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 ...

  The Role of Fossil Fuels and Carbon Emissions Fossil fuels are major contributors to climate change Fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas —have been the foundation of industrial development and economic growth for over two centuries. However, their extraction, associated processes, and combustion of the extracted and refined energy are the major contributors to climate change, accounting for most greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions . Recent data show that global energy consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Approximately 80% of the world's energy consumption comes from coal , oil , and natural gas (International Energy Agency [IEA], 2022). Specifically, coal accounts for about 27%, oil represents roughly 31%, and natural gas is around 22% of the total energy mix (BP Statistical Review of World Energy, 2023). This section discusses the history of dependence on fossil fuels, the environmental impacts of carbon emissions, the role of the industry sector, and the complex so...