energy and environment essay

Energy Conservation Essay for Students and Children

500 words energy conservation essay.

Energy conservation refers to the efforts made to reduce the consumption of energy. The energy on Earth is not in unlimited supply. Furthermore, energy can take plenty of time to regenerate. This certainly makes it essential to conserve energy. Most noteworthy, energy conservation is achievable either by using energy more efficiently or by reducing the amount of service usage.

Importance of Energy Conservation

First of all, energy conservation plays an important role in saving non-renewable energy resources. Furthermore, non-renewable energy sources take many centuries to regenerate. Moreover, humans consume energy at a faster rate than it can be produced. Therefore, energy conservation would lead to the preservation of these precious non-renewable sources of energy.

Energy conservation will reduce the expenses related to fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are very expensive to mine. Therefore, consumers are required to pay higher prices for goods and services. Energy conservation would certainly reduce the amount of fossil fuel being mined. This, in turn, would reduce the costs of consumers.

Consequently, energy conservation would strengthen the economy as consumers will have more disposable income to spend on goods and services.

Energy conservation is good for scientific research. This is because; energy conservation gives researchers plenty of time to conduct researches.

Therefore, these researchers will have more time to come up with various energy solutions and alternatives. Humans must ensure to have fossil fuels as long as possible. This would give me enough time to finding practical solutions.

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Another important reason for energy conservation is environmental protection. This is because various energy sources are significantly harmful to the environment. Furthermore, the burning of fossil fuels considerably pollutes the atmosphere. Moreover, nuclear energy creates dangerous nuclear waste. Hence, energy conservation will lead to environmental protection.

Energy conservation would also result in the good health of humans. Furthermore, the pollution released due to energy sources is harmful to the human body. The air pollution due to fossil fuels can cause various respiratory problems. Energy sources can pollute water which could cause several harmful diseases in humans. Nuclear waste can cause cancer and other deadly problems in the human body.

Measures to Conserve Energy

Energy taxation is a good measure from the government to conserve energy. Furthermore, several countries apply energy or a carbon tax on energy users. This tax would certainly put pressure on energy users to reduce their energy consumption. Moreover, carbon tax forces energy users to shift to other energy sources that are less harmful.

Building design plays a big role in energy conservation. An excellent way to conserve energy is by performing an energy audit in buildings. Energy audit refers to inspection and analysis of energy use in a building. Most noteworthy, the aim of the energy audit is to appropriately reduce energy input.

Another important way of energy conservation is by using energy-efficient products. Energy-efficient products are those that use lesser energy than their normal counterparts. One prominent example can be using an energy-efficient bulb rather than an incandescent light bulb.

In conclusion, energy conservation must be among the utmost priorities of humanity. Mahatma Gandhi was absolutely right when he said, “the earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs but not every man’s greed”. This statement pretty much sums up the importance of energy conservation. Immediate implementation of energy conservation measures is certainly of paramount importance.

FAQs on Energy Conservation

Q1 state one way in which energy conservation is important.

A1 One way in which energy conservation is important is that it leads to the preservation of fossil fuels.

Q2 Why energy taxation is a good measure to conserve energy?

A2 Energy taxation is certainly a good measure to conserve energy. This is because energy taxation puts financial pressure on energy users to reduce their energy consumption.

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Learn about Energy and its Impact on the Environment

• Reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
• Lower consumer energy bills
• Enhanced state and local economic development and job creation
• Improved energy system reliability and security

What is clean energy?

How does energy use impact the environment, fuel mix for u.s. electricity generation, what is my personal impact, how can i reduce my impact.

Clean energy includes renewable energy, energy efficiency and efficient combined heat and power.

All forms of electricity generation have an environmental impact on our air, water and land, but it varies. Of the total energy consumed in the United States, about 40% is used to generate electricity, making electricity use an important part of each person’s environmental footprint.

Producing and using electricity more efficiently reduces both the amount of fuel needed to generate electricity and the amount of greenhouse gases and other air pollution emitted as a result. Electricity from renewable resources such as solar, geothermal, and wind generally does not contribute to climate change or local air pollution since no fuels are combusted.

The chart below shows that most of the electricity in the United States is generated using fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. A small but growing percentage is generated using renewable resources such as solar and wind.

The emissions caused by electricity generation vary across the country due to many factors, including:

• How much electricity is generated,
• Electricity generation technologies used, and
• Air pollution control devices used

Use  EPA's household carbon footprint calculator to estimate your household's annual emissions and find ways you can cut emissions.

Use Power Profiler to generate a report about the environmental impacts of electricity generation in your area of the United States. All you need is your zip code. Power Profiler takes about five minutes to use.

For more in-depth information, visit the Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) , a comprehensive source of data on the environmental characteristics of almost all electric power generated in the United States.

There are many ways to reduce the environmental impacts of your energy use. Visit the reduce your impact page to learn more.

• Energy & the Environment Home
• Learn about Energy & the Environment
• The Electricity System
• Measure Your Impact
• Reduce Your Impact
• Clean Energy Programs
• Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator

The world’s energy problem

The world faces two energy problems: most of our energy still produces greenhouse gas emissions, and hundreds of millions lack access to energy..

The world lacks safe, low-carbon, and cheap large-scale energy alternatives to fossil fuels. Until we scale up those alternatives the world will continue to face the two energy problems of today. The energy problem that receives most attention is the link between energy access and greenhouse gas emissions. But the world has another global energy problem that is just as big: hundreds of millions of people lack access to sufficient energy entirely, with terrible consequences to themselves and the environment.

The problem that dominates the public discussion on energy is climate change. A climate crisis endangers the natural environment around us, our wellbeing today and the wellbeing of those who come after us.

It is the production of energy that is responsible for 87% of global greenhouse gas emissions and as the chart below shows, people in the richest countries have the very highest emissions.

This chart here will guide us through the discussion of the world's energy problem. It shows the per capita CO2 emissions on the vertical axis against the average income in that country on the horizontal axis.

In countries where people have an average income between $15,000 and $20,000, per capita CO 2 emissions are close to the global average ( 4.8 tonnes CO 2 per year). In every country where people's average income is above $25,000 the average emissions per capita are higher than the global average.

The world’s CO 2 emissions have been rising quickly and reached 36.6 billion tonnes in 2018 . As long as we are emitting greenhouse gases their concentration in the atmosphere increases . To bring climate change to an end the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere needs to stabilize and to achieve this the world’s greenhouse gas emissions have to decline towards net-zero.

To bring emissions down towards net-zero will be one of the world’s biggest challenges in the years ahead. But the world’s energy problem is actually even larger than that, because the world has not one, but two energy problems.

The twin problems of global energy

The first energy problem: those that have low carbon emissions lack access to energy.

The first global energy problem relates to the left-hand side of the scatter-plot above.

People in very poor countries have very low emissions. On average, people in the US emit more carbon dioxide in 4 days than people in poor countries – such as Ethiopia, Uganda, or Malawi – emit in an entire year. 1

The reason that the emissions of the poor are low is that they lack access to modern energy and technology. The energy problem of the poorer half of the world is energy poverty . The two charts below show that large shares of people in countries with a GDP per capita of less than $25,000 do not have access to electricity and clean cooking fuels. 2

The lack of access to these technologies causes some of the worst global problems of our time.

When people lack access to modern energy sources for cooking and heating, they rely on solid fuel sources – mostly firewood, but also dung and crop waste. This comes at a massive cost to the health of people in energy poverty: indoor air pollution , which the WHO calls "the world's largest single environmental health risk." 3 For the poorest people in the world it is the largest risk factor for early death and global health research suggests that indoor air pollution is responsible for 1.6 million deaths each year, twice the death count of poor sanitation. 4

The use of wood as a source of energy also has a negative impact on the environment around us. The reliance on fuelwood is the reason why poverty is linked to deforestation. The FAO reports that on the African continent the reliance on wood as fuel is the single most important driver of forest degradation. 5 Across East, Central, and West Africa fuelwood provides more than half of the total energy. 6

Lastly, the lack of access to energy subjects people to a life in poverty. No electricity means no refrigeration of food; no washing machine or dishwasher; and no light at night. You might have seen the photos of children sitting under a street lamp at night to do their homework. 7

The first energy problem of the world is the problem of energy poverty – those that do not have sufficient access to modern energy sources suffer poor living conditions as a result.

The second energy problem: those that have access to energy produce greenhouse gas emissions that are too high

The second energy problem is the one that is more well known, and relates to the right hand-side of the scatterplot above: greenhouse gas emissions are too high.

Those that need to reduce emissions the most are the extremely rich. Diana Ivanova and Richard Wood (2020) have just shown that the richest 1% in the EU emit on average 43 tonnes of CO 2 annually – 9-times as much as the global average of 4.8 tonnes. 8

The focus on the rich, however, can give the impression that it is only the emissions of the extremely rich that are the problem. What isn’t made clear enough in the public debate is that for the world's energy supply to be sustainable the greenhouse gas emissions of the majority of the world population are currently too high. The problem is larger for the extremely rich, but it isn’t limited to them.

The Paris Agreement's goal is to keep the increase of the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and “to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C”. 9

To achieve this goal emissions have to decline to net-zero within the coming decades.

Within richer countries, where few are suffering from energy poverty, even the emissions of the very poorest people are far higher. The paper by Ivanova and Wood shows that in countries like Germany, Ireland, and Greece more than 99% of households have per capita emissions of more than 2.4 tonnes per year.

The only countries that have emissions that are close to zero are those where the majority suffers from energy poverty. 10 The countries that are closest are the very poorest countries in Africa : Malawi, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

But this comes at a large cost to themselves as this chart shows. In no poor country do people have living standards that are comparable to those of people in richer countries.

And since living conditions are better where GDP per capita is higher, it is also the case that CO 2 emissions are higher where living conditions are better. Emissions are high where child mortality is the lowest , where children have good access to education, and where few of them suffer from hunger .

The reason for this is that as soon as people get access to energy from fossil fuels their emissions are too high to be sustainable over the long run (see here ).

People need access to energy for a good life. But in a world where fossil fuels are the dominant source of energy, access to modern energy means that carbon emissions are too high.

The more accurate description of the second global energy problem is therefore: the majority of the world population – all those who are not very poor – have greenhouse gas emissions that are far too high to be sustainable over the long run.

The current alternatives are energy poverty or fossil-fuels and greenhouse gases

The chart here is a version of the scatter plot above and summarizes the two global energy problems: In purple are those that live in energy poverty, in blue those whose greenhouse gas emissions are too high if we want to avoid severe climate change.

So far I have looked at the global energy problem in a static way, but the world is changing  of course.

For millennia all of our ancestors lived in the pink bubble: the reliance on wood meant they suffered from indoor air pollution; the necessity of acquiring fuelwood and agricultural land meant deforestation; and minimal technology meant that our ancestors lived in conditions of extreme poverty.

In the last two centuries more and more people have moved from the purple to the blue area in the chart. In many ways this is a very positive development. Economic growth and increased access to modern energy improved people's living conditions. In rich countries almost no one dies from indoor air pollution and living conditions are much better in many ways as we've seen above. It also meant that we made progress against the ecological downside of energy poverty: The link between poverty and the reliance on fuelwood is one of the key reasons why deforestation declines with economic growth. 11 And progress in that direction has been fast: on any average day in the last decade 315,000 people in the world got access to electricity for the first time in their life.

But while living conditions improved, greenhouse gas emissions increased.

The chart shows what this meant for greenhouse gas emissions over the last generation. The chart is a version of the scatter plot above, but it shows the change over time – from 1990 to the latest available data.

The data is now also plotted on log-log scales which has the advantage that you can see the rates of change easily. On a logarithmic axis the steepness of the line corresponds to the rate of change. What the chart shows is that low- and middle-income countries increased their emissions at very similar rates.

By default the chart shows the change of income and emission for the 14 countries that are home to more than 100 million people, but you can add other countries to the chart.

What has been true in the past two decades will be true in the future. For the poorer three-quarters of the world income growth means catching up with the good living conditions of the richer world, but unless there are cheap alternatives to fossil fuels it also means catching up with the high emissions of the richer world.

Our challenge: find large-scale energy alternatives to fossil fuels that are affordable, safe and sustainable

The task for our generation is therefore twofold: since the majority of the world still lives in poor conditions, we have to continue to make progress in our fight against energy poverty. But success in this fight will only translate into good living conditions for today’s young generation when we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the same time.

Key to making progress on both of these fronts is the source of energy and its price . Those living in energy poverty cannot afford sufficient energy and those that left the worst poverty behind rely on fossil fuels to meet their energy needs.

Once we look at it this way it becomes clear that the twin energy problems are really the two sides of one big problem. We lack large-scale energy alternatives to fossil fuels that are cheap, safe, and sustainable.

This last version of the scatter plot shows what it would mean to have such energy sources at scale. It would allow the world to leave the unsustainable current alternatives behind and make the transition to the bottom right corner of the chart: the area marked with the green rectangle where emissions are net-zero and everyone has left energy poverty behind.

Without these technologies we are trapped in a world where we have only bad alternatives: Low-income countries that fail to meet the needs of the current generation; high-income countries that compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs; and middle-income countries that fail on both counts.

Since we have not developed all the technologies that are required to make this transition possible large scale innovation is required for the world to make this transition. This is the case for most sectors that cause carbon emissions , in particular in the transport (shipping, aviation, road transport) and heating sectors, but also cement production and agriculture.

One sector where we have developed several alternatives to fossil fuels is electricity. Nuclear power and renewables emit far less carbon (and are much safer) than fossil fuels. Still, as the last chart shows, their share in global electricity production hasn't changed much: only increasing from 36% to 38% in the last three decades.

But it is possible to do better. Some countries have scaled up nuclear power and renewables and are doing much better than the global average. You can see this if you change the chart to show the data for France and Sweden – in France 92% of electricity comes from low carbon sources, in Sweden it is 99%. The consequence of countries doing better in this respect should be that they are closer to the sustainable energy world of the future. The scatter plot above shows that this is the case.

