The world needs a clean, sustainable future. That means making the switch to renewable energy – a shift that will not only benefit us, but our planet and future generations.
Renewable energy comes from sources that are constantly replenished, including sunlight, wind, geothermal heat, water and various forms of biomass. The word “alternative” often is associated with energy sources that don’t harm the environment, although in some cases the term can be misleading and suggest these types of technologies are not as efficient or cost-effective as conventional energies.
Fossil fuels have been the energy of choice for millennia, but they are a finite resource and experts predict we will run out within the next 50 to 150 years. The mining of these fossil fuels causes environmental damage and requires constant exploration for new reserves. They also produce greenhouse gases when burned, which leads to climate change.
In the early days of renewable energy, wood fueled our forges and fires for many years. Other traditional renewables include hydropower, used to power dams, and the kinetic and thermal energy of the ocean – from waves and currents – which could one day be tapped with technology like tidal turbines.
In the United States, solar and wind power have become the largest renewable energy sources for electricity. However, up-front costs for renewable energy can be higher than fossil fuels, although tax credits and other incentives may help reduce these costs for businesses and individuals. In addition, prices for these sources can fluctuate, unlike the comparatively stable costs of fossil fuels.
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