Energy and Environment are inextricably linked due to fact that both generation and consumption of energy have substantial influence on surrounding environment. The in-depth information on variety of topics pertaining to energy and environment. Topics will include sources of energy environmental implications of those sources and significance of making transition to energy systems that are cleaner and more sustainable.
Various Forms of Energy
- Fossil Fuels: For many years, important sources of energy have been fossil fueels, which include coal, oil and natural gas. They take millions of years to produce and are composed of fossilised remnants of vegetation and animals. However, extraction and combustion of these materials contribute to pollution of air and water, as well as emissions of greenhouse gases and climate change.
- Energy from Renewable Sources: Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and biomass are naturally replenished and have minimum negativee influence on environment. They are clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, which help reduce emission of greenhouse gases and other forms of pollution.
- Effects on Environment Caussed by Production of Energy:
- Pollution in Air: The combustion of fossill fuels results in emission of pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, all of which contribute to pollution in air and cause respiratory problems. During operation, renewable energy sources release negligible amount of pollutants into atmosphere.
- Climate Change: The combustion of fossil fuels results in emissiion of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs), both which contribute to progression of climate change. Because they produce fewerr or even no emissions, renewable energy sources contribute to the fight against climate change.
- Utilisation of Water Resources and Water Quality : Production of energy requires a substantial amount of water resources, particularly for cooling of thermal power plants. Extraction of fossil fuels can also lead to contamination of water sources. While some forms of renewable energy, like hydropower, have an impact on aquatic ecosystems, other forms of renewable energy have far smaller footprint in the water.
- Degradation of Land and Destruction of Habitat: Exploitation of fossil fuels and mining can both contribute to degradation of land and destruction of habitat. There is a possibility that renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farmss will require land use. But, in most cases, these projects coexist with other land uses.
Transitioning to sustainable energy systems is critically important because :
- Climate Change Mitigation: The world is currently facing an urgent need to cut emissions of greenhouse gases in order to control amount of warming caused by global warming. Reducing effects of climate change and making progress towards sustainability objectives, it is essential to switch to renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency.
- Enhancement of Air and Water Quality: Moving away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner energy sources is one strategy to enhance air quality and cut down on dangers to one’s health that are related with air pollution. In addition, it helps prevent polluting of water resources.
- Energy security refers to a nation’s reliace on fossil fuels leaving it exposed to market shifts in price, disruptions in supply and geopolitical tensions. Increasing proportion of renewable energy sources in mix of energy sources not only improves energy security but also decreases dependency on limited resources.
- Opportunities for Economic Growth and Job Creation: The shift towards use of renewable energy systems results in creation of new job opportunities in production, installation and maintenance of renewable technology. Additionally, new possibilities for innovation and financial investment in clean energy sector are made available.
In general, relationship between energy and environment is extremely important and making the switch to energy sources are both cleaner and sustainably necessary in order to combat climate change, improve air and water quality, guarantee energy security and encourage economic expansion. But when decreasing human influence on environment and encouraging sustainable energy practises, everyone fre.om governments to businesses to individuals are important.
