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 ...

  Overview of Climate Change and Its Impacts Climate change, the most pressing issue of our time, has swiftly become one of the foremost challenges of the 21st century, with severe implications for life on Earth. It is characterized by significant and long-term alterations in global temperatures and weather patterns, primarily resulting from human activities, including massive and long-term use of fossil fuels , widespread deforestation , and various industrial processes. The consequences of climate change are extensive, reshaping our sensitive ecosystems, disrupting economic systems, and even altering the thoughts and behavior of societies worldwide. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, and immediate action is imperative. Among the various demographic groups, young people face particularly unique and daunting challenges from climate change. They live in a world increasingly impacted by rising temperatures, extreme weather events , and shifting environmental conditions,...