It also contributes to air quality problems, which increase the health effects of other air pollutants. Long-term effects associated with fossil fuel burning could be even more alarming than air pollution-related deaths today. Nuclear energy poses the unique threats of radioactive waste and radiation. Waste from nuclear energy facilities is dangerous to transport and to dispose of. In addition, there is potential for a disastrous nuclear accident, like Chernobyl. Health effects of radioactive waste include cancer, sterility and even death.
Radiation may cause immune system damage, leukemia, miscarriages, stillbirths, deformities and genetic mutations. Mercury is a highly toxic metal that is released from coal-fired power plants.
Mercury accumulates in the fat cells of fish and other animals. When humans eat the fish, they are exposed to mercury. Mercury causes permanent damage to the liver and central nervous system, causing loss of motor function, slurred speech, tunnel vision, and loss of hearing.
Mercury is particularly harmful when ingested by pregnant or nursing women as it can cause birth defects and developmental defects. Because mercury accumulates in biological organisms it is constantly being recycled in the environment as it moves up the food chain. Energy Security Renewable energy provides reliable power supplies and fuel diversification, which enhance energy security and lower risk of fuel spills while reducing the need for imported fuels.
Economic Development According to two studies by the U. Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned. Climate change is a serious environmental threat that may contribute to coastal flooding, more frequent and extreme heat waves, more intense droughts, an increase in the number of severe storms, and the increased spread of infectious diseases. Acid rain damages the foliage of forests, crops, and other plants, and eventually can kill the plants.
Industrial process heat can also be covered by green energy, with biomass producing renewable heat and hydrogen providing the necessary energy for cement, iron and steel, and chemical industries. The sooner we create a world powered by renewable energy the better. If you want to help change the future for the better and protect our planet for future generations, there is an easy way for you to get started.
You can make a huge change in just a few minutes — just by choosing clean energy with Inspire. Click here to get started. Not sure if renewable energy is right for you? Read the latest Inspire Energy reviews to see how we've helped customers make the switch. Ready to make the switch to clean energy? Get started You may also like. Looking to replace your old appliances? Consider energy-efficient ones that are better for the environment.
Wondering how Inspire's Clean Natural Gas plan works? Here's the breakdown. Why is Renewable Energy Important? Learn the importance of using renewable energy this year and beyond. Why is renewable energy important for our future?
What role does wind energy play? Why is solar power important? Why is the development of renewable energy sources so important? Here's why: Fossil fuels will run out — experts believe we have between 53 and years before nonrenewable sources will be scarce and therefore unable to power our world. Why are alternative energy resources important? Biomass Biomass is simply organic matter used to generate energy. Geothermal Geothermal energy comes from heat within the sub-surface of the Earth.
Hydropower Hydropower is a clean fuel source collected from the natural movement of water, and, once a dam has been built, it's esentially free to produce. The Importance of Renewable Energy for Environment :. Usually we use energy to obtain electricity, hot water, and fuel for cars.
We harvest this energy from fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal. However, these are nonrenewable energy sources. Therefore, the problem is now if these sources finish, we will not be able to more energy during our lifetime. Thus, it is important that we start to use renewable energy resources for avoiding this problem.
Renewable energy is the energy that is replenished on a human timescale, but these sources are flow-limited and we can harvest it by renewable resources, such as sunlight, the wind, hydropower, geothermal, tides and rains. Renewable energy:. In the past, we used windmills for hundreds of years to pump water from the ground. Green Power Opportunities.
Interested in expanding renewable energy use in your jurisdiction? On this page: Overview Benefits of Renewable Energy Implementing On-site Renewable Energy Projects Tools and Resources Overview Local governments can dramatically reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing or directly generating electricity from clean, renewable sources.
The most common renewable power technologies include: Solar photovoltaic, solar thermal Wind Biogas e. Options for using renewable energy include: Generating renewable energy on-site using a system or device at the location where the power is used e. Benefits of Renewable Energy Environmental and economic benefits of using renewable energy include: Generating energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces some types of air pollution Diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on imported fuels Creating economic development and jobs in manufacturing, installation, and more Implementing On-site Renewable Energy Projects On-site power generation provides local governments with the most direct access to renewable energy.
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