of 0.13 degrees Celsius (Shinn, 2022; McMillan & Turrentine, 2021). The speed by which these changes in temperature have manifested has also become faster with the last 40 years manifesting a temperature increase of 0.18 degrees Celsius (Shinn, 2022). Due to these temperature changes, our planet is now at its hottest. This is very much unfortunate circumstance because global warming is not just about the warming of the planet, it also translates to the increased frequency of super typhoons and stronger hurricanes, as well as floods, droughts, hotter summers, and colder winters (Alfonso et al., 2021). The CoVID19 pandemic can also ultimately be associated with climate change due to the encroachment of animal habitats, and the increase of human and animal interactions (Alfonso et al., 2021). These interactions are causing the transference of animal diseases to humans with the latter lacking the natural immunity against these diseases. Developing solutions to global warming has therefore become more imperative. There are multiple solutions to global warming and working these solutions intensely and at a larger scale can help slow down the pace of climate change. One of the solutions to global warming is to transition into renewable sources of energy. Renewable sources of energy help reduce greenhouse gases through their comparatively lower carbon footprint to fossil fuel sources.
We can do it today.
Renewable sources of energy
Shifting to renewable sources of energy would help solve the global warming crisis. Renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric are considered clean sources of energy (Shinn, 2022). Their energy is sourced from natural sources which are renewed or replenished after their use. Sunlight and wind for instance are always present with the sun constantly shining and wind blowing (Elavarasan et al., 2020). While their availability may depend on the weather and on time, their presence is considered reliably constant (Shinn, 2022). Renewable sources of energy undergo various processes which would not lead to toxic wastes which can be dangerous for the planet (Elavarasan et al., 2020). On the other hand, while fossil fuels are being processed for use, they are likely to produce carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Greenhouses gases trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global warming (Elavarasan et al., 2020). The shift to renewable energy can therefore help reduce greenhouse gases and reduce the global temperature.
Renewable energy sources of energy like solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric energy can help address the global warming issue. Solar energy has long been harnessed by humans for their various activities like growing crops, drying goods, and keeping warm (Qazi et al., 2019). Experts from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory indicate that one hour of energy from the sun on the earth’s surface is actually enough to provide for everyone’s energy needs for a year (Shinn, 2022). The photovoltaic (PV) cells are able to directly transform sunlight into electricity. Where solar systems would be distributed in numerous areas, they can provide for the electricity needs of local businesses and homes (Qazi et al., 2019). All that would be needed is rooftop panels which can be paid for by communities to save on costs. Solar farms are able to power thousands of homes helping ensure the sustainability of solar energy as an alternative energy source (Qazi et al., 2019). The ultimate advantage of solar energy over nonrenewable energy sources is the fact that solar energy does not produce greenhouse gases and the panels themselves do not have much environmental impact during their manufacturing process.
Wind, geothermal energy, and hydroelectric energy are also popular renewable energy sources. Wind energy is harnessed via windmills. The turbines are turned by the wind and this process generates electricity (Kumar, 2020). Wind energy is considered a cheap energy source which makes it ideal for rural and lower income communities. It is also a source of energy which can be placed in areas with high wind speeds or near open ocean waters where powerful winds often blow. Like solar energy, wind energy does not produce greenhouse gases. As for geothermal energy, this type of energy is harnessed from the earth’s core (Kumar, 2020). As the rocks near the center of our planet decay, deep wells are able to bring the hot water above ground and this can be the source of the energy (Kumar, 2020). The process and the energy created from geothermal sources also do not produce greenhouse gases. The other alternative source of energy is hydroelectric energy. This energy is harnessed from fast moving water, with turbines being spun by its descending falls (Kumar, 2020). Through these alternative sources of energy, the activities of man can be powered, safely and more effectively for the planet.
Dirty energy
Fossil fuel as an energy source is considered dirty energy. This simply translates to nonrenewable energy like energy from oil, gas, and coal sources (Martins et al., 2018). These sources of energy are limited as compared to the renewable sources which are considered unlimited sources. This means that fossil fuel sources can run dry and be consumed. Fossil fuels are also only available in some, not all parts of the world (Martins et al., 2018). As a result, some countries may have a larger supply of fossil fuels than others. On the other hand, the sun and wind are available in almost all parts of the world and every country can harness these energy sources for their own (Martins et al., 2018). Nonrenewable sources have been known to bring danger to the environment as well as to man’s health (Martins et al., 2018). Oil drilling and transport has been seen to damage forests and bodies of water respectively. These dangers eventually exacerbate the global warming issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, global warming is a major global issue which can be addressed in a variety of ways. Renewable sources of energy help reduce greenhouse gases through their comparatively lower carbon footprint to fossil fuel sources. Through solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric sources of energy, clean energy can be produced and can effectively supply the energy needs of man. In contrast to fossil fuel sources like oil, coal, and gas, renewable energy sources do not produce greenhouse gases which are known to trap hot air in the atmosphere. Renewable energy sources can help effectively delay and slow down the current rate of global warming.
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