Implications for the Society of Relying on Renewable Energy

As a society, we must alter our consumption habits. This requires a transition to renewable energy sources.

However, there are drawbacks to switching from nonrenewable to renewable energy sources. These include capital expenditures and the unpredictability of renewable energy.

The impact on the economy is one of the most significant societal implications of relying on renewable energy. Renewable energy can increase GDP, improve welfare, and support millions of jobs.

It also reduces emissions of greenhouse gases. In fact, according to a recent study, transitioning to 36% renewables by 2030 could increase global GDP by 1.1%, improve well-being by 3.7%, and support over 24 million jobs in the industry.

However, excessive reliance on wind and solar energy has had adverse economic effects in some regions. These jurisdictions have attempted to increase generation from these sources in order to meet peak demand on days with little wind and thick clouds or on calm nights when their own coal and natural gas plants are idle.

Using renewable energy entails employing a method of power generation that does not rely on fossil fuels or deplete natural resources. This category includes solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power.

There are numerous benefits to utilizing renewable energy sources. In contrast to coal and oil-based power plants, they do not emit harmful gases during the entire process.

However, the use of renewables has some limitations. Specifically, solar and wind energy projects can have a negative impact on the local ecosystem by altering land use and destroying wildlife habitat, reducing the ability to recycle materials, and increasing waste disposal problems.

Tools such as Environmental Impact Assessment are used to address these adverse effects (EIA). EIA is an analytical procedure that systematically examines the potential environmental impacts of a plan, policy, or project. It assists managers in making informed decisions regarding future results and how to mitigate them.

Renewable energy benefits both the environment and society as a whole. It mitigates the effects of fossil fuel combustion on pollution, water and land usage, climate change, wildlife and habitat loss, and public health issues (such as respiratory illnesses).

Renewable energy sources are perpetually replenished, as opposed to fossil fuels, which deplete and eventually become too costly or environmentally hazardous to harvest. These include hydro, solar, wind, and geothermal energy.

Globally, renewable energy development should be encouraged and accelerated by means of competitive energy markets. Transitioning economies must focus on leveling the playing field in order to attract investment and transition away from coal, oil, and natural gas. Removing fossil fuel subsidies and internalizing the social costs of their combustion can help eliminate market price distortions.

Using renewable energy necessitates abandoning fossil fuels, which have contributed to severe air pollution and global warming. It also means annually saving millions of lives and dollars.

Biomass, biogas, hydrogen power, geothermal, solar, and wind power are among the renewable resources utilized to generate electricity. All of these sources regenerate faster than they are consumed, which is a significant distinction from nonrenewable sources.

These resources are accessible worldwide and can be used to heat homes, generate electricity, and conduct industrial processes.

Utilizing these renewable energy sources in local communities promotes job creation and social cohesion while reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. In addition, renewables promote sustainable development and prevent the depletion of land, which is a significant issue with the extraction of fossil fuels.