By Prachi Goel
Green and clean energy (Gce) refers to renewable energy sources that have a lower impact on the environment than traditional fossil fuels. Energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass, are considered green and clean energy sources as they are replenished naturally and do not deplete finite resources. On the other hand, traditional fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, are finite resources that are extracted from the earth and require significant amounts of energy to extract, transport, and refine. These fuels also emit harmful greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change and air pollution, making them less environmentally friendly. Gce is considered a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels, as they do not produce harmful emissions and have a lower impact on the environment. By transitioning to green and clean sources, we can reduce our reliance on non-renewable resources and mitigate the negative impact of energy production on the environment.
The impact of traditional energy sources is apparent and, as the world fumbles to fight other quandaries, a vicious circle has been created owing to the needs and greed of mankind. We have mastered the art of disrupting the terrestrial sphere's natural cycle and ecological balance. As we get into the why and wherefores of this, we have come to the realization that we have put our own house on fire by creating umpteen impingements. Air pollution, Climate change, water pollution, land use and habitat loss and last, but not the least, waste production and land fills – to name a few. Fossil fuels are a major source of air pollution, emitting a variety of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. These pollutants contribute to smog, acid rain, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Today, fossil fuels are attributed for being the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions trap heat in the earth's atmosphere and contribute to global warming and climate change. Oil and gas drilling and transportation can lead to spills, leaks, and accidents that pollute waterways and groundwater. The extraction and burning of coal can also contaminate water sources with heavy metals and other pollutants. The extraction of fossil fuels can lead to habitat destruction and fragmentation, impacting wildlife and biodiversity. The construction of pipelines, power plants, and other energy infrastructure can also disrupt ecosystems and natural landscapes. Fossil fuel extraction, transportation, and refining produce waste products, including toxic chemicals, solid waste, and wastewater contaminate the environment and pose risks to human health. Overall, the use of traditional energy sources has significant environmental impacts that contribute to a range of problems, from air and water pollution to climate change and habitat destruction. Transitioning to Gce sources is crucial to mitigate these impacts and achieve a sustainable future.
Gce has many advantages over traditional fossil fuels. These energy sources are renewable and can be replenished naturally. This means they are not finite resources and will not run out like traditional fossil fuels. These sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the impact of energy production on climate change and air pollution. While the upfront costs of installing green and clean energy systems can be high, they are often more cost-effective over time, as they require little to no fuel and have lower operating costs than traditional fossil fuel systems. Relying on these sources can enhance energy security by reducing dependence on foreign oil and other non renewable resources. The transition to green and clean energy sources can create new jobs in the renewable energy industry, which is projected to continue growing. This in turn can stimulate local economic development, as many renewable energy systems can be installed and maintained by local businesses and workers.
PRACHI GOEL
GREEN AND CLEAN ENERGY – A LEAP INTO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
By transitioning to Gce sources, we can achieve more sustainable development, reducing our impact on the environment and ensuring a healthier future for ourselves and future generations. Overall, these advantages demonstrate that transitioning to renewable energy sources is not only necessary for protecting the environment, but also has numerous economic, social, and political benefits. Wind energy is generated by the movement of wind turbines, which capture the kinetic energy of the wind and convert it into electricity. Hydroelectric energy is produced by the flow of water through turbines, which generate electricity. This energy source is often derived from dams or other water storage facilities. Geothermal energy is produced by harnessing the heat generated by the earth's core, often through the use of geothermal power plants or ground-source heat pumps. Biomass energy is derived from organic materials, such as wood, agricultural waste, and municipal solid waste. These materials can be burned to produce energy or converted into biofuels for transportation. Tidal energy is generated by the movement of tides, which can drive turbines to produce electricity.