But for the global energy supply – especially outside the electricity sector – the world is still far away from a solution to the world's energy problem.

Every country is still very far away from providing clean, safe, and affordable energy at a massive scale and unless we make rapid progress in developing these technologies we will remain stuck in the two unsustainable alternatives of today: energy poverty or greenhouse gas emissions.

As can be seen from the chart, the ratio of emissions is 17.49t / 0.2t = 87.45. And 365 days/87.45=4.17 days

It is worth looking into the cutoffs for what it means – according to these international statistics – to have access to energy. The cutoffs are low.

See Raising Global Energy Ambitions: The 1,000 kWh Modern Energy Minimum and IEA (2020) – Defining energy access: 2020 methodology, IEA, Paris.

WHO (2014) – Frequently Asked Questions – Ambient and Household Air Pollution and Health . Update 2014

While it is certain that the death toll of indoor air pollution is high, there are widely differing estimates. At the higher end of the spectrum, the WHO estimates a death count of more than twice that. We discuss it in our entry on indoor air pollution .

The 2018 estimate for premature deaths due to poor sanitation is from the same analysis, the Global Burden of Disease study. See here .

FAO and UNEP. 2020. The State of the World’s Forests 2020. Forests, biodiversity and people. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/ca8642en

The same report also reports that an estimated 880 million people worldwide are collecting fuelwood or producing charcoal with it.

This is according to the IEA's World Energy Balances 2020. Here is a visualization of the data.

The second largest energy source across the three regions is oil and the third is gas.

The photo shows students study under the streetlights at Conakry airport in Guinea. It was taken by Rebecca Blackwell for the Associated Press.

It was published by the New York Times here .

The global average is 4.8 tonnes per capita . The richest 1% of individuals in the EU emit 43 tonnes per capita – according to Ivanova D, Wood R (2020). The unequal distribution of household carbon footprints in Europe and its link to sustainability. Global Sustainability 3, e18, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1017/sus.2020.12

On Our World in Data my colleague Hannah Ritchie has looked into a related question and also found that the highest emissions are concentrated among a relatively small share of the global population: High-income countries are home to only 16% of the world population, yet they are responsible for almost half (46%) of the world’s emissions.

Article 2 of the Paris Agreement states the goal in section 1a: “Holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.”

It is an interesting question whether there are some subnational regions in richer countries where a larger group of people has extremely low emissions; it might possibly be the case in regions that rely on nuclear energy or renewables (likely hydro power) or where aforestation is happening rapidly.

Crespo Cuaresma, J., Danylo, O., Fritz, S. et al. Economic Development and Forest Cover: Evidence from Satellite Data. Sci Rep 7, 40678 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep40678

Bruce N, Rehfuess E, Mehta S, et al. Indoor Air Pollution. In: Jamison DT, Breman JG, Measham AR, et al., editors. Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries. 2nd edition. Washington (DC): The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank; 2006. Chapter 42. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11760/ Co-published by Oxford University Press, New York.

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Energy Sustainability with a Focus on Environmental Perspectives

• Original Article
• Open access
• Published: 22 April 2021
• Volume 5 , pages 217–230, ( 2021 )

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• Marc A. Rosen   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6559-0094 1  

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Energy sustainability is a key consideration for anthropogenic activity and the development of societies, and more broadly, civilization. In this article, energy sustainability is described and examined, as are methods and technologies that can help enhance it. As a key component of sustainability, the significance and importance of energy sustainability becomes clear. Requirements to enhance energy sustainability are described, including low environmental and ecological impacts, sustainable energy resources and complementary energy carriers, high efficiencies, and various other factors. The latter are predominantly non-technical, and include living standards, societal acceptability and equity. The outcomes and results are anticipated to inform and educate about energy sustainability, to provide an impetus to greater energy sustainability.

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1 Introduction

Energy is utilized pervasively to provide energy services of all types. These include the provision of electricity, transportation, lighting, heating, cooling, industrial processes (e.g., refining and manufacturing) and many more. The full life cycle of energy is complex, and includes obtaining energy sources, converting them to useful forms, transporting, distributing, storing energy, and utilizing energy (Karunathilake et al. 2019 ). The services provided by energy allow for good living standards and support societal development.

Most countries today use energy in a manner that is not sustainable (Baleta et al. 2019 ). This applies to countries of all kinds (developing, industrialized, etc.) (Kumar and Majid 2020 ). Despite this general view, it is observed that wealthy countries appear to be using energy in a manner that is more sustainable today than before 1970. This phenomenon is illustrated in Table 1 . For G7 countries, for instance, energy use per capita and real gross domestic product per capita both rose in step by about 60% between 1960 and 1973, but between 1973 and 2015, energy use per capital remained roughly constant while real gross domestic product per capita continued to rise, by roughly 100% (World Bank Group 2021 ). These data suggest that energy usage and GDP growth per capita became in part decoupled, implying countries can continue to generate wealth without necessarily using increasing amounts of energy through a higher energy intensity. Note that, as the data in Table 1 are just for the G7 countries, the rest of the world may not follow this behavior. G7 countries have outsourced portions of their heavy industry, which tends to be energy intensive, to developing and recently developed countries (e.g., Mexico). Hence, the net effect globally in terms of reducing energy consumption is likely less that that observed for G7 countries.

Energy sustainability involves the use of energy during all aspects of its life cycle in a manner that supports the various facets of sustainable development. Energy sustainability is, therefore, a comprehensive concept that reaches beyond the use of sustainable energy resources, and can be viewed as a component of overall sustainability.

A universally accepted definition for energy sustainability does not exist, even though some definitions have been proposed ( 2017a ; Zvolinschi et al. 2007 ; Chen et al. 2020a ; Razmjoo et al. 2020 ; Suganthi 2020 ; Kumar and Majid 2020 ). A general definition can perhaps be developed by extending definitions of sustainability or sustainable development. For instance, Kutscher et al. ( 2019 ) define sustainable energy as energy produced and used in such a way that it “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Grigoroudis et al. ( 2019 ) suggest that “energy sustainability is related with the provision of adequate, reliable, and affordable energy, in conformity with social and environmental requirements.” Nonetheless, defining energy sustainability is challenging due to the multidisciplinary and complex nature of energy sustainability. The present author defines energy sustainability as the provision of energy services for all people now and in the future in a manner that is sustainable, i.e., adequate to meet basic necessities, not unduly environmentally detrimental, affordable by all, and acceptable to people and their communities. Note that the author’s definition has a temporal persistence element, and that it includes communities, which adds a collective element such as can be represented by culture. Note also that the concept ‘basic necessities’ has an element of vagueness as do other aspects of definitions of energy sustainability or overall sustainability. This can be problematic, although it also provides room for interpretation by individual countries or regions. Since overall sustainability is often viewed as the simultaneous attainment of environmental, economic and societal sustainability, it is clear that energy processes affect each these facets of sustainability. This highlights the importance of energy sustainability to sustainability overall. The relevance of these ideas is increasingly in the fore, as many countries and cities are seeking to become more sustainable, and view energy sustainability as a component of this objective.

Notable environmental, economic and societal challenges are associated with energy. These need to be addressed adequately as part of achieving energy sustainability, although the process can be complex and challenging. Some of the notable challenges relate to societal inequities, excessive resource consumption, climate change and the environmental and ecological affects of other emissions, and limited energy affordability. These are made more challenging by the fact that energy prices are skewed by taxes and incentives, and political factors affect energy issues, sometimes greatly. In addition, wealth and living standards as well as population, culture and level of urbanization often vary among countries, further affecting energy sustainability. The challenges are often greater for developing and non-industrialized countries, due to lack of wealth, education, technology and many other factors. The objective of this article is to assist in addressing these challenges, by informing about energy sustainability and enhancing efforts supporting energy sustainability.

It is noted that this extends earlier work by the author, including an effort to develop a pragmatic approach to energy sustainability with relevant illustrations (Rosen 2009 ). The first illustration considers a thermal energy storage that receives and holds heat (or cold) until it is required, while the second assesses a heat pump that uses electricity to extract heat from a low-temperature region and to deliver it to a region of higher temperature for heating. The third illustration is cogeneration of thermal and electrical energy as well as trigeneration of electricity, heat and cold, while the final illustration considers hydrogen production based on thermochemical water decomposition driven by nuclear or solar energy.

Energy resources are obtained from the environment. Some energy resources are renewable and some are finite in quantity and thus non-renewable. Energy systems in most countries today are principally driven by fossil fuels, but renewable energy utilization is increasing (Karunathilake et al. 2019 ; Hansen et al. 2019 ; Mehrjerdi et al. 2019 ; Kumar and Majid 2020 ). Renewable energy resources are listed with details on the main basis from which they are derived in Table 2 , while non-renewable energy resources grouped by resource type are given in Table 3 . Data from the IEA ( 2020 , 2021 ) on global production of the energy resources are also provided for the most significant resources in terms of quality. It is seen that many types of renewable energy are derived from solar energy, including hydraulic, biomass, wind and geothermal energy (as ground energy at ground temperature) (Rosen and Koohi-Fayegh 2017 ). Constraints on long-term energy supplies help to determine the sustainability of the energy resources and have been discussed by Weisz ( 2004 ).

Energy carriers are the forms of energy that are utilized in processes and systems, and include fuels, electricity and heat (Rosen 2018 ). Some energy carriers exist in the environment while others do not and need to be produced artificially. Energy carriers, divided by energy carrier type, are listed in Table 4 for non-chemical energy carriers and in Table 5 for chemical energy carriers. Note that energy carriers do not include energy storages, which are simply temporary buffers for energy resources or carriers. Energy storages are indeed important and discussed subsequently in the article.

Energy is seen in Tables 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 to exist in various forms. Energy-conversion processes and technologies convert energy from one form to another, and can be described with thermodynamics. Of particular use are the first law of thermodynamics (the principle of conservation of energy) and the second law (the principle of non-conservation of entropy). The latter in particular helps determine energy quality and is the basis for the quantity exergy.

3 Sustainability and Sustainable Development

There are various understandings of sustainability and sustainable development, embodying various viewpoints (Rosen 2018 ; Baleta et al. 2019 ; Hengst et al. 2020 ; Pauliuk 2020 ; Dragicevic 2020 ; Chen et al. 2020a ; Rezaie and Rosen 2020 ). Some of the more significant of these are illustrated in Fig.  1 and examined below (Fig.  2 ):

Selected understandings of sustainability and sustainable development, embodying various viewpoints

Sustainability viewed as having three principal facets: environmental, economic and societal

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (public domain material provided by United Nations at http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/news/communications-material/ )

Multidisciplinary . Sustainability is often viewed as multidimensional with economic, social and environmental facets (see Fig. 2 ). Achieving sustainability is a challenge as these three facets are often opposing, e.g., economic sustainability may necessitate sacrificing environmental sustainability, and vice versa. Jose and Ramakrishna ( 2021 ) point out the multidisciplinary nature of sustainability in their assessment of the comprehensiveness of research in the field.

Carrying capacity . Sustainability can be considered in terms of carrying capacity, i.e., the maximum population supportable, given the ability of the environment to provide resources and receive wastes. This involves an environmental perspective, but is focused more on limitations. The demand and supply of resources affects carrying capacity significantly. For example, Park et al. ( 2020 ) have evaluated the carrying capacity as a measure of sustainability, for Jeju Island, South Korea.

Temporal . Sustainability is usually understood as temporally lasting. The temporal scale to be considered is subjective, although a period of 50–100 years is fairly often viewed as reasonable for many sustainability considerations (Graedel and Allenby 2010 ). Yet, this time frame can be disputed, especially for energy issues that can straddle centuries or more. For example, the lifetimes in terms of reserve base for fossil fuels have been estimated to be 51 years for oil, 53 years for natural gas and 114 years for coal, based on annual consumption rates (BP 2016 ). Thus coal-burning could be viewed as sustainable for the next 100 years or so based on the available resources, but then they would be practically exhausted clearly making them coal use not sustainable (and that is not considering the pollution and climate change effects from coal combustion). This contrasts with solar and wind energy, which have no date to exhaustion (until the sun ‘dies’ through running out of hydrogen, in about 5 billion years). Clearly, too short a period for evaluating sustainability is not helpful since most activities are sustainable for years, but too long a period is intractable.

Goals . Sustainability can be described in terms of aims or goals. Notable advances have been made in this approach (Rosen 2017c ) with the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2015–2030, which encompass 17 broad goals (see Fig. 3 ) (United Nations 2015 ). Adopted at the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, the UN Sustainable Development Goals form part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is noted that work by the United Nations on sustainability has a lengthy history, extending back to the World Commission on Environment and Development ( 1987 ) and its 1987 report ‘Our Common Future,’ which defined sustainable development as ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’

4 Sustainability and Energy

Based on the present author’s definition of energy sustainability cited earlier (the provision of energy services for all people now and in the future in a manner that is adequate to meet basic necessities, not unduly environmentally detrimental, affordable by all, and acceptable to people and their communities), it is evident that various issues impact how energy resources can be sustainable. Many of these issues are illustrated in Fig.  4 . Through these issues, key needs for energy sustainability can be developed. These are listed in Table 6 along with interpretations of them.

Principal issues for achieving or shifting towards energy sustainability

The key needs for energy sustainability are examined in the remainder of this section.

4.1 Low Environmental and Ecological Impacts

Numerous environmental and ecological impacts are associated with energy systems over their lifetimes, ranging from local to national and international. Energy-related environmental and ecological impacts must be adequately addressed to attain energy sustainability, as their mitigation supports energy sustainability (Rosen 2012 , 2018 ; Sciubba 2019 ; Veiga and Romanelli 2020 ).

Some of the more notable environmental and ecological impacts linked to energy are as follows:

Global climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions (Almazroui et al. 2019 ; Scott 2007 ).

Abiotic resource depletion, due to the excessive use of non-biological and non-renewable raw materials (Graedel and Allenby 2010 ).

