Bianca Jusino
May 14, 2023
Most of the energy sources we use are non-renewable, meaning that they exist in small quantities, and the regeneration of them takes a lot of time. Some of these energy sources include petroleum, natural gas, coal, oil, and nuclear energy, which are all sourced from our Earth. Because of this, they are slowly depleting our already limited resources and causing tremendous damage to our environment. For example, fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, thus drastically lowering the quality of the air we breathe.
For this reason, and many more, renewable energy is much better for our environment. Renewable energy can be continuously renewed and therefore cannot be depleted when used, making it the better option. Other positive attributes of renewable energy include that it reduces the impact of global warming, reduces air pollution, and creates more jobs because of its high labor demand. Let’s explore a few types of renewable energy!
The two most powerful sources of renewable energy are wind and solar. Wind power utilizes the wind to generate electricity. This is often done with wind turbines which convert kinetic energy to mechanical energy which then turns into electrical energy. They are placed in areas that receive a lot of wind throughout the year, such as Texas and Iowa.
Solar energy is exactly what it sounds like: energy harnessed from the sun’s rays. Solar energy is captured through the use of solar panels, which are large structures that are placed on top of buildings. These panels have photovoltaic (PV) materials which absorb sunlight and cause electricity to flow throughout the panels, providing electricity within houses and other establishments.
Photograph by Inga Spence/Alamy stock photo
Sustainable energy is on the rise, replacing unsustainable energy sources and improving our environment and quality of life. Next time you go on a road trip, look out for wind turbines and perhaps consider what you can do in collaboration with renewable energy sources to be kind to our environment!
Photograph by Smileus/Getty Images
References
Benefits of renewable energy use. (2008, July 14). Union of Concerned Scientists. https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/benefits-renewable-energy-use
The environmental impact of non-renewable energies: Climate change and more. (n.d.). Sustainability for All. https://www.activesustainability.com/renewable-energy/environmental-impact-of-non-renewable-energies/?_adin=02021864894
What is wind power? (n.d.). Office of Energy, Efficiency, & Renewable Energy. https://windexchange.energy.gov/what-is-wind
Wind facilities' installed capacity by state. (n.d.). Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. https://neo.ne.gov/programs/stats/inf/205.htm#:~:text=Texas%20has%20the%20largest%20installed,installed%20capacity%20(2.0%20megawatts)
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