Each of these energy sources have unique advantages and limitations, depending on factors such as location, climate, and infrastructure. By diversifying our sources of energy and investing in multiple green and clean energy sources, we can reduce our reliance on traditional fossil fuels and transition
to a more sustainable energy system. It’s implementation varies around the world, depending on factors such as geography, politics, and economics. Here are some examples of green and clean energy implementation in different regions. Europe is a leader in green and clean energy, with countries such as Germany, Spain, and Denmark producing significant amounts of renewable energy. Germany, in particular, has made significant strides in transitioning to a renewable energy system, with over 40% of its electricity coming from renewable sources. The United States and Canada have both made progress in transitioning to green and clean energy, although progress has been slower than in some other regions. The United States is a leader in wind energy production, while Canada is a leader in hydroelectric energy production. China is the world's largest producer of renewable energy, with a particular focus on solar and wind energy. Japan has also made significant investments in renewable energy, including offshore wind projects. Latin America is a leader in hydropower production, with countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia relying heavily on hydropower for electricity generation. Some countries in the region, such as Costa Rica, have also made significant investments in other green and clean energy sources. While progress has been slower in Africa than in some other regions, there are examples of successful Gce implementation, such as South Africa's investments in solar energy and Morocco's investments in wind energy.
Overall, the implementation of Gce around the world is growing, as more countries recognize the benefits of transitioning to a more sustainable energy system. However, there is still much work to be done to address the challenges of climate change and ensure a more sustainable future for all. Gce can provide significant economic benefits, both in the short and long term. It can create jobs in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and operations. These jobs can help stimulate local economies and provide employment opportunities for workers. Over the long term, green and clean energy sources can often be more cost effective than traditional fossil fuels, as the cost of renewable energy technologies has decreased in recent years. Additionally, green and clean energy sources are often less subject to price fluctuations than traditional fossil fuels, providing greater stability for businesses and consumers. Investing in green and clean energy can reduce a country's reliance on foreign energy sources, providing greater energy independence and reducing exposure to geopolitical risks. These sources produce fewer pollutants than traditional fossil fuels, which can lead to improved public health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Countries and businesses that invest in green and clean energy can gain a competitive advantage over those that rely on traditional fossil fuels, as consumers and investors increasingly prioritize sustainability and
PRACHI GOEL
GREEN AND CLEAN ENERGY – A LEAP INTO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
environmental stewardship.By prioritizing investment in renewable energy and reducing our reliance on traditional fossil fuels, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
The future of green and clean energy looks bright, as the world increasingly recognizes the urgent need to address climate change and transition to a more sustainable energy system. The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, is growing rapidly around the world, driven by falling costs and increased investment. In some regions, renewable energy is already cost competitive with traditional fossil fuels. Advances in energy storage technology, such as batteries and other forms of storage, are making it possible to integrate renewable energy sources into the grid more effectively. Additionally, new technologies are being developed to harness energy from sources such as ocean waves and geothermal heat. Many governments around the world are providing incentives and support for the development of Gce, including subsidies, tax credits, and research funding. This support is helping to drive innovation and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy system. Private companies are also investing heavily in green and clean energy, recognizing both the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy sources. This investment is helping to drive down costs and increase access to renewable energy around the world.
Mr.Sunil Yadav, Director ESG @KPMG Singapore, is the face of inspiration to work towards a future that is not only sustainable but resilient. Having been in the industry for 20 years now, Mr. Sunil describes Gce as energy sources which are used without leaving any impact on the future generations. Born in a small village of Haryana, Mr. Sunil grins, as he shares that the first time his village saw electricity was in 1983, when he was merely 5 years old. The aura of electricity and power driven equipments left an intense impact on the feeble mind of this little boy and this continues even today to motivate him to go on. In his words, the fact that 940 million people globally have no access to electricity is a major constraint, that blocks the way of individual as well global development.. When asked about Gce and its significance, Mr. Sunil spoke about his work in the product and solution industry, including Philips.
