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 Evidence and Impacts of a Changing Climate Climate change impacts include extreme weather events The evidence of a changing climate is apparent worldwide, as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, shifting precipitation patterns, and ecosystem disruptions. These occurrences are not isolated because they are interconnected symptoms of a broader climate crisis. This section explores these key indicators, offering detailed examples and the scientific foundation needed to understand their origins and implications. Extreme Weather Events Extreme weather events, including hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts, and floods, as direct impacts of climate change, are occurring with more rapid frequency and intensity. The rising temperatures in both the atmosphere and oceans play a significant role in increasing the severity and unpredictability of these events. Heatwaves Heatwaves are characterized as extended periods of extremely high temperatures. It is more frequent during dry a...