Carbon Dioxide is the cause of global warming. People are aware we use fossil fuels to produce energy for human consumption. However, burning fossil fuel releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere contributing to the greenhouse effect which is warming the earth. Each day people are wasting various sources of energy needed to operate their daily lives. Because many people like to remain in their comfort zone, they do not care or pay that much attention to the environment around them. Therefore, the temperature will continue to increase each year. As a result, the weather patterns are unstable and getting worse every year as well. People should think about some of the solutions that can improve the environment. One possible solution is to use renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and hydropower as an alternative to fossil fuels for humans use. 
The graph “Carbon Dioxide Emissions by Energy Source” shown above illustrates the differences between the coal, natural gas, and solar energy resources. As we know, coal is one of the most commonly used fossil fuels in today’s world. According to the data, coal releases over 16 times the amount of CO2 emissions, whereas solar energy releases less than 100 grams of CO2. Therefore, we can say renewable energy is the most effective way to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide.
Some people may ask, what is renewable energy? Renewable energy is an energy source from nature that naturally replenishes itself. It is also known as green energy. In recent years, governments around the world have been thinking about ways to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions in the hope that people will start to use renewable energy. The picture above shows the different type of renewable energy, and how it works. For example, if we want to use wind power, we have to build up a wind power plant in order to produce the energy. As I mentioned before, renewable energy comes from nature, it’s unlimited, and it can reduce the greenhouse gas in the air. unlike fossil fuels which are limited and harmful to our environment.
The “Recent Global Monthly Mean CO2″ graph displays the Carbon Dioxide levels in the world. The data shows Carbon Dioxide continues to increase each year. It means each year the temperature is also increasing. Therefore, if people keep using fossil fuels, the carbon dioxide will not reduce, and it will get worse. By utilizing renewable energy sources, we can steadily reduce the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere.
https://nsidc.org/cryosphere/sotc/sea_level.html
The graph above shows the global temperature and the sea levels. The data shows the temperature keeps increasing each year because of the rise in CO2 levels. As a result, sea levels are also rising due to the melted ice from the Arctic pole and the Antarctic pole, and it poses a threat to the earth’s ecology and environment. Therefore, people should use more renewable energy as their main energy supply to protect the environment. Finally, renewable energy is good for our environment because it is the most effective way to reduce the CO2 level, and people can save more energy in their daily lives. If people can get out of their comfort zone, it can make a big difference. Therefore, everyone should take action in order to save our environment.
4 Responses
A very informative piece about renewable energy.
Personally I agree with the idea that CO2 plays a vital role in terms of climate change but I feel like that is all due to man-contribution. CO2 can be reduced by a great amount if we knew how to approach this problem better as stated above people “do not care or pay that much attention” which has led this to become a bigger problem.
However, renewable energy by all means is one of those solutions that should be pushed further and promoted more to pursue a proper fix to this problem. When we speak about renewable energy, we think of sustainability or the idea of never running out, utilizing resources that are non-polluting and won’t add to the greenhouse effects. Natural and available resources which are more cost efficient will also pay off its carbon footprint quickly. There is also minimal waste product produced from these types of actions.
Can renewable energy help reduce carbon emissions? Of course it can. Can it do it alone ? No. As more and more people need more and more energy, this will still be a problem until a better solution appears.
Within the idea of reducing CO2, renewable energy often relies on the weather for its source of power and this can impact the reliability of a consistent energy supply. For instance, Hydro generators need rain to fill dams to offer flowing water. Wind turbines need wind to turn the blades, and solar collectors need clear skies and sunshine to collect heat and make electricity. When such resources are not available so is the ability to make energy from them.
But overall , this a great piece that helps explain the wonders of renewable energy use.
I completely agree with you, it is like our professor announced to us many times in class. We as students need to spread as much knowledge as we can to those who are oblivious to it and unaware to the major factors affecting our earth day by day, we need to find alternative ways to start using healthier resources around us. Most of these major corporations are only interested in saving every penny they can attain and not look to spend a couple extra bucks which could not only protect the success of their companies but the environment in which we all live in. Soon enough if we continue going the path we are on, we will not be looking at a healthier or peaceful future whatsoever.
I strongly agree with this information shared about alternative ways to reduce the effects of climate change. The adoption of renewable energies can mitigate the drastic changes in the environment but is often over looked. For many years we relied mainly on coals, oil and natural gases for energy and it’s about time we start exploring other environmentally friendly resources. These nonrenewable fossil fuels have been the primary cause of the excess CO2 in the atmosphere. Although CO2 is emitted from some renewable energy resources, it’s insignificant and harmless to the environment. I have seen many small-scale implementations of renewable energy resources in homes and businesses. It was refreshing to witness one neighbor on my block who started the new year with solar panels. I also noticed wind power systems which consisted of turbines mounted on high towers at the entrance of a hospital in the Brooklyn region. New York city is working towards having cleaner renewable energy for residential, commercial and institutional and government buildings. I wish to see a variety renewable resources planted at every corner, neighborhood, town and country.
thanks for your comment Makini. And thanks for letting us know what renewable resources you have seen in and around NYC
Abby