Remembering his childhood, which was electricity deprived for a long time, Mr. Sunil shares that for him, Electricity = happiness = water + sanitation + education + opportunities = prosperity. If we go by his words, the major problem is that not enough has been done to make Gce easily accessible around the world. Capacity building is very unstructured in the current times, keeping in mind the fact that powerful economies of the world have an upper hand on decision making. These supreme powers generate the plans based on their convenience and priorities, which only neglects the growth and development of the weaker sections of the world. As a result, economically strong countries continue to prosper and vice versa. According to him, Gce is directly related to sustainability as well as the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). He also feels that one example of a commodity that is both produced and consumed in equal measure is electricity.
Mr. Sunil suggests that the only way to combat the problem of non-renewable energy sources is by reducing consumption. Remembering the Gandhian policy of “The world has enough for everyone’s need, nut not enough for everyone’s greed”, Mr. Sunil says that the target of making Gce potential
can be achieved through a combination of individual actions and collective efforts. Otherwise, the question will persist regardless of whether we transition predominantly to non-renewable energy sources in the future: "What is the energy input required to generate a given amount of non renewable energy?" An instance of this is with solar energy, where it is crucial to establish efficient storage facilities in order to alleviate the burden of energy investment. He also mentioned that the incremental behaviour of the world needs to be altered if we want to achieve the target of being carbon neutral by 2030. Carbon offsetting can also aid in the world's efforts to achieve the target by
PRACHI GOEL
GREEN AND CLEAN ENERGY – A LEAP INTO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
2030. Carbon offsetting refers to the practice of compensating for carbon emissions by funding projects or initiatives that reduce or remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as renewable energy projects or reforestation efforts. This is often done by purchasing carbon credits, which represent a reduction or removal of one tonne of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The goal of carbon offsetting is to achieve carbon neutrality, where the amount of carbon dioxide emitted is equal to the amount removed or offset. Mr. Sunil suggests by reducing energy consumption, we can help reduce the demand for non-renewable energy sources and move towards a more sustainable future.
Some steps that can be taken to reduce energy consumption are as follows:
✓ Switch to energy-efficient appliances: Use energy-efficient light bulbs, refrigerators, air conditioners, and other appliances to reduce the amount of energy consumed in your home or workplace.
✓ Reduce transportation energy: Use public transportation, carpool, or bike to work or school. Electric or hybrid vehicles are good options to encourage eco-friendly drives. ✓ Improve insulation: Insulate your home or workplace to reduce the amount of energy needed for heating or cooling.
✓ Turn off appliances and lights when not in use: Turn off lights, televisions, and other appliances when you are not using them to save energy.
✓ Use of renewable energy sources: Installing solar panels and wind turbines to generate your own renewable energy.
✓ Encourage others to reduce energy consumption: Talk to your family, friends, and colleagues about the importance of reducing energy consumption and encourage them to take similar steps.
The pressing issue of climate change is motivating countries worldwide to take greater action towards curbing greenhouse gas emissions and moving towards a more eco-friendly energy system. The Paris Agreement, signed by 195 countries in 2015, established ambitious objectives for reducing emissions and increasing the adoption of renewable energy. It calls for limiting global warming to 1.5°C, which requires a 45% reduction in emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The future of the global clean energy industry seems optimistic, as more and more people acknowledge the advantages of transitioning towards a more sustainable energy system. Through sustained investment in renewable energy and a gradual shift away from traditional fossil fuels, we can create a more prosperous, fair, and sustainable future for everyone.
Gce offers a capable path towards a sustainable future, providing a range of environmental, economic, and social benefits. As we face the urgent challenge of climate change, transitioning to renewable energy sources has become more important than ever before. Through technological innovation, government support, and private sector investment, we are seeing rapid growth in the use of renewable energy around the world. From solar and wind power to hydropower and geothermal energy, there is a range of green and clean energy sources available to us. By prioritizing investment in renewable energy and reducing our reliance on traditional fossil fuels, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for ourselves and for generations to come. The time for action is now - let's take the leap into a sustainable future with green and clean energy.
“A transition to clean energy is about making an investment in our future.” - Gloria Reuben
By Prachi Goel