Acid precipitation and acidification due to emissions of substances such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides (Rosen 2012 ).

Stratospheric ozone depletion, which allows increased levels of ultraviolet radiation to reach the surface of the earth, causing adverse health effects (Razmjoo et al. 2020 ).

Ecotoxicity and radiological exposures, and the health problems they can cause, such as those due to radioactivity in building materials (Pillai et al. 2017 ).

Climate change, as a consequence of global warming, is caused mainly by emissions of greenhouse gases (especially carbon dioxide), and is particularly concerning due to its potentially severe consequences (loss of land fertility in near equatorial regions, rising ocean levels and flooding of many cities, more frequent and stronger storms, etc.). These effects and others have recently been quantitatively assessed (Chen et al. 2020b ). By disrupting the earth–sun–space energy balance, these emissions lead to increases in mean global temperatures and consequential changes in climates. Low-carbon and carbon-free energy options are needed for climate change mitigation, as they can significantly lower emissions of the primary greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, which is emitted through carbon fuel combustion.

Many effects of climate change have been studied, such as its impacts on hydro-meteorological variables and water resources (Almazroui and Şen 2020 ) and on water engineering structures (Almazroui et al. 2019 ). In addition, responses to climate change in the form of mitigation efforts have been examined, including carbon sequestration (Were et al. 2019 ) and carbon emission reduction (Khalil et al. 2019 ). Many of the effects and responses mentioned here relate to energy use, directly or indirectly.

For comprehensive and meaningful assessments of environmental and ecological impact, the overall life cycle of an energy system or activity needs to be considered, starting with the harvesting and processing of energy and other resources, and on to their utilization and ultimate disposal. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an effective methodology for analyses (Graedel and Allenby 2010 ). LCA has been applied extensively to a broad range of activities (Ben-Alon et al. 2019 ; Lodato et al. 2020 ; Lu and Halog 2020 ), including energy processes (Sadeghi et al. 2020 ; Mendecka et al. 2020 ) and communities (Karunathilake et al. 2019 ).

4.2 Sustainable Energy Resources and Complementary Energy Carriers

Sustainable energy resources are crucial to energy sustainability, as are complementary energy carriers that allow those energy resources to be exploited or facilitate sustainable energy options. On the one hand, fossil fuels (see Table 3 ), the most common non-renewable energy resources, are finite in nature. On the other hand, renewable energy sources, including solar, hydraulic, wind, biomass, and geothermal energy (see Table 2 ), can be sustained for extremely long. Renewable energy resources also mitigate greatly or avoid greenhouse gas emissions, among other advantages. Some special cases are worth noting:

Uranium (nuclear energy fuel) is a non-renewable energy resource but it does not contribute significantly to climate change, and the lifetimes of nuclear fuel assuming their use in advanced breeder reactors is thought to exceed 1000 years, so it is often viewed as a sustainable energy option (Al-Zareer et al. 2020a ). For example, Fetter ( 2009 ) estimated the extraction of uranium from seawater would make available 4.5 billion metric tons of uranium, representing a 60,000-year supply at present usage rates, while fuel-recycling fast-breeder reactors could match today’s nuclear output for 30,000 years, based on data of the Nuclear Energy Association (NEA). But this is contentious, as these very long nuclear fuel lifetimes remain hypothetical, while current actual nuclear power plants consume uranium at a much faster rate relative to reserves, in the process generating significant amounts of waste with half-lives that are significantly longer than 1000 years. The supply was estimated at 230 years in 2009 (Fetter 2009 ), based on identified uranium resources of total 5.5 million metric tons and an additional 10.5 million metric tons still undiscovered and the consumption rate at that time. Moreover, only very few nuclear plants are “fast breeder reactors”.

Biomass may or may not be considered a renewable energy option, depending on its rates of utilization and replenishment. Regardless of the classification, decisions on using various types of biomass depend on both their costs (in terms of energy use quantity and rate, net quantity of carbon used, economics), and their benefits (net quantity of carbon emissions avoided, financial savings, etc.). The potential for biomass use to be sustainable often includes energy return on investment (EROI), which is the ratio of the amount of usable energy delivered from a particular energy resource to the amount of energy used to obtain that energy resource (Hall et al. 2014 ; Wang et al. 2021 ). This value has ranged from 0.64 (below the breakeven value of 1) for early biomass uses for producing ethanol to as high as 48 for some particular processes involving molasses, and typical values today are 4–5. Biomass is generally not sustainable when EROI values are near or below 1. In addition, it is noted that biomass typically has a low-energy conversion efficiency (relative to values for fossil fuels) and its production sometimes displaces food production, reducing in those cases its prospects as a sustainable energy resource.

Wastes, which can include some forms of biomass, are sometimes viewed as a renewable energy resource and sometimes are not, given people can modify behaviors to reduce wastes greatly.

Much research on energy resources has been reported, including electricity generation from food waste through anaerobic digestion (Ali et al. 2019 ; Rezaie and Rosen 2020 ) and hydroelectric generation (Udayakumara and Gunawardena 2018 ), and solar energy applications (Hachem-Vermette et al. 2019 ; Sun et al. 2019 ). These studies collectively demonstrate the importance of energy sources in discussions of sustainability, and illustrate the feasibility of such technologies in practical applications.

Energy carriers, which include electricity, thermal energy and secondary fuels (see Tables 4 , 5 ), play an important although less prominent role in energy sustainability. Before they can be utilized, energy resources often require conversion to other energy forms or carriers, e.g., solar photovoltaic panels to produce electricity for renewable energy resources, petroleum refineries for non-renewable energy resources, and hydrogen production from both types of energy resources. The latter example supports the idea of a hydrogen economy, in which hydrogen and electricity are the two main energy carriers (Scott 2007 ; Rosen 2017b ; Gnanapragasam and Rosen 2017 ; Moharamian et al. 2019 ; Abe et al. 2019 ; Endo et al. 2019 ; Fonseca et al. 2019 ; Chapman et al. 2020 ; Al-Zareer et al. 2020a ; Mehrjerdi et al. 2019 ) . Energy sustainability is supported well by this combination of energy carriers since most chemical energy needs can be satisfied by hydrogen (and select hydrogen-derived fuels) and non-chemical energy needs by electricity.

4.3 High Efficiencies

High efficiency in a holistic sense is broad, covering:

high device and system efficiencies,

energy conservation,

energy management and matching of energy demands and supplies,

appropriate utilization of energy quality, and

advantageous fuel substitution.

This holistic sense is adopted here. High efficiency supports energy sustainability by expanding the benefits of energy technologies, whether renewable or not, although the benefits are more pronounced for non-renewable energy resources. High efficiency elongates the lives of finite-energy resources and lowers the capacities needed for energy devices. High efficiencies often can improve societal metrics such as standard of living, quality of life, and satisfaction. For instance, the US and Sweden have similar gross domestic products (per capita), but the latter exceeds the US in most social indicators and utilizes 40% less energy (per capita) through more efficient buildings, smaller automobiles and better public transit, and higher gasoline taxes (Rosen 2018 ). Advanced methods are available to help attain high efficiencies, e.g., exergy analysis provides insights not available via conventional energy methods (Rosen 2012 ; Dincer and Rosen 2021b , 2015 ) and has been applied widely (Morosuk and Tsatsaronis 2019 ; Sciubba 2019 ; Veiga and Romanelli 2020 ; Kumar et al. 2020 ).

4.4 Economic Sustainability and Affordability

Energy sustainability necessitates that the energy services required for basic needs be economically affordable by most if not all people and societies (Rosen 2011 ). However, the economics of energy sustainability measures usually need to be reasonably competitive with conventional approaches to find acceptance and adoption, although it is noted that some efficiency measures, like some environmental impact mitigation measures, can over time sometimes pay for themselves or save money. Government incentives also can enhance affordability.

Of course, many other factors affect economic sustainability and affordability. First, the economic “externalities” associated with fossil fuel combustion, i.e., the environmental costs that are not accounted for in the cost of production, are normally not counted. When externalities are properly accounted for, the economics improve for non-polluting energy forms such as wind and solar, and can become more favorable than the economics for fossil fuels. For example, Bielecki et al. ( 2020 ) show that the costs of externalities for fossil fuels and peat are typically 10–100 times greater than those for sustainable energy forms such as hydraulic, solar, wind, biomass and nuclear. Furthermore, economies of scale are an important factor in lowering economic costs, thereby making energy sources more sustainable. In addition, the economics of energy often fluctuates in response to energy resource scarcity or abundance, political instability for the case of finite-energy resources such as oil, natural gas, and uranium. Finally, the intermittency of some renewable energy forms such as wind and solar can raise their costs.

Other needs exist for energy sustainability and need to be addressed, and a great number of these are non-technical. Selected needs are shown in Fig.  5 and discussed below:

Selected non-technical aspects of energy sustainability

Geographic and intergenerational equity. For energy sustainability, equity is needed among present and future generations and among developed and developing countries in terms of energy access. Being concerned about future generations is important to the temporal aspect of sustainability, and involves considering the responsibility of people to consider the effects of their actions today, and their motivations, on any harm that may be brought to future generations. This involves trade offs. Concerns about energy access developed and developing countries raises issues of fairness and other trade offs, e.g., is it reasonable for countries that became wealthy in large part through extensive use of fossil fuels to ask developing and poorer nations to forego the use of fossil fuels and to use more sustainable energy forms, even if the costs are higher.

Increasing population, energy demands and living standards. Increasing global population must be accounted for in energy sustainability measures and strategies, as it places stresses on the carrying capacity of the planet and the environment. Furthermore, the rising demand and desire for energy resources with increasing wealth, especially as developing countries attain higher living standards, also makes energy sustainability more challenging. Energy sustainability can be assisted by measures involving transformations in lifestyles and reductions in energy demands, although this is usually very challenging in general and especially for policy makers. Behavioral modification requires recognition that present development trends are unsustainable over time. Many of these issues have been studied previously, such as the vulnerability of livelihoods in regions and countries (Qaisrani et al. 2018 ).

Resource and land use. Balances are often necessary to preserve resources and land for the uses for which they are most needed. For instance, land uses for growing biomass for biofuels needs to be appropriately weighed against agriculture needs, flooding large tracts of land needs to be balanced against hydroelectric generation requirements, and ecosystem preservation needs to be balanced against long-distance electrical transmission corridors.

Societal acceptability and involvement. For acceptance of energy sustainability measures, societies and their populations must be informed, involved in decisions, and supportive of them. This normally necessitates thorough consultation, and is particularly important when special or disadvantaged communities are involved, such as some indigenous communities.

Aesthetics and cleanliness. Energy sustainability measures should not degrade unduly the aesthetic appeal and cleanliness of the environment, for societal and other reasons. Even renewable energy resources can be aesthetically problematic, e.g., large solar PV installations and wind farms. Of course, aesthetics are a personal matter and vary from one person to another, sometimes considerably, often making it challenging to find the appropriate trade off.

Health and safety. In strategies and plans for energy sustainability, energy options must be healthy and safe, as evidenced by concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2019. This issue has spawned much research, e.g., an investigation of the impact of daily weather on the temporal pattern of COVID-19 outbreaks (Gupta et al. 2020 ).

Note that these non-technical factors of energy sustainability are at times interconnected, related and overlapping. Note also that many of the non-technical factors are often addressed if the technical factors discussed previously are addressed suitably. An example: factors such as public acceptability, economics, and equity need to be accounted for when choosing among sustainable energy options. Examining these issues makes it apparent that energy sustainability is politically sensitive, due to the political nature of many of the issues raised in the above points. Even though these points may be recognized already, they are included here for completeness, especially in light of their importance.

5 Methods for Enhancing Energy Sustainability

A selection of energy methods that can help enhance energy sustainability directly or indirectly, shown in Fig.  6 , are now described.

Selected methods for enhancing energy sustainability

Efficiency, loss prevention and waste recovery can all help enhance energy sustainability. Appropriately high-efficiency devices and systems facilitate and contribute to energy sustainability, e.g., heaters, chillers and air conditioners, pumps and compressors, motors and fans, and lighting have higher efficiencies today than in the past, the latter due to more efficient bulbs, lower lighting intensities, task lighting, and lighting occupancy sensors. Efficiency can also be improved by preventing losses, e.g., with better insulation, and by recovering energy wastes, e.g., by waste heat recovery.

Exergy analysis and other advanced tools can support energy sustainability. Thermodynamic performance can be better assessed, improved and optimized with exergy analysis rather than energy analysis, since the former evaluates more meaningful efficiencies and better pinpoints inefficiencies. Based on exergy, a measure of energy usefulness or quality or value (Dincer and Rosen 2021b ), exergy methods have been applied increasingly in recent years (Dincer et al. 2017 ; Moharamian et al. 2019 ). In addition, quality matching of energy supply and demand can also support energy efficiency. It is usually more efficient to supply an energy quality better matched to energy demand instead of supplying an exceedingly high-quality energy form, and thus having a quality mismatch, a result well illustrated with exergy analysis. For example, supplying heating for aquaculture at 20 °C with a natural gas combustor capable of heating to 1000 °C is mismatched compared to using simple solar thermal collectors operating at 40 °C.

Governments can also apply incentives (technically and/or societally directed) and enforcement activities to support energy measures. These can be mandatory or voluntary, depending on circumstances and needs. Modifications to lifestyles and societal structures can also reduce energy use, e.g., shifting North America’s transportation preference to mass transit from automotive, in part by changing energy taxation and environmental restrictions.

6 Technologies for Enhancing Energy Sustainability

Sample energy technologies that can help enhance energy sustainability directly or indirectly, shown in Fig.  7 , are now described. Note that the methods discussed in the prior section are intended to include techniques and approaches for improving energy sustainability, while the technologies covered in this section focus on specific technologies that can be employed to improve energy sustainability. Of course the methods can be applied to technologies, but the focus of the prior section was on methods and techniques.

