Many countries are using fossil fuels as their supply for electricity and also to fuel their citizens cars. While this may seem fine it is very much not, that is because it is one of the reasons why global warming is happening. Which is why some countries started to use something called renewable energy but, why is it better?
Renewable energy-what is it?
Renewable energy is energy that can be reused or renewed which is why it has another name of continuous energy. It is also an energy source that comes from the earth like the sun, water and the environment. And there are different types of renewable energy like solar which uses energy from light rays of the sun, wind which uses wind turbines to create power and hydro which uses moving water to make energy.
Why it’s better
Fossil fuels are not always going to be around because scientists believe that by 50 years (around 2060) fossil fuels will be completely gone. But it’s not the same with renewable energy because it uses natural things to power or make energy. Theoretically since water, wind and the sun should be around for billions of years, it can continuously be used for a very long time. And fossil fuels are remains of dinosaurs which are ancient and it should be kept where it was found or in a museum, not to be used as an energy source.
Reasons why increasing use of renewable energy is better
The first reason is because it will save many countries thousands of dollars in the long run if they start now. The second reason is that some of the renewable energy sources could really benefit other countries e.g if one country has lots of sun they could use solar and get tons of electricity. The third and final reason is that using renewable energy gives more environmental protection by reducing greenhouse gases. Furthermore it is also less risky because if a giant ship transporting fossil fuels tips over, the fuel will damage the marine ecosystem badly and will take decades to clean up.
Fun Facts
- Two years ago (2023) renewable energy got used in 30% of the whole world!
- Space crafts like rockets and satellites, use solar power! Even the international space station is powered by solar energy!
- The largest wind turbine can make 18 megawatts of electricity! Which is enough to power 20,000 homes!
- The largest power plant in the world is the Three Gorges dam located in China and can create more power than 15 nuclear power plants!
- Various types of airports, schools and sports stadiums use 100% renewable energy!
In today’s world 35% of the world is using renewable energy because they want to help keep earth a safe and cleaner planet. Which is why many more countries should start to use renewable energy eventually before all the fossil fuels run out!
By Nadith Kathri Arachichge Don – Auckland
Age: 13
