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Why 100% renewables? Because it is inevitable
Why 100% renewables? Because it is inevitable
By Paul Gipe on 18 July 2013
The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is inevitable. It will happen whether we take action or not. Fossil fuels are – by definition – finite. They are a one-time gift to humanity. Long before they are physically exhausted, we will have turned away from them toward renewable sources of energy simply on the basis of cost.
The question, then, is do we make this transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy on our own terms, in ways that maximize the benefits to us today and to future generations, or do we turn our heads away and suffer the economic and social shocks that rising prices and market volatility will create—as it has done so often in the past.
Of course, by turning toward the sun and the wind and other renewable sources of energy today we alleviate a host of ills that beset us because we burn an ever increasing amount of fossil fuels. By ultimately eliminating fossil fuels, we also eliminate the air pollution and social disruption caused by their mining, refining, and combustion. We also eliminate the emission of global warming gases as well.
Taking action today – on our own terms – enables us to profit by the energy transition in the present as well as in the future. We create the new industries and new jobs we will need in the future, today. We benefit now while creating a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.
Fortunately, sources of renewable energy are both more abundant and more equitably distributed around the globe than fossil fuels. There’s more than enough renewable energy to meet our needs today and those of tomorrow...
By Paul Gipe on 18 July 2013
The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is inevitable. It will happen whether we take action or not. Fossil fuels are – by definition – finite. They are a one-time gift to humanity. Long before they are physically exhausted, we will have turned away from them toward renewable sources of energy simply on the basis of cost.
The question, then, is do we make this transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy on our own terms, in ways that maximize the benefits to us today and to future generations, or do we turn our heads away and suffer the economic and social shocks that rising prices and market volatility will create—as it has done so often in the past.
Of course, by turning toward the sun and the wind and other renewable sources of energy today we alleviate a host of ills that beset us because we burn an ever increasing amount of fossil fuels. By ultimately eliminating fossil fuels, we also eliminate the air pollution and social disruption caused by their mining, refining, and combustion. We also eliminate the emission of global warming gases as well.
Taking action today – on our own terms – enables us to profit by the energy transition in the present as well as in the future. We create the new industries and new jobs we will need in the future, today. We benefit now while creating a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.
Fortunately, sources of renewable energy are both more abundant and more equitably distributed around the globe than fossil fuels. There’s more than enough renewable energy to meet our needs today and those of tomorrow...
Much more at http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/why-100-renewables-42697
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