Renewable Energy vs Fossil Fuels

The battle between fossil fuels and renewable energy is now more crucial than ever. In addition to influencing our "energy environment," fossil fuels and renewable energy both have an impact on climate change, although one is clearly more significant. This makes the choice between these two energy sources crucial as it will have a big impact on humanity. While fossil fuels are more common and have established many infrastructures due to their lower cost, renewable energy is superior because of its sustainability, positive environmental impact, and long-term economic benefits.

While fossil fuels have been the main energy source for decades, renewable energy is better because it provides an environmentally friendly substitute that decreases our reliance on rare resources. Both Amigo Energy and Bester Energy highlight that renewable energy sources (like solar and wind) are not only more accessible but also less harmful to the environment (Energy; Gadea). Renewable energy is less damaging because it does not involve the damaging extraction procedures common with fossil fuels. Based on this evidence, because renewable energy is more sustainable and uses fewer limited resources than fossil fuels, renewable energy is clearly superior (Energy; Gadea).

While fossil fuels are easy to produce and transport, renewable energy is the better choice as it significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions and helps to create a cleaner and healthier world. Despite fossil fuels' simplicity of use, they are the main cause of air pollution and climate change, both of which have negative effects on humanity (Olson and Lenzmann). On the other hand, according to estimates from the Union of Concerned Scientists, by 2050, renewable energy sources like solar and wind might provide up to 80% of the electricity in the United States, leading to an 80% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from power production (“Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Technologies”). National Geographic reports that the use of renewable energy in 2020 prevented the release of about 1.5 gigatons of CO2 (Nunez). As renewable technologies become more efficient, they play a growing role in lowering greenhouse gases and improving air quality. Considering this evidence, it is clear that renewable energy is better than fossil fuels because of its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental cleanliness (Olson and Lenzmann; “Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Technologies”; Nunez).

While fossil fuels may seem more affordable in the short run, renewable energy is a better choice in the long run because it offers benefits such as employment growth, economic stability, and energy independence. Even though the up-front cost of renewable energy is sometimes mentioned as an issue, the long-term economic advantages outweigh these costs. According to a study by Renewable Energy Magazine, the global employment created by the renewable energy sector in 2018 reached 11 million, and it is expected to reach 42 million by 2050 (“The Many Economic Benefits of Renewable Energy”). Decreasing technology costs are fueling the development of this industry and making renewable energy more affordable. Research from Cambridge University shows that investments in renewables can offer up to three times more jobs compared to fossil fuels (Olson and Lenzmann). Additionally, countries can gain more control over their energy resources and energy security by reducing their reliance on imported fuels. Clearly, renewable energy is the better alternative to fossil fuels because it positively impacts economic stability, job creation, and reduces dependence on foreign energy supplies (“The Many Economic Benefits of Renewable Energy”; Olson and Lenzmann).

After weighing the benefits of renewable energy against fossil fuels, it becomes evident that renewable energy holds a significant advantage. While fossil fuels are currently more abundant and have established many infrastructures, renewable energy is superior because of its sustainability, positive environmental impact, and long-term economic benefits. With these advantages over fossil fuels, renewable energy is a much better choice that will help us create a more secure and healthier planet.

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