Our goal of a zero carbon energy future is getting closer. This year we reached 30% renewable energy use on a global scale. (https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/2024-05-09/30-of-2023s-electricity-was-clean-energy). We are at the halfway mark of the goal to reach 60% renewable/clean energy use worldwide by 2030. Each year the task gets more difficult since energy demands increase as the global population increases and industrializes. The three countries that use the most fossil fuel today are China, the United States, and India which utilize 54% of all energy globally.
Out with the old, in with the new!
In the past we have relied almost solely on fossil fuels to meet our energy demands. Future energy needs will need to be met using a variety of sources. Hydroelectric is currently the biggest source of clean energy production accompanied by other sources such as solar, wind, nuclear, geothermal and biomas energy. We will need to develop all of these sources and more to meet future needs while trying to clean our environment.
Clarifying the terms
According to TWI Global, “Green energy is that which comes from natural sources, such as the sun. Clean energy are those types which do not release pollutants into the air, and renewable energy comes from sources that are constantly being replenished, such as hydropower, wind power or solar energy.” (https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/what-is-green-energy#) Most industry experts agree on sun, wind and hydro power being green, clean and renewable. Other sources such as nuclear energy are still somewhat controversial as to how clean and green they are.
What can YOU personally do to help the world reach its energy goals?
Ideally we would work hard to decrease our energy use at the same time as we develop new cleaner, more sustainable sources to be able to meet global energy goals in the near future.
- Use less energy! Walk, take public transportation, ride share, work from home whenever possible.
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Make sure to use energy star or efficient appliances in your home.
- Reuse everything you can to avoid always purchasing new products. Manufacturing uses lots of energy and emits waste into our atmosphere and water.
- Power your home by renewable energy. Many providers have plans that use a combination of fossil fuels and renewables. Ask your provider. Some companies use 100% renewable energy such as Green Mountain (wind power).
- Install solar panels on your home if that makes financial sense where you live and how your house is oriented.
- Landscape your house with energy efficiency in mind. Use ground cover plants, rock, or mulch that do not need to be mowed or use a push mower if you have grass. Your heart will benefit from the cardio and you can skip the trip to the gym that day 🙂 win-win
- Share this knowledge and help others to decrease their use of fossil fuels.
Learn, Improve, Repeat!