Harnessing Energy

Windmills harnessing wind as a renewable energy source. (Britannica)

Our planet is in peril. Since the start of the Industrial Revolution, our species has released inordinate amounts of fossil fuels into the air, polluting it heavily. Since then, the global temperature has risen 1.1 degrees Celsius and continues to rise. This may seem like an insignificant amount, but in reality, it has a great impact on our planet. In order to preserve our livable world, it’s imperative that we keep global temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above what they were before the Industrial Revolution. This means that fossil fuel emissions must be reduced to net zero by 2050. Global efforts are growing, but they still fall far short of what is needed. This challenge is proving to be one of the most difficult humankind has ever faced.

A major endeavor to put more efficient energy into action worldwide is essential in reaching this goal. This is where renewable energy comes into play. Renewable energy is derived from natural sources such as water currents, sunlight, wind, and geothermal heat. These sources continuously replenish, supplying an unlimited power source. This has the potential to replace energy sources currently in use, such as fossil fuels, which, unlike renewable energy sources, are damaging to the environment and are one of the root causes of the global warming crisis in the first place. So, if more countries strive to implement these resources, we will be able to reach our crucial goal of net zero. Many countries are already well on their way. For instance, nine out of ten houses in Iceland are heated geothermally. Additionally, the country runs on nearly 100% renewable energy. However, this initiative is unfortunately proving especially difficult for the biggest polluters, including the United States. 

Currently, renewable energy makes up about 20% of all U.S. electricity and that number continues to grow. But, in order to reach the goal of net zero by 2050, there is a lot more we need to do. As Ms. Price, a teacher at Lab, explained, “In the United States we are so far behind the rest of the world in implementing renewable energy and utilizing it.” There is so much more we can be doing, and it's not for lack of ideal conditions; as Ms. Price noted, countries that get less sunlight than the U.S., such as Germany, still utilize more solar energy than we do. There are also available resources that we aren’t using, such as geothermal heat in Hawaii, which can easily be used as an energy source. On top of this, over 60% of energy produced in the U.S. is wasted. As Ms. Price pointed out, this can easily be solved through newer technology and more efficient methods. Even on an individual level, this can be implemented, such as through the use of motion sensor/LED lights and insulation tactics that don’t require electricity, methods that Ms. Price has even incorporated into her own home. Clearly, our goal is physically achievable and the issue lies in our lack of conviction. 

Therefore, it is imperative that we amp up and hone in on efforts worldwide to fully replace the burning of fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources with the many methods of renewable energy that are available. This will allow us to reach net zero emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. Seeing the efforts that countries are making today, there is certainly cause for optimism and it is vital that we maintain a more focused effort in order to reach our pivotal goal.