The civilization’s dependence on fossil fuels and their dwindling supply have prompted many businesses and residents to take a long, hard look at renewable energy sources like wind, geothermal, and solar. Detractors have raised their concerns, but the long-term benefits of renewable energy far outweigh the limitations, as described in Conserve Energy Future.
While there are certainly advantages and disadvantages to switching to renewable energy, it is quite arguable that the benefits of using such sources outweigh the shortcomings of it, especially in the future.
Of course, the shortcomings are all things that can, with time and money, be fixed due to the rapid technological advancements our country makes on a nearly annual scale. The benefits of renewable energy sources are breathtaking, and while we may not quite be in a position to fully switch over to renewable energy sources just quite yet (requiring a balance of renewable energy and other sources for now), it is imperative that we look ahead to the future.
Energy that is renewable
Until the planet runs out of wind, sunlight, and heat within the Earth, it’s safe to say that renewable energy indeed has a future, possibly as a primary source of energy for humankind. People need to break the fossil fuel habit soon due to the possibility that it may all be gone tomorrow.
Benefits to the Earth
Renewable energy sources pose no threat to the planet since they do not deplete natural resources. They are clean and have virtually no negative impact on the environment. The less people use fossil fuels, the less toxic by-products are released into the atmosphere. Protecting the environment means safeguarding people’s health.
Benefits to the Economy
The most attractive feature of renewable energy sources is its lower cost. Such sources are relatively cheaper to produce and provide stable employment for hundreds of thousands in countries that have adopted renewable energy, like the United Kingdom and Germany. Businesses such as Terratek Energy, Inc., which is a contractor for wind, geothermal, and solar energy in Vancouver, among others, can prove that these renewable energy sources require less maintenance, making them more affordable for the public.
Stable energy prices
Since renewable energy sources do not depend on world prices or government deregulation, prices won’t fluctuate and throw everyone’s budget off-track. Solar panels in Vancouver, for example, are inexpensive to manufacture and install, making it possible for the power to be sold at very affordable rates. These renewable energy sources rely on invested money and won’t be the subject of politics nor a source of conflict between nations.
(Source: “What is Renewable Energy?”, Conserve Energy Future)