Abbey Abramson

  Chapter 5: Renewable Energy Revolution: Powering a Sustainable Future Renewable energy resources power a sustainable future Renewable energy has become a cornerstone of the global effort to combat climate change, reduce environmental degradation, and promote sustainable development. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and polluting, renewable energy sources harness the natural, abundant forces of the Earth, such as sunlight, wind, and water, to produce clean and sustainable power. This section explores why transitioning to renewable energy is urgent and necessary for addressing the interconnected crises of climate change, energy insecurity, and environmental harm . Energy and Climate Change Energy production and consumption are the primary drivers of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 73% of global emissions (International Energy Agency [IEA], 2022). Fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—dominate the global energy mix, releasing vast amounts ...

  Historical Responsibility and the Global North-South Divide Global North-South Divide One of the most contentious aspects of climate justice is the historical responsibility of developed nations, primarily in the Global North, for driving climate change through industrialization. Historical responsibility is a legacy that divides the Global North and South, with the latter disproportionately bearing the negative consequences of climate change despite contributing  the least emissions they contribute to global warming. This subtopic studies the origins of this division, the ethical debates surrounding historical responsibility, and the mechanisms proposed to address these injustices. The Legacy of Industrialization and Historical Emissions The Industrial Revolution, which started in the late 18th century, was a turning point in history, enabling unprecedented economic progress and technological advancement . The crucial part of the revolution was the birth of large...