Renewable Energy in fight for Climate Change

Renewable energy has dramatically changed the outlook of our global carbon footprint, and authors Long and Steinberger (2016) from the Climate & Clean Energy Program believe it is the most effective tool in improving it. Both wind and solar energy have caused prices of competitors to vastly decrease, therefore making it cheaper than operating older and efficient ways of generating energy.

The authors note that the “cost of generating wind and solar energy have declined by 58 percent and 78 percent, respectively, since 2009” (Long & Steinberger, 2016), which aligns with the more common practice of consumers placing solar panels on their homes. Additionally, it’s noted that the acceleration of wind and solar renewable energy growth is expected to vastly increase, and possibly double by 2021.

There are many benefits that come along with the use of renewable energy. For example, “in 2013 alone, renewable standards across the country saved customers up to $1.2 billion from reduced wholesale electric prices” (Long & Steinberger, 2016) and double that for natural gas price savings, due to the reduction in demand for the power grid. The savings for consumers has proven beneficial economically as well, providing 200,000 jobs, $5.2 billion worth of health benefits with improved air systems, and a global benefit of $2.2 billion.

Prior to the rise of renewable energy, consumers were forced into a reliance on the power grid, therefore proving a need for a backup generator and transmission. This was yet another cause of carbon emissions, but there is also an inflexibility in reliance on the power grid. For instance, the amount of stress placed on the grids required maintenance that would be unforeseeable for its users, causing an unpredictable inconvenience. PG&E has since closed their nuclear plant in California to replace it with a 100% clean energy site. The popularization of electric cars and solar panels make it easier on the consumers to take the next step in improving their global footprint, even if they find it to be more of an economical cause. Many states are now hoping to support a grid that reduces the carbon footprint, with renewable energy doing the opposite. There have been a series of studies that support that a transition to an electric grid with low carbon emissions is feasible.

The commitment to renewable energy is constantly helping fight climate change, providing an economical benefit to its users and reducing the global carbon footprint. The advancement, popularization, and accessibility of renewable energy sources are helping consumers address climate change and reduce the negative effects on the planet.

Citation

Long, N & Steinberger, K. (2016, July 26). Renewable Energy Is Key to Fighting Climate Change. NRDC. https://www.nrdc.org/experts/noah-long/renewable-energy-key-fighting-climate-change