Selected technologies for enhancing energy sustainability

Utilizing renewable energy sources (e.g., hydraulic, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, wave, tidal and ocean thermal energy) can contribute to energy sustainability, as they can be sustained for long time periods and have low environmental emissions and impacts. These sources have been extensively investigated, e.g., the amplitudes and phases of tides near power stations (Madah 2020 ) as well as the impacts of potential sea-level rise on tides (Lafta et al. 2020 ). Energy storage can also support energy sustainability, in part by offsetting the intermittency of some renewable energy resources (Krishan and Suhag 2019 ). Energy storage can also store energy until it is economic to deploy, and enhance efficiency and energy management (Al-Zareer et al. 2020b ). There are various types of energy storage (Koohi-Fayegh and Rosen 2020 ), including thermal energy storage (Dincer and Rosen 2021a ), underground storage using borehole heat exchangers (Sliwa et al. 2019 ) and batteries (Al-Zareer et al. 2020b ). Energy storage is increasingly being employed in building and HVAC systems (Dincer and Rosen 2015 ), and in renewable energy systems involving hybrid energy schemes (Rekioua 2020 ) and microgrids (Al-Ghussain et al. 2020 ).

Integrated energy systems, based on renewable and/or non-renewable energy technologies, can enhance energy sustainability and efficiency, e.g., polygeneration systems (Rosen and Koohi-Fayegh 2016 ; Calise et al. 2019 ; Rokni 2020 ; Mendecka et al. 2020 ; Kasaeian et al. 2020 ), and linking separate systems advantageously such as in cascading energy systems (Campana et al. 2019 ; Liu et al. 2020 ; Rokni 2020 ).

Building energy systems can be modified to enhance energy sustainability, e.g., using active systems such as renewable energy resources and passive technologies such as Trombe walls, multiple glazing windows and selective window coatings, daylight harvesting, insulation, weatherstripping and caulking. Note that behavior, culture and lifestyle also can affect the success of energy efficiency measures in buildings, as was illustrated for China (Zhang and Wang 2013 ). Energy sustainability can also be enhanced via district energy systems, in which thermal energy can be generated in heating or cooling facilities, using renewable energy or conventional resources, and transported to users. District energy systems are used in many cities and traverse a wide range of distances (Rosen and Koohi-Fayegh 2016 ). Buildings in many cities are connected through district energy systems that provide space and water heating and space cooling.

7 Illustration

In this illustration, we consider net-positive energy buildings. A net-positive energy building over an average year generates more energy from renewable energy sources than it uses, as shown in Fig.  8 , and can support energy sustainability (Rosen 2015 ; Endo et al. 2019 ; Delavar and Sahebi 2020 ; Tumminia et al. 2020 ; Singh and Das 2020 ). A net-positive energy building uses energy for a variety of tasks and generates energy from various renewable energy resources, and achieves net-positive energy status through advanced design and exploitation of technologies such as advanced automation, controls, component integration, energy storage, lighting and HVAC. One of the main upcoming “other energy uses” for electricity in Fig.  8 will likely be for vehicle energy (e.g., for electric automobiles). Such utilization of energy is likely to prove both cost effective and environmentally friendly. A net-positive energy building generates more electrical plus thermal energy from renewable energy sources than it uses over an average year, as shown in Fig.  9 . Such buildings are net energy generators, rather than net energy users, like most buildings today. Research on net-zero and net-positive energy buildings has been reported (Athienitis and O’Brien 2015 ; Mehrjerdi et al. 2019 ; Sun et al. 2019 ), while the International Energy Agency included an annex on “Towards Net-zero Energy Solar Building” and Canada launched in 2011 the Smart Net-zero Energy Buildings Strategic Research Network ( http://www.solarbuildings.ca ). The net-zero and net-positive energy building concepts can be expanded to include transportation devices that are part of the building (Garmsiri et al. 2016 ; Sun et al. 2019 ) and to net-zero and net-positive energy communities (Rad et al. 2017 ; Hachem-Vermette et al. 2019 ; Karunathilake et al. 2019 ; Nematchoua et al. 2021 ).

Net-positive energy building, in which energy generation from renewable energy resources exceeds energy use over a typical year

Imbalance of a net-positive energy building, highlighting how energy use over a typical year is less than energy generation from renewable energy resources

As a numerical example that correlates with the qualitative presentation in Fig.  8 , a performance assessment by Zomer et al. ( 2020 ) of PV systems installed at a positive energy building is considered here. The building is the Fotovoltaica/UFSC solar energy laboratory ( http://www.fotovoltaica.ufsc.br ) in Florianópolis, Brazil (27° S, 48° W). Although originally designed as a zero-energy building with PV systems on rooftops and façades, additional PV systems were installed on the same location on a carport and an electric bus (eBus) shelter and charging station, and ground-mount PV systems with single-axis solar tracking installed. The system then had a peak PV generation capacity of 111 kW. Energy generation and consumption were analyzed on monthly bases, and the key results are listed in Table 7 . The total PV generation in the period could supply 97% of the building (including eBus) energy consumption, accounting for actual performance and downtime for R&D activities. In that case, the building was almost a net-zero energy building (for which the energy supply would meet 100% of the consumption). However, when the systems operate all the time at their optimal performance, the PV system can supply 134% of the building (including eBus) energy consumption, making it a positive energy building.

8 Conclusions

Energy sustainability is described, with a focus on environmental perspectives, as are methods and technologies to enhance it. In essence being a key component of sustainability, the significance and importance of energy sustainability becomes clear. Requirements to increase energy sustainability are discussed, including low environmental and ecological impacts, sustainable energy resources and complementary energy carriers, high efficiencies, low environmental impacts, and various other predominantly non-technical factors. The latter include living standards, societal acceptability and equity. Interrelations among these are examined. Examples and illustrations are described that help to indicate the benefits of enhancing energy sustainability. The illustrations also indicate the complexity of energy sustainability and the factors that contribute to it, showing how challenging it can be to enhance energy sustainability. Net-positive energy buildings in particular illustrate the benefits and challenges. The outcomes and results serve to inform and educate about energy sustainability, to provide an impetus to move people in particular and civilization in general towards it.

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Acknowledgements

The author is grateful for support provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the contributions of students and colleagues over the years that have helped in developing the ideas presented.

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Renewable energy – powering a safer future

Energy is at the heart of the climate challenge – and key to the solution.

A large chunk of the greenhouse gases that blanket the Earth and trap the sun’s heat are generated through energy production, by burning fossil fuels to generate electricity and heat.

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, are by far the largest contributor to global climate change , accounting for over 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions.

The science is clear: to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

To achieve this, we need to end our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and reliable.

Renewable energy sources – which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth – are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.

Fossil fuels still account for more than 80 percent of global energy production , but cleaner sources of energy are gaining ground. About 29 percent of electricity currently comes from renewable sources.

Here are five reasons why accelerating the transition to clean energy is the pathway to a healthy, livable planet today and for generations to come.

1. Renewable energy sources are all around us

About 80 percent of the global population lives in countries that are net-importers of fossil fuels -- that’s about 6 billion people who are dependent on fossil fuels from other countries, which makes them vulnerable to geopolitical shocks and crises.

In contrast, renewable energy sources are available in all countries, and their potential is yet to be fully harnessed. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that 90 percent of the world’s electricity can and should come from renewable energy by 2050.

Renewables offer a way out of import dependency, allowing countries to diversify their economies and protect them from the unpredictable price swings of fossil fuels, while driving inclusive economic growth, new jobs, and poverty alleviation.

2. Renewable energy is cheaper

Renewable energy actually is the cheapest power option in most parts of the world today. Prices for renewable energy technologies are dropping rapidly. The cost of electricity from solar power fell by 85 percent between 2010 and 2020. Costs of onshore and offshore wind energy fell by 56 percent and 48 percent respectively.

Falling prices make renewable energy more attractive all around – including to low- and middle-income countries, where most of the additional demand for new electricity will come from. With falling costs, there is a real opportunity for much of the new power supply over the coming years to be provided by low-carbon sources.

Cheap electricity from renewable sources could provide 65 percent of the world’s total electricity supply by 2030. It could decarbonize 90 percent of the power sector by 2050, massively cutting carbon emissions and helping to mitigate climate change.

Although solar and wind power costs are expected to remain higher in 2022 and 2023 then pre-pandemic levels due to general elevated commodity and freight prices, their competitiveness actually improves due to much sharper increases in gas and coal prices, says the International Energy Agency (IEA).

3. Renewable energy is healthier

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 99 percent of people in the world breathe air that exceeds air quality limits and threatens their health, and more than 13 million deaths around the world each year are due to avoidable environmental causes, including air pollution.

The unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide originate mainly from the burning of fossil fuels. In 2018, air pollution from fossil fuels caused $2.9 trillion in health and economic costs , about $8 billion a day.

Switching to clean sources of energy, such as wind and solar, thus helps address not only climate change but also air pollution and health.

4. Renewable energy creates jobs

Every dollar of investment in renewables creates three times more jobs than in the fossil fuel industry. The IEA estimates that the transition towards net-zero emissions will lead to an overall increase in energy sector jobs : while about 5 million jobs in fossil fuel production could be lost by 2030, an estimated 14 million new jobs would be created in clean energy, resulting in a net gain of 9 million jobs.

In addition, energy-related industries would require a further 16 million workers, for instance to take on new roles in manufacturing of electric vehicles and hyper-efficient appliances or in innovative technologies such as hydrogen. This means that a total of more than 30 million jobs could be created in clean energy, efficiency, and low-emissions technologies by 2030.

Ensuring a just transition , placing the needs and rights of people at the heart of the energy transition, will be paramount to make sure no one is left behind.

5. Renewable energy makes economic sense

About $7 trillion was spent on subsidizing the fossil fuel industry in 2022, including through explicit subsidies, tax breaks, and health and environmental damages that were not priced into the cost of fossil fuels.

In comparison, about $4 trillion a year needs to be invested in renewable energy until 2030 – including investments in technology and infrastructure – to allow us to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

The upfront cost can be daunting for many countries with limited resources, and many will need financial and technical support to make the transition. But investments in renewable energy will pay off. The reduction of pollution and climate impacts alone could save the world up to $4.2 trillion per year by 2030.

Moreover, efficient, reliable renewable technologies can create a system less prone to market shocks and improve resilience and energy security by diversifying power supply options.

Learn more about how many communities and countries are realizing the economic, societal, and environmental benefits of renewable energy.

Will developing countries benefit from the renewables boom? Learn more here .

What is renewable energy?

Derived from natural resources that are abundant and continuously replenished, renewable energy is key to a safer, cleaner, and sustainable world. Explore common sources of renewable energy here.

Why invest in renewable energy?

Learn more about the differences between fossil fuels and renewables, the benefits of renewable energy, and how we can act now.

Five ways to jump-start the renewable energy transition now

UN Secretary-General outlines five critical actions the world needs to prioritize now to speed up the global shift to renewable energy.

What is net zero? Why is it important? Our net-zero page explains why we need steep emissions cuts now and what efforts are underway.

• What is climate change?

Our climate 101 offers a quick take on the how and why of climate change. Read more.

How will the world foot the bill? We explain the issues and the value of financing climate action.

Climate issues

Learn more about how climate change impacts are felt across different sectors and ecosystems.

It’s time to stop burning our planet, and start investing in the abundant renewable energy all around us." ANTÓNIO GUTERRES , United Nations Secretary-General

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Renewable energy, explained

Solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal power can provide energy without the planet-warming effects of fossil fuels.

In any discussion about climate change , renewable energy usually tops the list of changes the world can implement to stave off the worst effects of rising temperatures. That's because renewable energy sources such as solar and wind don't emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming .

Clean energy has far more to recommend it than just being "green." The growing sector creates jobs , makes electric grids more resilient, expands energy access in developing countries, and helps lower energy bills. All of those factors have contributed to a renewable energy renaissance in recent years, with wind and solar setting new records for electricity generation .

For the past 150 years or so, humans have relied heavily on coal, oil, and other fossil fuels to power everything from light bulbs to cars to factories. Fossil fuels are embedded in nearly everything we do, and as a result, the greenhouse gases released from the burning of those fuels have reached historically high levels .

As greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere that would otherwise escape into space, average temperatures on the surface are rising . Global warming is one symptom of climate change, the term scientists now prefer to describe the complex shifts affecting our planet’s weather and climate systems. Climate change encompasses not only rising average temperatures but also extreme weather events, shifting wildlife populations and habitats, rising seas , and a range of other impacts .

Of course, renewables—like any source of energy—have their own trade-offs and associated debates. One of them centers on the definition of renewable energy. Strictly speaking, renewable energy is just what you might think: perpetually available, or as the U.S. Energy Information Administration puts it, " virtually inexhaustible ." But "renewable" doesn't necessarily mean sustainable, as opponents of corn-based ethanol or large hydropower dams often argue. It also doesn't encompass other low- or zero-emissions resources that have their own advocates, including energy efficiency and nuclear power.

Types of renewable energy sources

Hydropower: For centuries, people have harnessed the energy of river currents, using dams to control water flow. Hydropower is the world's biggest source of renewable energy by far, with China, Brazil, Canada, the U.S., and Russia the leading hydropower producers . While hydropower is theoretically a clean energy source replenished by rain and snow, it also has several drawbacks.

Large dams can disrupt river ecosystems and surrounding communities , harming wildlife and displacing residents. Hydropower generation is vulnerable to silt buildup, which can compromise capacity and harm equipment. Drought can also cause problems. In the western U.S., carbon dioxide emissions over a 15-year period were 100 megatons higher than they normally would have been, according to a 2018 study , as utilities turned to coal and gas to replace hydropower lost to drought. Even hydropower at full capacity bears its own emissions problems, as decaying organic material in reservoirs releases methane.

Dams aren't the only way to use water for power: Tidal and wave energy projects around the world aim to capture the ocean's natural rhythms. Marine energy projects currently generate an estimated 500 megawatts of power —less than one percent of all renewables—but the potential is far greater. Programs like Scotland’s Saltire Prize have encouraged innovation in this area.

