Energy demand, all over the world, is increasing enormously, and it will soon exceed the existing energy generation capacity and infrastructure. World population growth, which is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, and heavy urbanization have resulted in the increasing demand for energy in the world.
Providing clean and sustainable energy is one of the biggest challenges we face today. Why does energy sustainability matter? Of course, this is one of the prime points of discussion today by governments, organizations, businesses, and individuals.
Table of Contents
How do we define sustainable energy?
Sustainable energy can be defined as energy sources available now and in the future for the sustainability of all species. Such energy is not expected to deplete in a timespan pertinent to the human race. In a way, sustainable energy is a renewable energy source that can be replenished and meet the requirements of present generations without compromising future generations’ needs.
All renewable energy sources like wind, solar, tidal, wave, geothermal, hydroelectricity, and biomass energies come under sustainable energy.
Why is sustainable energy a solution to our future?
You can see the growing use of energy throughout history for the development and functioning of human societies. Fossil fuels meet most of our energy demand and electricity supply. Coal among them is so essential that its usage is increasing.
Nevertheless, fossil fuels are nonrenewable sources that they will naturally deplete. Despite the use of advanced exploration technologies and the discovery of new reserves, fossil fuel reserves are never a solution for long-term human needs. They will eventually run out of reserves if an alternative to fossil fuels is not found.
Moreover, the dependence on fossil fuels has led to environmental pollution, conflicts, the world oil crisis, and global economic disruption. Similarly, the development of nuclear power plants and the extraction of energy from nuclear fuels have a serious environmental impact due to the emission of radioactive substances.
Renewable power can solve the current problem of global climate change and the overuse of fossil fuels. Several regions and countries across the globe are undergoing rapid industrialization and economic growth, fuelling their energy demands. Renewable energy sources can meet the whole world’s energy demands, but it may take some time.
There are numerous reasons why sustainable energy is essential to our future. A few prominent ones to explain are:
Reduce pollution and natural calamities
The burning of fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases, which pollute the air we breathe in. Many major cities are not safe places to live, for the amount of carbon dioxide the industries let out in the air. People suffer due to this and die from respiratory diseases every year. Using clean or renewable energy can save all the living beings on the earth.
Climate change is the other serious consequence of burning fossil fuels. It causes severe droughts and floods causing fatalities.
Generating renewable energy benefits countries
You need land to run solar and wind projects. Countries having large areas of unused lands can go for renewables infrastructure development, which will help them with economic growth through urbanization. Even regions like Southeast Asia, which doesn’t have enough land area to run big solar projects, use their abundant water resources to set up floating solar and offshore wind power plants.
Sustainable energy sources give steady income
The investment opportunities in solar and wind power projects are high, with more and more countries promoting sustainable energy. With low-risk involved and high reliability, such projects are better avenues to invest in and earn steady returns.
To conclude, renewables will be the major energy source in the future. They help countries develop future industries and meet the energy demands of people.
