How Does Renewable Energy Affect Humans?
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are constantly replenished, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite resources, renewable energy sources are sustainable and will not run out. Renewable energy is essential in the fight against climate change, as it produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions that drive global warming. Shifting to renewable energy and away from fossil fuels is critical if we want to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a cleaner economy. The five main types of renewable energy are: solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal. Today, renewable energy accounts for about 11% of total U.S. energy consumption and 17% of electricity generation. However, renewable energy is the fastest growing energy source worldwide, showing the increasing importance and adoption of renewables. There are many benefits of renewable energy in terms of environmental protection, jobs and economic growth, energy access and independence, national security, sustainability, and more. This article will explore how renewable energy positively impacts humans and the compelling reasons why renewable energy matters now more than ever.
Reduced Pollution
Transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power provides significant reductions in air and water pollution compared to fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and mercury into the atmosphere, which damages human health by causing respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and premature death (https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/raising-ambition/renewable-energy). The American Lung Association estimates that transitioning to clean energy could prevent over 226,000 asthma attacks and 21,700 premature deaths by 2030 (https://www.clarity.io/blog/steps-toward-cleaner-air-a-closer-look-at-the-air-quality-and-climate-benefits-of-renewable-energy).
Fossil fuel pollution also contaminates water resources through spills, leaching from ash ponds, and acid rain. Renewable energy avoids this water pollution, resulting in cleaner drinking water and aquatic ecosystems. The health benefits of renewable energy go beyond reduced air and water pollution – transitioning to clean power will also reduce environmental injustices impacting marginalized communities situated near fossil fuel infrastructure.
Job Creation
The transition to renewable energy is creating millions of new jobs worldwide. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), total renewable energy jobs reached 13.7 million in 2022, nearly double the number in 2012 (IRENA, 2022). The renewable energy sector employs around 5 times more people than the fossil fuel industry. Jobs are being created in manufacturing, construction, installation, operations & maintenance, and more. The United States has over 3 million clean energy jobs today, with growth outpacing the overall economy (DOE, 2023). The International Labour Organization found renewable energy to be a major driver of decent job creation and economic growth. The green economy creates opportunities for skilled workers while supporting a just transition for those in fossil fuel industries.
Energy Access
Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass can provide electricity to remote areas that lack access to traditional grid infrastructure (https://www.thegef.org/what-we-do/topics/renewable-energy-and-energy-access). Decentralized renewable energy systems are often the most cost-effective way to provide power to rural communities far from existing transmission lines. Small-scale solar panels, micro hydropower, and other distributed generation sources allow developing regions to electrify areas without waiting for major grid expansion projects. As of 2018, the International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that decentralized renewables have provided access to energy for over 420 million people worldwide, showing the vast potential to reach hundreds of millions more (https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/energy/). With support for policies, financing, and technology, renewable energy can be transformative in bringing electricity to underserved populations and improving standards of living.
Energy Independence
Renewable energy can help countries achieve greater energy independence by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels like oil and natural gas (1). Many nations import a significant portion of their energy from other countries. For example, the United States imports about 7.9 million barrels of petroleum per day (2). This reliance on energy imports creates economic vulnerabilities and national security concerns. Investing more heavily in domestic renewable energy sources like wind, solar, hydropower, and geothermal can allow countries to generate more of their own energy and reduce imports. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, renewable energy has the power to enhance energy independence because it relies on naturally replenished domestic resources (3). The more a country can produce its own renewable power, the less exposed it is to volatile fossil fuel prices and supply disruptions.
(1) https://www.energy.gov/eere/energy-independence-and-security
(2) https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/imports-and-exports.php
(3) https://www.energy.gov/eere/why-clean-energy-matters
Cost Savings
The cost of renewable energy has declined dramatically in recent years, becoming cheaper than conventional fossil fuel sources in many parts of the world. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewables saved the global power sector $520 billion in fuel costs in 2022 compared to fossil fuel sources.
Investing in clean energy such as solar, wind, and geothermal can lead to significant cost savings for households and businesses. The American Progress research group estimates that investments in renewable energy and efficiency improvements could save the average household $500 per year in energy bills. As more renewable capacity comes online, the marginal cost of producing clean electricity continues to fall compared to fossil fuels.
According to the UN, the growth of renewables in 2021 saved $55 billion globally in electricity generation costs compared to fossil fuels in 2022. With fossil fuel prices volatile and expected to rise over the long term, transitioning to renewable sources provides cost certainty and insulation from market fluctuations.
Rural Development
The growth of renewable energy is providing significant economic benefits to rural areas. According to the USDA Rural Development’s Energy Programs website, renewable energy financing through grants, loans, and other incentives are helping drive rural development. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides guaranteed loans and grants to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.
Renewable energy investments funded by programs like REAP are creating jobs and generating income across rural America. Wind and solar projects in particular benefit rural communities by providing lease payments to landowners who host projects on their properties. Construction and maintenance of these projects also creates long-term employment opportunities. The USDA estimates its REAP program has created or saved over 50,000 jobs since 2009.
In addition to direct economic impacts, renewables are helping to stem the loss of rural populations. Affordable and reliable power from wind and solar makes rural communities more attractive places to live, work, and run a business. Renewable energy is key to revitalizing struggling rural economies in the 21st century.
Climate Change Mitigation
Renewable energy is a critical tool in fighting climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, most renewables like solar and wind produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions in generating electricity (https://climate.mit.edu/explainers/renewable-energy). By transitioning from coal, oil, and natural gas to renewables for power, heat, and fuel, we can dramatically cut emissions. According to the UN, renewables could decarbonize over 90% of the electricity sector by 2050 (https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/raising-ambition/renewable-energy), massively reducing carbon pollution. This is essential to meet global climate goals and mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.
Sustainable Growth
Renewable energy sources enable sustainable development and economic growth by providing clean, reliable energy while reducing pollution and environmental degradation. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewables are set to account for over 90% of global electricity expansion over the next five years, overtaking coal to become the largest source of power generation by 2025 (IEA, 2022). The growth of renewables promotes sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and enabling access to energy worldwide.
Renewable energy investments also create jobs and stimulate economic activity. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Energy Research found a significant positive correlation between renewable energy consumption and GDP growth across 46 countries over 25 years, demonstrating the ability of renewables to enable environmentally sustainable development (Chen, 2022). With appropriate policies, renewable energy can increase energy security, improve socioeconomic conditions, and provide sustainable energy across generations.
Conclusion
In summary, transitioning to renewable energy provides many benefits for humanity and the planet. As discussed, renewable energy reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, creating cleaner air and mitigating climate change (UN 2022). It also creates new jobs and industries, providing opportunities for economic growth and development. Increasing access to energy through renewables can power economic progress and improve quality of life, especially in developing regions. Energy independence and cost savings from renewables enhance energy security and affordability. Furthermore, renewable energy enables sustainable development without depletion of finite resources. While the transition involves challenges, the ultimate rewards are immense. Humanity’s future depends on swiftly moving to an energy system dominated by renewables like solar, wind and geothermal. The transition is essential for public health, the economy, the environment and the planet as a whole.