Wind: Harnessing the wind as a source of energy started more than 7,000 years ago . Now, electricity-generating wind turbines are proliferating around the globe, and China, the U.S., and Germany are the leading wind energy producers. From 2001 to 2017 , cumulative wind capacity around the world increased to more than 539,000 megawatts from 23,900 mw—more than 22 fold.

Some people may object to how wind turbines look on the horizon and to how they sound, but wind energy, whose prices are declining , is proving too valuable a resource to deny. While most wind power comes from onshore turbines, offshore projects are appearing too, with the most in the U.K. and Germany. The first U.S. offshore wind farm opened in 2016 in Rhode Island, and other offshore projects are gaining momentum . Another problem with wind turbines is that they’re a danger for birds and bats, killing hundreds of thousands annually , not as many as from glass collisions and other threats like habitat loss and invasive species, but enough that engineers are working on solutions to make them safer for flying wildlife.

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5 environmental victories from 2021 that offer hope

Solar: From home rooftops to utility-scale farms, solar power is reshaping energy markets around the world. In the decade from 2007 and 2017 the world's total installed energy capacity from photovoltaic panels increased a whopping 4,300 percent .

In addition to solar panels, which convert the sun's light to electricity, concentrating solar power (CSP) plants use mirrors to concentrate the sun's heat, deriving thermal energy instead. China, Japan, and the U.S. are leading the solar transformation, but solar still has a long way to go, accounting for around two percent of the total electricity generated in the U.S. in 2017. Solar thermal energy is also being used worldwide for hot water, heating, and cooling.

Biomass: Biomass energy includes biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel , wood and wood waste, biogas from landfills, and municipal solid waste. Like solar power, biomass is a flexible energy source, able to fuel vehicles, heat buildings, and produce electricity. But biomass can raise thorny issues.

Critics of corn-based ethanol , for example, say it competes with the food market for corn and supports the same harmful agricultural practices that have led to toxic algae blooms and other environmental hazards. Similarly, debates have erupted over whether it's a good idea to ship wood pellets from U.S. forests over to Europe so that it can be burned for electricity. Meanwhile, scientists and companies are working on ways to more efficiently convert corn stover , wastewater sludge , and other biomass sources into energy, aiming to extract value from material that would otherwise go to waste.

Geothermal: Used for thousands of years in some countries for cooking and heating, geothermal energy is derived from the Earth’s internal heat . On a large scale, underground reservoirs of steam and hot water can be tapped through wells that can go a mile deep or more to generate electricity. On a smaller scale, some buildings have geothermal heat pumps that use temperature differences several feet below ground for heating and cooling. Unlike solar and wind energy, geothermal energy is always available, but it has side effects that need to be managed, such as the rotten egg smell that can accompany released hydrogen sulfide.

Ways to boost renewable energy

Cities, states, and federal governments around the world are instituting policies aimed at increasing renewable energy. At least 29 U.S. states have set renewable portfolio standards —policies that mandate a certain percentage of energy from renewable sources, More than 100 cities worldwide now boast at least 70 percent renewable energy, and still others are making commitments to reach 100 percent . Other policies that could encourage renewable energy growth include carbon pricing, fuel economy standards, and building efficiency standards. Corporations are making a difference too, purchasing record amounts of renewable power in 2018.

Wonder whether your state could ever be powered by 100 percent renewables? No matter where you live, scientist Mark Jacobson believes it's possible. That vision is laid out here , and while his analysis is not without critics , it punctuates a reality with which the world must now reckon. Even without climate change, fossil fuels are a finite resource, and if we want our lease on the planet to be renewed, our energy will have to be renewable.

Related Topics

• SUSTAINABILITY
• RENEWABLE ENERGY
• GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
• SOLAR POWER
• HYDROELECTRIC POWER
• CLIMATE CHANGE

Activists fear a new threat to biodiversity—renewable energy

How the Ukraine war is accelerating Germany's renewable energy transition

We took the Great American Road Trip—in electric cars

What’s at stake at COP26—the crucial global climate summit

Climate change goals and oil production are clashing in the U.S.

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246 Energy Topics & Essay Examples

These energy topics explore the dynamic realm of energy sources, consumption, and sustainability. Here, you can find an excellent topic for your essay or project. As you go through these energy research questions, you will uncover the intricacies of energy demands, environmental concerns, and the quest for renewable energy solutions. Let’s charge up!

⚡ TOP 7 Energy Topics

🏆 best energy research topics, 🍃 renewable energy research topics, 👍 thought-provoking energy topics, ☢️ nuclear energy research topics, 🎓 interesting energy topics for project, 🌞 solar energy research topics, 💡 simple energy topics for research, ❓ energy research questions, 🌶️ hot energy ideas to write about.

