Renewable energy sources
Renewable energy comes from many sources including wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and water. All of these energy sources are free and infinite. Renewable energy is important in combating climate change because fossil fuels are a major contributor to greenhouse gases, which are causing the global warming we are currently experiencing.
Biomass is a type of renewable energy. It converts organic materials, such as wood, grasses and other plants, into electricity. This process is faster and more efficient than using fossil fuels. Additionally, biomass can produce power at a fraction of the cost of fossil fuels. Because it doesn't emit carbon dioxide into our atmosphere, biomass is a common source for renewable energy. This contributes to climate change and global warming.
Renewable energy sources' environmental impacts
The use of renewable energy sources has several environmental benefits for people and the planet. Massive carbon dioxide emissions are caused by fossil fuel-dominated electricity production. In the United States, electricity generation accounts for 40 percent of the nation's energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. In China, electricity generation contributed to just over two billion tons of CO2 emissions in 2007. Additional to CO2, fossil-fuel burning also emits NOx and other air pollutants. These pollutants cause air pollution and are extremely toxic. They also cause water resource problems.
Renewable energy sources reduce pollution and emissions, but they also boost the economy, create employment, and help to alleviate poverty. Half of the world's energy demand will come from renewable energy by 2050. This is a huge number and represents more than 140 times the current energy consumption worldwide. Germany's renewable energy industry is an example of a success story, with employment increases of up to 55% since 2004.
Public opinion on renewable energy sources
A new survey has found that Americans generally favor renewable energy sources over other fossil fuels. However, opinions vary by party. Democrats support regulation to encourage renewable energy development. Republicans favor the free market to facilitate the transition. Independent of party affiliation, most people support renewable energies as a way of reducing the dependence on fossil fuels.
The study revealed that 72 percent of national respondents considered renewable energy sources favorable, and 78 percent considered them unfavorable. The proportion of those who didn't know much about renewable energies was significantly greater than that for nuclear and oil.