The Importance of Clean Energy

Climate change is one of the most concerning threats to our world today. The largest contributing factor to climate change is greenhouse gas emissions due to the burning of fossil fuels for energy. By changing the way our energy is generated to become safer and cleaner for the earth, not only will the effects of climate change be reversed and prevented, but the economy and populace will also benefit.

     Switching over our main energy sources from nonrenewable, greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels will provide multiple benefits besides just reducing climate change. It will create new jobs, reduce our dependence on other energy sources, cost less, and will be healthier for Earth's inhabitants, not to mention they are more easily accessible. According to the Constellation NewEnergy, Inc., “Our world runs on the energy we produce. Clean energy production allows us to generate the energy we need without the greenhouse gas emissions and negative environmental effects that come with fossil fuels, in turn helping to reduce climate change” (“What is Clean Energy?”). 

    In order to reduce climate change, we can turn to many different types of clean and renewable energy, such as hydroelectric, solar, nuclear, wind, and geothermal energy. However, not all of these clean energy sources are both renewable and zero-emission. For example, nuclear energy is a great way to prevent greenhouse gas emissions since it is zero-emission, but unfortunately, it is not replenishable. Still, clean energy is much healthier and releases fewer pollutants compared to fossil fuels.

     Some upcoming projects involving clean energy that are important to follow include the Soma 3 Wind Farm Project, New Bedford Landfill Gas-to-Energy Project, and the 3 MW Hydro Power Project by Darjeeling Power Project. The Soma Wind Farm is estimated to generate 280 GWh per annum and will produce no air or water pollution, while at the same time strengthening the surrounding community. The New Bedford Gas-to-Energy project will produce power for the regional power grid and also reduce the amount of methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas, that is released into the atmosphere. Finally, the Hydro Power project provides a sustainable source of energy, requires no dams to be built, reduces local air pollution, and provides new jobs for the community.

     Our world is damaged because of climate change, however, it is not too late to act. We need to become more progressive and do all we can to promote clean and renewable energy production if we want to improve and help the earth.

Works Cited

“Energy - United Nations Sustainable Development.” United Nations, United Nations, https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/energy/.

“Our Renewable Energy Projects.” Carbonfund, https://carbonfund.org/project_category/renewable-energy/.

“Renewable Energy – Powering a Safer Future.” United Nations, United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/raising-ambition/renewable-energy.

“What Is Clean Energy?” Constellation, https://www.constellation.com/energy-101/energy-innovation/what-is-clean-energy.html#:~:text=Why%20is%20Clean%20Energy%20Important,helping%20to%20reduce%20climate%20change.