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• Energy Sustainability and Its Key Issues Energy sustainability is becoming the most urgent socio-environmental problem, among other aspects of energy development.
• Environmental Biology: Green Energy a precise definition of green energy is manifested in its source, which must be natural, such as the sun or geothermal sources.
• Nuclear Power Must Be a Part of Future Energy Grids Nuclear energy sources are essential and must be included in future power grids alongside renewable alternatives due to their reliability.
• The Problem of Overpopulation and Energy Scarcity The population is proliferating, and although environmental, geopolitical, and socioeconomic factors may be slowing this dynamic, growth remains evident.
• Hybrid Energy Harvesting System The hybrid energy harvesting system, its advantages, and principles of operation are described in the present paper.
• Nuclear Energy Used for Different Purposes Nuclear energy has been a very dubious concept since its very discovery and its introduction into the mass consumption environment.
• Alternative Energy Industry’s Profit Pools A profit pool is the total profits earned within an industry by all players and it extends to all players in the value chain.
• Bio-Based Materials: Alternative Energy Cultivation of bio-based materials will not only encroach on the land meant for the cultivation of crops, but that crops will also be expensive, thus resulting in looming hunger.
• Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation’s Communication The present document will explore in detail the context of the communication plan for use by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation.
• Renewable Energy Sources: Definition, Types and Stocks This research report analyzes the growing interest of the use renewable energy as an alternative to the non-renewable energy.
• Industrial Fermentation as Energy Conversion One of the most common examples of employing fermentation in the industry is producing alcoholic drinks and dairy products. This type of energy conversion refers to anaerobic.
• Usage of Alternative Energy Alternative energy is a term used to describe any source of energy that replaces the usage of fuel as the source of energy and they are deemed not to have the negative effects.
• Nuclear Reactor Safety: Analyzing Accidents and Preventive Measures.
• Generation IV and Beyond – Advanced Nuclear Reactor Designs.
• Nuclear Energy and Climate Change Mitigation: Carbon-Free Power Generation.
• Strategies for Safe Disposal of Radioactive Waste.
• Nuclear Fuel Cycle: From Mining to Reactor and Beyond.
• Prospects and Challenges of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
• Nuclear Fusion Research: Progress Toward Sustainable Energy Production.
• What Are the Biggest Public Misconceptions Regarding Nuclear Energy?
• Cost Analysis and Financing Models of Nuclear Power.
• Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and Nuclear Energy: Balancing Benefits and Risks.
• Impacts Nuclear Energy Use on Water Resources Quality.
• Nuclear Energy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The Potential and Challenges of Thorium-Based Nuclear Fuel.
• Propulsion and Power Systems of Nuclear Energy and Space Exploration.
• Nuclear Energy and National Energy Policies: Case Studies from Different Countries.
• Radiation Exposure and Health Risks of Nuclear Energy.
• Nuclear Energy and Grid Stability: Contributions to Base Load Power.
• Nuclear Energy and Renewable Integration as Complementary Solutions.
• Public Engagement and Participation in Nuclear Energy Decision-Making.
• Nuclear Energy and Future Energy Scenarios: Role in Energy Transitions.
• Oil and Energy Companies in the US: The Windfall Profits Tax Although a windfall gains tax would not alter the demand for oil, it may make it more difficult for companies to recoup the costs of new production.
• Human Energy Consumption and Water Power Human energy use is significantly low compared to natural energy flow. Waterpower is not significant in energy flow because it is renewable energy.
• Current Energy Crisis in Beirut, Lebanon This paper supports the ideas used by the Lebanese government to reduce energy crises, such as using solar systems, alternative fuels, good governance, and cutting energy demand.
• Government Policies Lowering Energy Costs The paper summarizes a government intervention meant to lower inflation. The inflation rate has been on a steady increase for numerous reasons.
• Environmental Degradation and Renewable Energy The global community relies on the surrounding environment for food production, transport, and economic development.
• Reducing Homestead Energy Consumption in Australia This paper explores innovative methods to decrease energy consumption in Australian households, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).
• A New Energy Mix for the United Kingdom This paper presents an analysis of the impact of the Russia/Ukraine hostility on the UK Oil and Gas industry.
• Energy Generation as a Metabolic Process One of the metabolic processes in the organisms is the process of energy generation. Such processes should be understood as the cleavage of an organic substrate.
• Dark Energy and Its Significance for the Universe Dark energy is an energy component with negative pressure. It violates the strong energy condition and accelerates the universe.
• Cybersecurity Threats to the Energy Sector The modern era of global technologies creates a two-fold situation. On the one hand, new advanced digital technologies are emerging to automate energy production.
• Analysis of Energy Sources: Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Power Various types of fossil fuels are used for energy production. Each has different characteristics, origins, they all contain large amounts of energy that are used for various purposes.
• Utilizing Thorium in Energy Production Thorium might have elevated nuclear power production to a new level because it was affordable, safe, and produced no radioactive waste, but for some reason, it did not.
• Conducted Energy Weapon Program for Policing This work is a research paper for the Mayor of Virtual City on implementing a Conducted Energy Weapon program for the Virtual City Police Department.
• Cheerios Firm’s Diversification of Energy Sources Cheerios needs to diversify its operations and tap new environmentally friendly energy resources available in the energy sector.
• Renewable Energy in Japan: Clean Energy Transition Renewable energy in Japan became significantly important after the Fukushima Daiichi tsunami that struck Japan in 2011.
• Nuclear Technology and Radiation Energy The numerous advantages of nuclear technology exceed the disadvantages; therefore, scientists should continue making and using the technology.
• The Concept of Sustainability in Energy Plan for 2030-2040 The paper discusses the concept of sustainability takes a central role in the global discussion and presents of environment safety plan.
• The US and Canada’s Approaches to the Energy Issue The US and Canada are two of the world’s largest countries, requiring increased energy consumption and utilization as industrialized nations.
• Coal as an Energy Source and Its Impacts on Human Health Coal power generation is one of the most used energy production types in the world. The process of energy generation using coal includes the burning or combustion of solid coal.
• General Physics: Increasing Internal Energy The first law of thermodynamics deals with the state of energy and its transfer between objects. Energy is conserved in an isolated system.
• Future of 100% Renewable Energy This article explores the future of renewable green energy and a review the topical studies related to 100% renewable energy.
• The Energy Sector: Russia’s Policy This paper aims to provide a thorough and insightful analysis of Russia’s energy policy and suggest recommendations for the country to remain naturally prowess.
• Full Renewable Energy Plan Feasibility for 2030-2040 This paper argues that green energy in its current state will struggle to meet humanity’s demand and the development of better hybrid, integrated grids is required.
• Solar Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages Renewable energy sources are being supported and invested in by governments to instigate a new environment-friendly technology.
• Effects of Reducing Energy Waste Pennsylvania is a state that uses a large amount of energy each day. Most of the population utilizes natural gases energy every day in their homes and places of work.
• Biofuels and Fossil Fuels as Energy Sources The paper discusses the similarities and differences between biofuels and fossil fuels and replacing non-renewable energy sources with renewable ones.
• South Africa: The New Energy Infrastructure Policy The first stages of implementing the new energy policy in South Africa, legislative and financial ones, went smoothly without any disturbances.
• Profitability of Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy in Australia Undoubtedly, the recent increase in popularity of campaigns to decarbonize the globe proves renewable energy to be a current and future trend globally.
• Renewable Energy: The Use of Fossil Fuel The paper states that having a combination of renewable energy sources is becoming critical in the global effort to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
• Is Nuclear Power Renewable Energy? Renewable energy is obtained from the naturally-occurring elements, implying that it can be easily accessed, cheaply generated, and conveniently supplied to consumers.
• Solar Energy in China and Its Influence on Climate Change The influence of solar energy on climate change has impacted production, the advancement of solar energy has impacted climate change in the geography of China.
• Energy Crisis and Policy in the United States Currently, countries of the world face an energy crisis due to climate change, population growth, increased demand, and dependence on fossil-based fuels.
• Materials and Technologies for a Photovoltaic Solar Cell Efficiency Enhancement.
• Solar Energy Integration into Urban Design and Architecture.
• Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Systems: Advancements and Applications.
• Prospects and Challenges of Thin-Film Solar Technologies.
• Solar Energy Storage Solutions: Batteries and Beyond.
• Solar Energy and Agriculture: Agrovoltaics and Land Use Efficiency.
• Overcoming Barriers to Adoption of Solar Energy in Developing Countries.
• Maximizing the Energy Output of Solar Tracking Systems.
• Solar Panel Recycling and Sustainability Considerations.
• Solar Thermal Collectors for Domestic Water Heating and Space Heating.
• Solar Energy and Water Desalination: Sustainable Solutions for Freshwater.
• Solar Energy Policy and Incentives: Impact on Adoption Rates.
• Decentralized Power Distribution using Solar Energy Microgrids.
• Solar-Powered Transportation: Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure.
• Challenges and Benefits of Implementing Solar Energy in Remote and Off-Grid Areas.
• Solar Energy and Environmental Impacts: Life Cycle Assessment.
• Improving Grid Integration and Stability of Solar Energy Forecasting.
• Perovskite Solar Cells: Emerging Technologies and Applications.
• Solar Energy Education and Public Awareness Initiatives.
• Solar Energy Financing Models: Investment and ROI Analysis.
• Full Renewable Energy Plan Feasibility: 2030-2040 The paper argues that green energy in its current state will struggle to meet the humanity’s demand and the development of better hybrid, integrated grids is required.
• Saving Energy in a Restaurant Enterprise The paper discusses design of the restaurant is capable of appealing by its appearance to the realization of the importance of the coexistence of man and the environment.
• Energy Crisis and Methods of Countering It The standard definition of an energy crisis is a state of the economy in which the energy demand is significantly higher than the supply.
• The Energy of Future in New Jersey The U.S. economy and life quality depend on sufficient amounts of energy, most of which are obtained utilizing fossil fuels.
• Increasing Gas Price and Alternative Energy Sources Fuel demand is increasing with the increase of population, so, an alternative source of energy can be the best solution for the future demand for fuel.
• Advanced Nuclear Energy Options The report concerns advanced nuclear energy options and their implementation, adopting low-cost and safe non-emitting energy sources considering moral or ethical concerns.
• Energy and Environmental Effect of the Pipeline Bust on the US Transportation The Alaskan pipeline traverses mountain terrain, several hundreds of waterways, fault lines, frost grounds, and migratory wildlife routes over a distance of 800miles.
• The United Kingdom Energy and Emissions This paper analyses the impacts of fuel extraction and the legislations governing gas emissions in the United Kingdom (UK).
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Utilization This paper aims at expounding the effectiveness of renewable energy and the utilization of energy efficiency in regard to climate change.
• Regeneration of Energy in Scotland This white paper looks at a project in Scotland to replace non-renewable energy sources that increase carbon levels in the atmosphere with renewable energy sources.
• Environmental & Economic Benefit Analysis of Methane Capture for Energy Generation Methane is a natural gas that is generated through the decomposition of organic matter by bacteria. This process is successfully completed when there is an absence of oxygen.
• Utilization of Solar Energy for Thermal Desalination The following research is set to outline the prospects of utilization of solar energy for thermal desalination technologies.
• Analysis of the Energy Consumption Coefficient In the article, the author analyzes the energy consumption standards of buildings and determines their dependence on the form factor and the enclosing surface of the building.
• Engineering: Power Management Techniques for Energy Efficiency The purpose of this article is to consider various methods for reducing power consumption in digital logic systems.
• Modern Energy Technologies Introduction to Developing Countries The ultimate goal of this marketing strategy would be to make new sources of energy affordable and attractive, not only to people but also to the government and local investors.
• A World With 100% Renewable Energy Large corporations, countries, and separate states have already transferred or put a plan into action to transfer to 100% renewable energy in a couple of decades.
• Nextera Energy Culture and Reward Structure NextEra Energy’s adherence to a clan structure while rewarding rigid and numbers-based performance metrics has likely produced a pathological combination.
• Energy Crisis: The Processes of Globalization and the Unification Applying approaches in the study of economic crises, it can be concluded that the cause of an energy crisis can be not only a shortage but also an excess of energy resources.
• Change in Energy Crisis and Save of the Earth Basically, a battery is comprised of numerous electrochemical cells. In 1792, an Italian physicist by the name of Alessandro Volta came up with the first electrochemical cell.
• Renewable Energy Programs in Five Countries Energy production is vital for the drive of the economy. The world at large should diversify the sources to reduce the over-usage of fossil energy that is a threat of depletion.
• Energy Deals Derailed by Obscure Accounting Rule: Enron Case The top-level management at Enron undertook one of the largest accounting scandals to have ever hit the corporate world resulting in the bankruptcy and dissolution of this company.
• Business Models in the Alternative Energy Industry Alternative energy industry players have succeeded in developing a number of devices designed both to enhance and perpetuate in helping the public.
• Energy Innovation Evolutionary Economics and Policies The use of innovative energy technology is influenced by insights into evolutionary economics. Through such insights, better policies can be formulated.
• Wind Works Ltd.: Wind Energy Development Methodology Wind Works Ltd, as the company, which provides the alternative energy sources, and makes them available for the wide range of the population needs to resort to a particular assessment strategies.
• Energy Safety and Earthquake Hazards Program The distribution of earthquakes around the world is not uniform. Some parts experience earthquakes frequently while others do not.
• Alternative Energy Industry’s Competition Dynamics Understanding the level of competition in the industry by a company is very important as the level of profits depends to a large extent, the level of competition.
• Concept of Energy Consumption in Environmental Design Environmental concerns are not restricted to energy consumption, having other aspects to consider such as sustainability, recycling, eco-regulations.
• Alternative Energy Sources: A Collaborative Approach in Water Management With the increasingly high prices of gasoline in particular and fossil fuels in general there is a need to find an alternative source of energy.
• Energy Saving Light Bulb Manufactures Ethical Issue Whether it is ethical for companies to continue manufacturing these bulbs which have a positive effect on the environment but a negative one on people’s health.
• The Problem of Energetic Supply in State Ohio The problem of energetic supply in state Ohio is a core element for many politics in order to gain stability in rational use and afterward recycling of energy inputs or fossil fuels, on the whole.
• Peak Oil and Texas’ Energy Future The concept of peak oil refers to situations regarding the reserves of oil in the world is limited and being gradually being depleted due to excessive use.
• Chuck Plunkett “Prius Effect”: Energy Efficient Cars Harmful Effects on the Environment The main idea of the article is that energy-efficient cars made the light rail, which has harmful effects on the environment, less attractive for the passengers.
• Are Alternative Energy Sources the Answer to Ending Human Dependence on Oil?
• Does Energy Consumption Affect Economic Development?
• Can Alternative Energy Effectively Replace Fossil Fuels?
• What Are the Barriers and Incentives for Community-Owned Means of Energy Production and Use?
• Are Biofuels the Answer to the Energy Question?
• How Can Alternative Energy Be Harnessed Effectively?
• Can Wind Energy Enable the US to Become Energy Independent?
• Does Energy Consumption Contribute to Climate Change?
• Are Green Electricity Certificates the Way Forward for Renewable Energy?
• Can Nuclear Energy Contribute to the Transition Toward a Low-Carbon Economy?
• How Can Political Geography Make Sense of Energy Policy?
• Are Building Codes Effective at Saving Energy?
• Does Energy Efficiency Reduce Emissions and Peak Demand?
• Can Nuclear Energy Stimulates Economic Growth?
• What Drives the Development of Renewable Energy Technologies?
• Are Dark Energy and Dark Matter Different Aspects of the Same Physical Process?
• Does Financial Development Increase Energy Consumption?
• Are Renewable Energy Policies Climate-Friendly?
• How Important Are Current Energy Mix Choices on Future Sustainability?
• Can China’s Energy Intensity Constraint Policy Promote Total Factor Energy Efficiency?
• Should the UK Defense Strategy Support Future Energy Security?
• Are the Energy Efficiency Technologies Efficient?
• Does Green Energy Supplies Enough for Our Life?
• Who Are the Players in the Sustainable Energy Market and What Are They Doing?
• Can Declining Energy Intensity Mitigate Climate Change?
• Energy and the Economy. Oil Addiction in America In America, “addiction to oil” results in high oil prices and a unique structure of economy dependent upon crude oil.
• Energy Information Agency: Overview on Gasoline Gasoline is considered as one the most important commodity that surmised these days. It is the main ingredient in transportation, in industry and in household.
• Australian Stock Market Energy Sector: Investment Analysis The technical analysis aimed to help determine which stocks of the alternatives will give the most benefit. Analysis of five stocks under the Australian stock market energy sector.
• Energy Efficient Cars: Difficulties in Optimization The essay discusses the problem of optimizing the energy efficiency potential and reveals the universal classification of the automobile vehicles.
• Energy-Efficient Area Monitoring for Wireless Sensor Network Wireless technology is one of the upcoming technology in the market which allows portability and connectivity from anywhere.
• Energy for the Future: Discussion The peak oil theory was forwarded by Dr. M. King Herbert, who forecasted that the oil deposits of the world will start declining after reaching a maximum point of production.
• Bio-Based Materials as Alternative Energy The bio-based materials are products which main constituent consist of a substance, or substances, originally derived from living organisms.
• Quantum Energy Company’s Marketing Plan The present paper outlines a marketing plan for an up-and-coming fast-moving consumer goods company, Quantum Energy.
• Interactive Technologies in Weather and Energy Service Companies Modern weather and energy service companies significantly benefit from the wide use of digital technologies and innovative practices.
• Committee of Energy and Commerce’s Role in Healthcare Health care in the US is currently in crisis and soar the need for sustainable reform. One of the barriers on the way to meaningful changes is political polarization.
• Promoting the Use of Green Energy in Emerging Economies This paper discusses the most reliable alternative energy sources that should be promoted in different parts of the world.
• The Way Forward in the “Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air” by David Mackay “Sustainable Energy-Without the Hot Air” by David J. C. Mackay provides users with useful data on the way forward when it comes to sustainable energy.
• Carbon Cowboys: Environmental Protection & Energy Efficiency Climate change is real, but if you do not believe this is the case, it still makes sense to embrace clean, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures.
• Energy Demand and Political Will to Alternatives The study looks at alternative energy sources. The research focuses on world behavior, energy consumption demand, different theories, and political will to change to alternatives.
• Energy Demand in Pakistan The introduction of nuclear energy in Pakistan will reduce its’ reliance on its neighbors since as the energy sources become depleted, any country that will depend on its neighbors risks the lives of citizens.
• Installing Solar Panels to Reduce Energy Costs The purpose of the proposal is to request permission for research to install solar panels to reduce energy costs, which represent a huge part of the company’s expenses.
• Energy Infrastructure Management in the United States Energy assets in the US are predisposed to various vulnerabilities. Threats facing energy assets include natural disasters, danger related to industrial and technological issues.
• Renewable Energy Sources for Saudi Arabia This paper will provide background information on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its energy resources, and how it may become more modern and efficient.
• Energy Management: Key Components The news about data centers’ possible switching to solar power relates to all the major components of energy management.
• Renewable Energy: Economic and Health Benefits The US should consider the adoption of renewable sources of energy, because of the high cost of using fossil fuels and expenses related to health problems due to pollution.
• Energy Drinks Effects and Changes in Heart Rate The increased consumption of energy drinks by young people makes health care practitioners and researchers focus on studying the effects of these beverages on the people’s health.
• Renewable and Alternative Energy Sources in Hawaii Nowadays, people all over the world consume energy and, that is why the industry which produces it is one of the most important ones in the modern world.
• Meteorology for Future Commodity and Energy Markets This paper discusses what meteorological trading opportunities will become more important in future commodity and energy markets.
• Renewable Energy Systems Group and Toyota Company The application of the Lean Six Sigma to the key company processes, creates prerequisites for stellar success, as the examples of Toyota and the Renewable Energy Systems Group have shown.
• Energy Efficiency and Economic Approaches This paper analyzes some of the economic approaches that can be applied to generate suitable models for efficient energy resource use.
• Sustainability and Energy Politics by G. Curran The paper analyzes the book “Sustainability and Energy Politics: Ecological Modernization and Corporate Social Responsibility” by Giorel Curran.
• The Future of Energy in California This essay describes the major sources of energy in California. A powerful energy conservation strategy is also identified in the paper.
• Iran’s Nuclear Energy and Relations with Israel The fact that Iran has questioned the existence of Israel as Jews homeland and threatened to annihilate it has further complicated the issue.
• Mega Energy Projects: China’s Solar Generator The China’s solar power mega project, which will be implemented in phases, is set to make a remarkable supplement in China total national energy production.
• Sustainable Energy: Without the Hot Air by MacKay In the book Sustainable Energy: Without the Hot Air, MacKay renders a range of topics related to the issue of energy source and the concept of renewable resources.
• US Energy Policy: Vulnerabilities and Challenges As the world’s need for energy continues to grow, the US government has to formulate a comprehensive strategy to secure energy resources.
• Managing Energy Demand in Abu Dhabi: Toward Sustainable City This paper seeks to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the Abu Dhabi energy needs situation, including making comparison with other international cities.
• Gas Price Increasing and Alternative Energy Sources The alternatives source of energy can be the best solution of energy demand. The energy, which are considering as an alternative to gas, are solar power, wind power, and biomass or bio-fuel etc.

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StudyCorgi . "246 Energy Topics & Essay Examples." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/energy-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "246 Energy Topics & Essay Examples." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/energy-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Energy were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 22, 2024 .

Browse Course Material

Course info.

• Dr. William San Martin Aedo

Departments

• Science, Technology, and Society

As Taught In

• Environmental Policy
• Global Poverty
• The Developing World

Learning Resource Types

Energy, environment, and society: global politics, technologies, and ecologies of the water-energy-food crises, assignments.

For all papers, keep in mind these writing tips and grading checklist (PDF) .

General guidelines for posting your digital communication project on the blog:

• Write a separate post, with an appealing title and a visually attractive design.
• Write some lines that clearly state what this is about.
• Invite them to “learn more,” “test what they know,” “join you and others.”
• Use language that might be familiar to your audience, but that reflects the complex nature of your theme.
• Feel free to add some pictures/figures (remember to add the link and/or its source).
• Play the role of your target audience and ask yourself, why should I care about this? Why should I keep reading this, or follow the link?
• On the “Categories and tags” section on the right column make sure to add keywords that represent the content of your project in the ‘Tags" section. People looking for particular information on the blog (or myself when grading your projects) can find these particularly useful.

Please write an essay addressing ONE of the following questions. Your essay should be between 1000 and 1500 words. Please also consider:

• For this essay, you should use (discuss, reference, quote) at least 5 of the readings from session 1–5.
• While developing your argument include the analysis of 2–3 case studies (countries/environmental conflicts/regions).
• You should bring a draft (printed copy of at least 700 words) to session 6.
• A complete draft (100-1500 words) should be submitted (printed copy) on session 7. This draft is part of your final grade.
• A final version must be submitted by session 9.
• Science and technology are critical factors enhancing environmental sustainability at multiple scales. However, in the arena of policy and behavioral change, they have usually had a limited sphere of action. How will social, cultural, ethical, economic, and political dimensions play a role in shaping the outcomes of future efforts addressing energy, food, and water security from a local and global perspective?
• Experts and the general public usually believe that ‘developing’ or ‘underdeveloped’ countries are economically and politically ‘weak’ to develop national or transnational agendas for environmental protection. A closer analysis, however, shows a more complex picture. What will be the main opportunities and challenges among ‘developing’ countries to implementing a water-energy-food nexus approach fostering environmental governance in the future?

