Learn Why the Future Depends on Sustainable Energy
Many organizations have used the term ‘sustainable’ while discussing their policies and planning for the future. Sustainability was first defined in 1987 as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” To put it in simpler terms, a process is sustainable if it satisfies our present needs while safeguarding the needs of future generations.
After the industrial revolution, humanity’s energy needs exploded. The modern world runs on all forms of energy, from fossil fuel energy to hydropower and solar power. But not all forms of energy can be categorized as sustainable energy. Sustainable energy requires not degrading our environment and ruining possible energy stocks. While addressing our energy requirements, we must be mindful not to hurt future opportunities.
This article will look at different forms of sustainable energy and their benefits.
Forms of sustainable energy
There are a variety of sustainable energy resources, ranging from renewable energy sources like hydropower and wind power to non-renewable energy sources like nuclear power. These energy sources generate energy security and minimize greenhouse gas production, unlike fossil fuels such as coal and oil.
- Renewable energy sources: Renewable energy sources are so called because their stock is periodically replenished by Earth’s natural processes. So, they are infinite and produce less pollution due to their eco-friendly properties. The main forms of this type of energy include solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, and bioenergy. Extracting energy from all these forms in sustainable processes is important. After in-depth research and proactive investment, it can be concluded that sustainable energy from these sources is highly efficient and eco-friendly.
- Non-renewable energy sources: These mainly include nuclear power and natural gas. Both of them are considered short-term solutions, and it is debated whether they are a source of sustainable energy or not. They produce less air pollution than coal and oil and are a better alternative for the time being. They are also highly combustible, releasing large amounts of energy as compared to renewable energy sources.
Benefits of Sustainable Energy
The current major sources of energy include fossil fuels like coal and oil. They have been proven to be highly unsustainable because of high carbon emission and add to the looming crisis of global warming. Compared to this, sustainable energy can transform the future and widely impact the environment, economy, and society.
- Environmentally, sustainable energy paves the way for a carbon-neutral future, stronger ecosystems, and optimized water consumption.
- Economically, it addresses the weakening economic development, efficient use of energy and energy security.
- Socially, people get access to affordable and reliable energy and fewer conflicts over resources.
In Search of a Sustainable Future
The need for sustainable energy solutions has rapidly grown with time. From global warming to rapid climate change, no one knows what the future holds. Yet, only sustainable energy promises some control to shape a secure and greener future.
To solve our energy needs sustainably, we need to optimize every process involved in extracting energy. Sustainable energy is a challenging feat to achieve. At Schneider Electric, we constantly seek ways to come up with innovative solutions and robust technology that can power a green future. Green Yodha is one such initiative which aims to bring together conscious citizens and businesses to undertake environmentally restorative measures.