The war for oil and the demand for energy solutions have impacted our planet on so many levels. From deforestation and mining for coal, to the polluting of our water supply due to leaks during transportation, to the combustion of massive quantities for fuel, we have not been evolving with nature. In fact, we have been doing everything in our power to destroy our own habitat and the habitat of innocent animals, birds, and plants. The astonishing fact is that about 90% of the Earth’s energy is obtained from non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels.
The use of fossil fuels have a large scale impact on the environment. There are species that are one the verge of extinction and species that have become extinct very recently. Global warming has caused sea levels to rise which has led to the submerging of islands around the globe. Oil leaks into the sea and earth have killed millions of fish and destroyed crops creating major ecological imbalances. Many Tsunamis, earthquakes and other natural calamities are caused because our planet is unable to cope with the damage.
The good news is that we have a solution in renewable energy, but it has to be implemented immediately!
Forests and Natural Habitats
Natural habitats of species have and continue to be destroyed due to fossil fuels. Forests provide rainfall, food, oxygen and is home to millions of species of animals and plants. The machinery used for extracting coal not just destroys trees but causes damages the soil and the land as well. Land can cave in at any time, leaving forests in a horrible condition. With renewable energy such as solar and wind turbines, we can leave the forests untouched and displacement of species from their natural habitat would slowly stop. With the destruction of forests out of the way, animals and plants can slowly start thriving once again.
Air Pollution-free
Unlike energy generated using fossil fuels that release harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other intoxicants into the atmosphere, renewable energy is clean. Air pollution due to fossil fuels have caused harm to human beings and animals likewise. Every living creature requires air to survive. Air pollution causes respiratory diseases as well as diseases of the skin. Renewable energy will cut down on air pollution to a large extent.
Oil Wells in Oceans
Oil wells that are drilled into the ocean cause serious damage not only to marine life, but also to the core of the earth. There are also potential risks of oil leaks that can cause serious harm to the environment. In addition, there are chemicals in the soil which may be toxic and could be potentially dangerous to marine life. Renewable energy rules out all these polluting factors and provides energy without destruction of life and the ecosystem.
Transportation
Transporting fossil fuels have been responsible for major environmental damages due to leakages, accidents and spillages, both on land and in the ocean. Smaller leakages and accidents cause environmental damage on a regular basis and this affects the environment and all its life forms. Renewable energy does not need to be transported by ship, pipes or vehicles. In fact transportation costs are reduced greatly. While the environment is not affected in any way with the use of renewable energy such as solar, geothermal, and wind. This not only brings down the impact on the environment and all its life forms, but it also reduces costs to a large extent.
Climate Change
Fossil fuels have catalyzed climate change, which has led to the rise in sea levels due to the melting of ice caps. Due to this, islands in the Pacific Ocean have submerged and the animals and birds in the Arctic are finding it harder to survive. Species are dying in huge numbers even though it is no fault of theirs. If renewable energy becomes the main source of energy around the world, it will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. This would directly have a positive impact on our planet and the conservation of all its species.
These are tough times for animals, birds, plants, and humans who are struggling for survival. With the aid of clean and green technology of the future, we may be able to control the damage. It is important that we switch to renewable energy as soon as possible for the betterment of our planet, our lives and the lives of our future generation, if we manage to survive until then.