Paper 2: Providing Expert Advise

Industrial farming of crop, fish, and livestock presents several challenges regarding pollution, resource exhaustion, and environmental policy, both globally and locally. The nation of Wakanda, one of the leaders in environmental governance in the developing world, is considering a new set of policies aiming the integration of its production systems in agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries. The initiative stands on the assumption that the combination of these systems can lead to more efficient use of natural resources, long-lasting environmental protection, and diversification of the economy.

Wakanda’s president recently created an interagency commission to address the challenges and opportunities in developing a policy framework of this nature. The interagency commission has called for a group of experts including: industrial leaders, worker’s unions, local communities, scientists, social scientists, policy scholars, and foreign experts on comparative environmental governance.

You are one of the members of this last group. Your job is to advise how to better discuss, design, and implement a policy framework considering ecological, social, economic, and political aspects.

Your report should address how the history of other environmental issues around the world can offer lessons for Wakanda’s new challenge. What kind of aspects/dimensions the Wakanda’s state, the interagency commission, and the rest of the stakeholders invited by the commission should consider when discussing, designing, and implementing this new policy framework? What lessons can be drawn from other case studies?

Specific instructions:

• To better address these lessons in your report, you can either focus on 3–4 case studies (eg. New England’s fisheries, California rigs-to-reefs debate, or Peruvian fishing industry) or 3–4 aspects (ecological, social, economic, or political, each of them drawn from different case studies).
• You must use all the readings from sessions 6–9 and at least 3 posts/discussions from the blog. You are also encouraged to integrate readings from the previous weeks.
• Although this is an expert report, it should follow a similar structure and address similar argumentative goals as in the previous paper. Remember, your main objective is to make an argument and convince the commission and rest of the stakeholders of the validity and relevance of your points and evidence. But also, effectively contribute with your expertise to the creation of a better policy framework that could serve as a model for similar experiences in developing and developed countries around the world.
• Your report has a limit of 2000-2500 words. You should bring a printed copy of a draft of 1000 words + outline to session 11’s peer review session.

Final Project: Essay & Digital Communications Project

Tips for picking a topic:.

• Choose a problem that is useful to show what you have learned in this class. Nexus approach? Social or political dimensions of technology? Social histories of institutions, policy entrepreneurs, or bilateral activists? socioecological impacts of production/consumption systems?
• Pay attention to what problem/theme/topic might be professionally useful for you in the future. Something that you can show you have researched in the past? Something that could serve as the first exploration for a future research or project?
• Pay attention to what kind of narrative(s) you want to contribute/challenge. Social (in)justice? Environmental degradation? Innovation and sustainable development? Environmental policy and governance? Is it a narrative that calls for action? Is it a narrative that calls to pay attention to drivers and consequences of environmental degradation? Does it blame polluters, consumers, policy-processes, or cultural values? Does it propose solutions and concrete actions?
• Pay attention to what professional and personal skills you would like to develop or put into practice. Do you consider yourself an expert on molecular biology and want to study algae farming? Or you’re tired of biology and want to complement that by studying the social movements against GMOs? Choose a theme where you can use or compliment your expertise/or area(s) of interest. Can you read or speak (or both) a language other than English? Choose case studies and sources so you can use those language skills. Using those skills will help to bridge social or expert communities.
• And more importantly, choose a topic that makes you happy. It is your project. Being happy, having fun, and being excited about your project is mandatory.

Guidelines for the written paper:

• The paper should have between 2000 and 2500 words (draft due April 24 should include at least 1000 words + outline) 
• Follow the writing tips, checklist, and guidelines used for the previous papers. Here, as before, I will pay attention to how you frame and support your argument and the use of evidence.

Guidelines for the digital communication project:

• You can choose any format that you want. Here some suggestions: videos, infographics, podcasts, social media experiments.
• Choose a format that allows you to use your artistic/communication skills or develop new ones. Explore, experiment, be creative.
• Who will be the target audience?
• The main goal of the communication project is to effectively translate and communicate the complex academic discussion from your paper into a format and a language that is accessible for non-expert audiences.

Other important information to consider:

• Both final paper and digital communication project are due on session 25.
• We will have presentations of the digital communication projects during the last week of class.
• For some of you that believe in the power of number-based incentives, please remember that each part of the final project (the paper and the communication project) count for 20% of your final grade. Which means that together they represent 40% of your final grade.

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Energy Conservation Essay

When people think about conservation, they often think about protecting the environment from human exploitation. However, conservation is a concept that encompasses many facets, including health and beauty, animal welfare and natural resources. Here are some sample essays on energy conservation.

100 Words Essay On Energy Conservation

Conservation is an important factor in maintaining the balance of life on earth. Human lives and industries depend on energy, so conservation is necessary for the continued existence of mankind. Furthermore, energy conservation promotes sustainable development. This means development that respects the environment and promotes healthy ecosystems instead of harmful ones.

Energy conservation helps protect the environment from harmful industrial processes like carbon dioxide emissions. Energy conservation has become an increasingly important issue as the world population continues to grow and our energy resources dwindle. We must use energy more efficiently if we are to preserve our planet and ensure that future generations have access to the resources they will need.

200 Words Essay On Energy Conservation

Energy is essential to our daily lives. Energy conservation is one of the most important topics when discussing environmentalism and sustainable living. It encourages sustainable development while protecting the natural environment. After all, without energy we couldn’t power our homes, run our businesses or get from A to B.

How To Save Energy

As our world becomes increasingly more digitalised, it’s important that we start to think about how we can conserve energy in our everyday lives. Here are a few tips on how you can start saving energy today:

Turn off electronics and appliances when you’re not using them. This includes your TV, computer, game consoles, lights, etc.

Unplug chargers for devices that aren’t in use. Even if they’re not turned on, they’re still using up energy.

Invest in energy-efficient appliances. Look for the Energy Star label when you next need to buy a new fridge, washing machine, etc.

Use natural light as much as possible during the daytime. Open up your curtains and blinds to let in some sunshine!

Dress appropriately for the weather. In winter, wear layers of clothing instead of cranking up the heating. In summer, wear loose fitting clothes and turn on a fan rather than using air conditioning.

500 Words Essay On Energy And Conservation

Energy is used to power transportation, communication and heating homes. Because of this, we should conserve energy whenever possible. Doing so helps the environment and our economy. Energy saving refers to efforts to reduce energy consumption. The energy on earth is not infinite. Also, energy can take a long time to recover. This undoubtedly makes saving energy imperative. Most notably, energy savings can be achieved by using energy more efficiently or reducing service usage.

What Is Energy And Conservation?

Energy is the ability to do work with any form of fuel. It is essential for living creatures and the environment. Conservation is the conscious management of energy. There are various sources of energy such as solar, wind, water, geothermal and biomass. Conservation is crucial in determining the state of our world.

What Is Physical Energy?

Physical energy is the power generated by bombardment, combustion or movement. All electric and mechanical engines consume energy, and it is converted into motion. The human body needs physical energy to survive and carry out daily tasks. Energy also powers weapons and tools used in warfare, agriculture and industry. Energy is also used to power your car or bike while you drive or ride.

Why Energy Conservation Is Essential?

First of all, energy saving plays an important role in saving non-renewable energy. Furthermore, non-renewable energy sources take many centuries to regenerate. Since humans consume energy faster than they can produce it, therefore, saving energy will lead to the conservation of these valuable non-renewable energy sources.

Energy conservation is essential in a growing economy. People use a lot of energy every day. This includes household and business energy usage. Everyone needs to make careful decisions about which energy sources to use and how to use them. This helps the economy grow without destroying or depleting the natural environment.

How Can We Conserve Energy?

Consumers can also help conserve energy by making smart choices. Replacing old appliances with more efficient models helps lower consumption as well as emissions. Many people don't realise that they're wasting power when they leave their lights on or their car running outside. In general, making simple choices saves a lot of energy.

Governments play an important role in promoting energy conservation. They issue laws regarding what resources can be used in vehicles and factories. They also regulate production and consumption of various energy sources such as coal, oil, natural gas and electricity. This ensures that all nations use the same standards for resource conservation and consumption alike. It ensures that everyone uses resources effectively and conserves energy at the same rate.

Energy conservation will lower the costs associated with fossil fuels. The extraction of fossil fuels is prohibitively expensive. As a result, consumers must pay higher prices for goods and services. Energy conservation would almost certainly decrease the amount of fossil fuel mined. This, in turn, would lower consumer costs.

Energy conservation is an essential way to run a sustainable economy. Consumers can save money by making smarter choices when using energy resources. Governments promote conservation in many ways to ensure everyone uses resources effectively and conserves energy wisely. Energy conservation is a vital part of modern life!

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100 Environment Essay Topics That Will Inspire Your Eco-Conscious Mind

Table of contents

• 1 Interesting Environment Topic Ideas
• 2 Easy Environment Essay Topics
• 3 Environmental Research Topics on Climate Change
• 4 Environmental Research Topics on Ecology
• 5 Sustainability Topics for an Essay
• 6 Topics about Renewable Energy
• 7 Topics on Greenhouse Effect
• 8 Global Warming Essay Topics
• 9 Pollution Essay Topics
• 10 Ideas for Environmental Essay
• 11 Conclusion

Interesting Environment Topic Ideas

If you are in the mood for considering complicated and challenging topics, you’ll like the essay topics on environmental issues from this list. You can dive into the subject and broaden your horizons. Every topic on the environment is relevant, and some of them are time-consuming. So if you’re afraid of missing your deadline and wondering who can write my paper , be attentive to choose the best service. Any subject about environmental issues needs appropriate investigations and should be well-disclosed.

• The Devastating Effects of Plastic Pollution on Our Oceans
• From Forests to Farms: The Impact of Deforestation on Climate Change
• A Greener Future: The Benefits of Renewable Energy Sources
• The Secret Life of Bees: How Their Decline Affects Our Ecosystems
• The Dark Side of Fast Fashion: The Environmental Cost of Cheap Clothes
• Food Waste: An Invisible Environmental Crisis
• The Environmental Impact of Transportation: From Cars to Planes
• How Urbanization is Changing the Landscape of Our Cities
• Water Crisis: The Importance of Conserving Our Most Precious Resource
• The Great Barrier Reef: Can We Save One of the World’s Natural Wonders?

Easy Environment Essay Topics

There are easy but equally important environmental essay topics. Share your valuable thoughts about climate change avoiding confusing topics. You may also use one of them if you don’t have enough time for investigation. In this case, you can find a reliable paper writing service to get your well-written essay and save your time. Ponder the environmental problems you are worried about, it may be pollution or the ways of recycling. Then check the list of topics and start your essay .

• 5 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Today
• How Composting Can Help Save the Planet
• The Power of Plant-Based Diets: How Eating Less Meat Can Help the Environment
• The Benefits of Biking: A Fun and Eco-Friendly Alternative to Driving
• How to Be Environmentally Conscious Without Breaking the Bank
• The Dangers of Single-Use Plastics: What You Need to Know
• Saving Energy at Home: Tips and Tricks for Lowering Your Utility Bills and Helping the Environment
• How to Start a Community Garden: Bringing People Together While Helping the Planet
• The Benefits of Using Natural Cleaners
• The Impact of Electronic Waste: How to Properly Dispose of Your Old Electronics

Environmental Research Topics on Climate Change

One of the global environmental issues of the 21st century is climate change, and students tend to investigate it in their essays. One of the problems caused by climate change is the reduction of biodiversity. Use one of our environment essay topics to explain the reasons for this phenomenon and possible solutions. Write the arguments to highlight the necessity of environmental protection.

• The Impact of Climate Change on Arctic Wildlife: A Study of Polar Bears and Their Habitat
• Rising Sea Levels: The Effects on Coastal Communities and Infrastructure
• The Role of Forests in Climate Change Mitigation: A Case Study of the Amazon Rainforest
• The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Productivity: A Study of Drought-Prone Regions
• The Consequences of Ocean Acidification on Coral Reefs and Marine Life
• The Effect of Climate Change on Human Health: A Study of Air Quality and Heat Waves
• The Impact of Climate Change on Indigenous Communities: A Case Study of Arctic and Subarctic Regions
• The Role of Renewable Energy Sources in Mitigating Climate Change: A Comparative Analysis of Solar and Wind Power
• The Economic Impact of Climate Change: A Study of Adaptation and Mitigation Costs
• The Potential of Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies in Mitigating Climate Change: An Assessment of Current and Future Applications

Need help with essay writing? Get your paper written by a professional writer Get Help Reviews.io 4.9/5

Environmental Research Topics on Ecology

In this category, we’ve gathered essential topics on environmental issues. Use any to do your research about the conservation of biodiversity. Present its role in the food chain and the possible environmental consequences of the violation of this process. Try to explore different approaches in your academic paper. It may become one of your most successful environmental science projects . Researchers are doing their best to resolve existing problems. So, with your essay, you can make a contribution to environmental science.

