Alternative Energy: The Future is Here!

In recent years, alternative energy has been the subject of intense interest and debate. Thanks to the menace of Climate Change, and the fact that average global temperatures is on a rise year after year, the drive to find forms of energy that will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, coal, and other polluting methods has naturally escalated.

What is Alternative Energy?

The term "Alternative Energy" can refer to forms of energy that do not increase humanity’s carbon footprint. In this respect, it can include things as nuclear facilities, hydroelectric power, and even things like natural gas and “clean coal”.

Moreover, the term is also used to refer to what are currently considered to be non-traditional methods of energy – such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and other recent additions.

In other terms, all energy sources other than fossil fuels are referred to as "Alternative Energy Sources". This includes all renewable sources and nuclear.

Why Alternative Energy Sources Are the Future?

Our current level of dependence on fossil fuels puts us on track for the rapid depletion of these finite materials. Meaning, if we’re not careful, we will run out of our precious, non-renewable resources. That means no more oil, natural gas, and even coal. Burning fossil fuels in power plants are hazardous for the environment. This means everything from the ocean and air pollution to the destruction of entire ecosystems.

The good news is, we’re now able to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas, thanks to the growth of alternative energy sources.

Switching to alternative sources worldwide could eliminate 4 to 7 million deaths from air pollution annually, while first slowing and then reversing the effects of global warming and, in doing so, stabilizing the global energy sector.

Impact of Alternative Energy Sources on Ecosystem

Generally, alternative energy sources are looked upon favourably because they do not directly emit greenhouse gases in their production but of course all forms of energy have their own costs, benefits and tradeoffs.

• Alternative energy projects have contributed to improving environmental impacts such as reduction of carbon dioxide gas, an awakening community about climate change.

• Significant impacts are observed in the improvement of living standards, social bonds creation, and community development.

• The two main threats to the environment are air and water pollution. Water pollution is normally created by the discharged water from houses, industries, and polluted rain. Whereas, air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are suspended in the air. Along with water pollution, natural resources can be maintained and the greenhouse effect and air pollution can be mitigated by the proper usage of these energy sources.

• Making the switch to just hydropower, wind energy, and solar energy can potentially save up to 7 million lives each year by reducing air pollutants.

• Alternative energy sources have a much lower carbon footprint than natural gas, coal, and other fossil fuels. Switching to renewable energy sources to produce electricity will help the planet by slowing and reversing climate change.

• Energy supply can be diversified by implementing the widespread use of large-scale renewable energy technologies and minimizing our imported fuel dependency.

• By slowing the effects of climate change and eventually reversing them, a reduction in extreme weather like droughts, floods, and storms caused by global warming is expected.

As alternative energy technologies continue to improve, the cost simultaneously falls. Solar and wind power have unlocked the potential to generate an energy reserve plentiful enough to meet the world’s demand. When you look at how affordable, effective, and economically friendly these powerhouses are, you begin to see how we could displace fossil fuels within the next 30 years.

About Us: Enerlly is an organization rooted in industrial automation that deploys Internet-of-Things (IoT) based controllers and online platforms to create sustainable eco-conscious brands through real-time energy monitoring, energy data analytics, and consultancy Energy Auditors.