• The Impact of Invasive Species on Native Ecosystems: A Case Study of the Burmese Python in the Florida Everglades
• The Role of Keystone Species in Ecosystem Functioning: A Study of Wolves in Yellowstone National Park
• The Effect of Habitat Fragmentation on Biodiversity: A Study of Tropical Forests
• The Importance of Pollinators in Ecosystem Services: A Study of Bees and Their Role in Crop Pollination
• The Impact of Climate Change on Forest Ecosystems: A Study of Temperate and Boreal Forests
• The Effect of Human Disturbance on Marine Ecosystems: A Study of Coral Reefs and Coastal Habitats
• The Role of Wetlands in Water Quality and Flood Control: A Study of Marshes and Swamps
• The Impact of Overfishing on Marine Ecosystems: A Case Study of Sharks and Their Importance in Ocean Food Webs
• The Role of Ecological Restoration in Ecosystem Recovery: A Study of Dam Removal and River Restoration Projects
• The Effect of Pollution on Aquatic Ecosystems: A Study of Chemical Contamination and Its Effects on Fish and Other Aquatic Life

Sustainability Topics for an Essay

The best way of saving our home is its everyday protection. There you can focus on the topics on environmental issues related to sustainability and its effectiveness. Write your essay on environment about the benefits of making environmental conservation our daily routine. Offer the ways of its implementation in variable areas. With this list of environment essay topics, you’ll be a part of innovation.

• The Role of Sustainable Agriculture in Feeding a Growing Population
• he Importance of Sustainable Packaging: How to Reduce Waste and Carbon Footprint
• Green Building: The Benefits of Sustainable Design and Construction
• The Impact of Sustainable Tourism on Local Communities and the Environment
• The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Promoting Sustainability
• The Benefits of Sustainable Transportation: A Study of Electric Cars and Public Transit Systems
• The Power of Sustainable Investing: How to Invest Responsibly for a Better Future
• Sustainable Fashion: How to Shop Responsibly and Reduce Environmental Impact
• Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Clean Future: The Pros and Cons of Renewable Energy Sources
• The Importance of Sustainable Water Management: How to Conserve and Protect Our Most Precious Resource

Topics about Renewable Energy

It’s no secret that natural resources are being depleted. It’s an occasion to think about ways of replacing them. Think about possible ways to reduce energy consumption and focus on renewable resources. Reflect on how humanity can stabilize climate issues and reduce the level of pollution with renewable energy. Share your opinion about energy conservation, the options for its replacement, and the further positive impact of such actions on climate. Check the list to compose your argumentative essay on conservation of nature.

• The Pros and Cons of Solar Energy: A Comprehensive Analysis
• The Potential of Wind Energy: A Case Study of the United States and Europe
• The Future of Hydrogen Fuel: A Study of Its Potential as a Renewable Energy Source
• The Role of Geothermal Energy in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• The Benefits and Challenges of Biomass Energy: A Study of Biofuels and Biopower
• The Power of Tidal Energy: A Study of Its Potential in Coastal Regions
• The Impact of Renewable Energy on Rural Communities: A Case Study of Small-Scale Projects
• The Role of Government Policies in Promoting Renewable Energy: A Comparative Analysis
• The Potential of Energy Storage Technologies in Facilitating the Integration of Renewable Energy
• The Benefits of Distributed Generation: A Study of Rooftop Solar and Small Wind Turbines

Topics on Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is the result of devastating human activities. The main consequences are the melting of glaciers, lack of drinking water in some regions, and climate change. Look through the environment essay topics that we have collected. Describe the reasons and further possible changes on earth, consult the articles of climate scientists, and make your arguments.

• The Science of Greenhouse Effect: How Does It Work and What Are Its Effects on the Climate?
• The Role of Carbon Dioxide in the Greenhouse Effect: A Study of Its Sources and Sinks
• The Impact of Methane on the Greenhouse Effect: A Study of Its Sources and Consequences
• The Role of Water Vapor in the Greenhouse Effect: A Study of Its Effects on Climate Feedback
• The Effect of Deforestation on the Greenhouse Effect: A Study of the Loss of Carbon Sinks
• The Impact of Agriculture on the Greenhouse Effect: A Study of Livestock and Crop Production
• The Potential of Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• The Role of Government Policies in Addressing the Greenhouse Effect: A Comparative Analysis
• The Impact of Human Activity on the Greenhouse Effect: A Study of Fossil Fuel Use and Land Use Change
• The Future of the Greenhouse Effect: A Study of Climate Projections and Mitigation Strategies

Global Warming Essay Topics

One of the most common environmental issues of our generation is global warming. Natural disasters, abnormal weather changes, drought, and extreme temperatures aren’t the only consequences of global warming.

Due to the relevance of this subject, many students opt for this theme. We offer global warming essay samples to facilitate the process of writing for you. Check them to compose the best academic paper and receive the highest grade.

• Global Warming and the Arctic: How Melting Ice Impacts the Planet
• The Impact of Global Warming on Extreme Weather Events: A Study of Heat Waves and Hurricanes
• The Effects of Global Warming on Biodiversity: A Study of Climate Change and Species Extinction
• The Role of Human Activities in Causing Global Warming: A Study of Carbon Emissions and Land Use Change
• The Impact of Global Warming on Agriculture: A Study of Crop Yields and Food Security
• The Consequences of Global Warming on Ocean Acidification: A Study of Its Effects on Marine Life
• The Role of International Agreements in Addressing Global Warming: A Comparative Analysis
• The Potential of Renewable Energy in Reducing Global Warming: A Study of Clean Energy Technologies
• The Impact of Global Warming on Public Health: A Study of Heat-Related Illnesses and Disease Outbreaks
• The Future of Global Warming: A Study of Climate Projections and Adaptation Strategies

Pollution Essay Topics

Not only nature but also every person suffers from pollution. Air pollution, for instance, causes serious diseases, sometimes with lethal outcomes. One of the causative agents of water, air pollution, and spoiling soil are pollutants. Let us present youwith a few options of thought-provoking environmental issues for your essay.

• Air Pollution and Its Consequences: A Study of the Impact on Human Health
• The Effects of Water Pollution on Marine Ecosystems: A Study of Plastic Pollution and Overfishing
• The Role of Agricultural Practices in Causing Soil Pollution: A Study of Pesticides and Fertilizers
• The Impact of Industrial Pollution on Local Communities: A Study of Toxic Waste and Environmental Justice
• The Effect of Noise Pollution on Human Health and Well-being: A Study of Urban Environments
• The Role of Government Policies in Addressing Pollution: A Comparative Analysis
• The Consequences of Light Pollution on Wildlife and Ecosystems: A Study of Artificial Light at Night
• The Potential of Green Technologies in Reducing Pollution: A Study of Sustainable Production and Consumption
• The Impact of Indoor Pollution on Human Health: A Study of Household Chemicals and Poor Ventilation
• The Future of Pollution: A Study of Climate Change and Its Effects on Environmental Degradation

Ideas for Environmental Essay

Last but not least, top of environmental ideas and issues to reveal. By implementing these topics, you can generally speak about modern approaches and up-to-date scientific ideas. Think about the influence of the Government on ecological questions and some possible new projects. Share your opinion about clean tourism and transportation, or describe the model of an eco-friendly city. As you can see, in any of these subjects, you can reflect.

• The Urgency of Climate Action: Addressing the Environmental Crisis
• Sustainability: The Key to a Greener Future
• The Role of Government in Protecting the Environment
• The Environmental Impact of Transportation: Finding Solutions for Cleaner Travel
• The Power of Education in Environmental Awareness and Action
• The Ethics of Environmentalism: Balancing Human Needs and Nature’s Rights
• Wildfires, Floods, and Storms: The Increasing Frequency of Extreme Weather Events
• The Significance of Conservation and Preservation of Natural Resources for Future Generations.
• The Importance of Preserving Wetlands: A Critical Ecosystem
• Eco-Friendly Cities: Designing for Sustainable Living and Reducing Carbon Footprint.

Hope you’ve liked our selection of essay topics on environmental issues and managed to find the most appropriate one. There are plenty of problems that should be urgently resolved. In your academic paper, you can express and underline the necessity of actions on the part of every citizen. Describe new approaches and the ways of their implementation. By applying any topic from the list, you’ll definitely get the highest grade.

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• Environment Essay

Essay on Understanding and Nurturing Our Environment

The environment is everything that surrounds us – the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil beneath our feet, and the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit our planet. It's not just a backdrop to our lives; it's the very essence of our existence. In this essay, we'll explore the importance of our environment, the challenges it faces, and what we can do to ensure a sustainable and thriving world for generations to come.

Our environment is a complex and interconnected web of life. Every living organism, from the tiniest microbe to the largest mammal, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. This delicate balance ensures the survival of species, including humans. For instance, bees pollinate plants, which produce the oxygen we breathe. Nature is a masterpiece that has evolved over millions of years, and we are just one small part of this intricate tapestry.

Importance of Environment  

The environment is crucial for keeping living things healthy.

It helps balance ecosystems.

The environment provides everything necessary for humans, like food, shelter, and air.

It's also a source of natural beauty that is essential for our physical and mental health.

The Threats to Our Environment:

Unfortunately, our actions have disrupted this delicate balance. The rapid industrialization, deforestation, pollution, and over-exploitation of natural resources have led to severe environmental degradation. Climate change, driven by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, is altering weather patterns, causing extreme events like floods, droughts, and storms. The loss of biodiversity is another alarming concern – species are disappearing at an unprecedented rate due to habitat destruction and pollution.

Impact of Human Activities on the Environment

Human activities like pollution, deforestation, and waste disposal are causing environmental problems like acid rain, climate change, and global warming. The environment has living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components. Biotic components include plants, animals, and microorganisms, while abiotic components include things like temperature, light, and soil.

In the living environment, there are producers (like plants), consumers (like animals), and decomposers (like bacteria). Producers use sunlight to make energy, forming the base of the food web. Consumers get their energy by eating other organisms, creating a chain of energy transfer. Decomposers break down waste and dead organisms, recycling nutrients in the soil.

The non-living environment includes climatic factors (like rain and temperature) and edaphic factors (like soil and minerals). Climatic factors affect the water cycle, while edaphic factors provide nutrients and a place for organisms to grow.

The environment includes everything from the air we breathe to the ecosystems we live in. It's crucial to keep it clean for a healthy life. All components of the environment are affected by its condition, so a clean environment is essential for a healthy ecosystem.

Sustainable Practices:

Adopting sustainable practices is a key step towards mitigating environmental degradation. This includes reducing our carbon footprint by using renewable energy, practicing responsible consumption, and minimizing waste. Conservation of natural resources, such as water and forests, is essential. Supporting local and global initiatives that aim to protect the environment, like reforestation projects and wildlife conservation efforts, can make a significant impact.

Education and Awareness:

Creating a sustainable future requires a collective effort, and education is a powerful tool in this regard. Raising awareness about environmental issues, the consequences of our actions, and the importance of conservation is crucial. Education empowers individuals to make informed choices and encourages sustainable practices at both personal and community levels.

Why is a Clean Environment Necessary?

To have a happy and thriving community and country, we really need a clean and safe environment. It's like the basic necessity for life on Earth. Let me break down why having a clean environment is so crucial.

First off, any living thing—whether it's plants, animals, or people—can't survive in a dirty environment. We all need a good and healthy place to live. When things get polluted, it messes up the balance of nature and can even cause diseases. If we keep using up our natural resources too quickly, life on Earth becomes a real struggle.

So, what's causing all this environmental trouble? Well, one big reason is that there are just so many people around, and we're using up a lot of stuff like land, food, water, air, and even fossil fuels and minerals. Cutting down a bunch of trees (we call it deforestation) is also a big problem because it messes up the whole ecosystem.

Then there's pollution—air, water, and soil pollution. It's like throwing a wrench into the gears of nature, making everything go wonky. And you've probably heard about things like the ozone layer getting thinner, global warming, weird weather, and glaciers melting. These are all signs that our environment is in trouble.

But don't worry, we can do things to make it better:

Plant more trees—they're like nature's superheroes, helping balance everything out.

Follow the 3 R's: Reuse stuff, reduce waste, and recycle. It's like giving our planet a high-five.

Ditch the plastic bags—they're not great for our landscapes.

Think about how many people there are and try to slow down the population growth.

By doing these things, we're basically giving our planet a little TLC (tender loving care), and that's how we can keep our environment clean and healthy for everyone.

Policy and Regulation:

Governments and institutions play a vital role in shaping environmental policies and regulations. Strong and enforceable laws are essential to curb activities that harm the environment. This includes regulations on emissions, waste disposal, and protection of natural habitats. International cooperation is also crucial to address global environmental challenges, as issues like climate change know no borders.

The Role of Technology:

Technology can be a double-edged sword in environmental conservation. While some technological advancements contribute to environmental degradation, others offer solutions. Innovative technologies in renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture can significantly reduce our impact on the environment. Embracing and investing in eco-friendly technologies is a step towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Conclusion:

Our environment is not just a collection of trees, rivers, and animals; it's the foundation of our existence. Understanding the interconnectedness of all living things and recognizing our responsibility as stewards of the Earth is essential. By adopting sustainable practices, fostering education and awareness, implementing effective policies, and embracing eco-friendly technologies, we can work towards healing our planet. The choices we make today will determine the world we leave for future generations – a world that can either flourish in its natural beauty or struggle under the weight of environmental degradation. It's our collective responsibility to ensure that it's the former.

FAQs on Environment Essay

1. What is the Environment?

The environment constitutes the entire ecosystem that includes plants, animals and microorganisms, sunlight, air, rain, temperature, humidity, and other climatic factors. It is basically the surroundings where we live. The environment regulates the life of all living beings on Earth.

2. What are the Three Kinds of Environments?

Biotic Environment: It includes all biotic factors or living forms like plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Abiotic Environment: It includes non-living factors like temperature, light, rainfall, soil, minerals, etc. It comprises the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.

Built Environment: It includes buildings, streets, houses, industries, etc. 

3. What are the Major Factors that Lead to the Degradation of the Environment?

The factors that lead to the degradation of the environment are:

The rapid increase in the population.

Growth of industrialization and urbanization.

Deforestation is making the soil infertile (soil that provides nutrients and home to millions of organisms).

Over-consumption of natural resources.

Ozone depletion, global warming, and the greenhouse effect.

4. How do we Save Our Environment?

We must save our environment by maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem. We should plant more trees. We should reduce our consumption and reuse and recycle stuff. We should check on the increase in population. We should scarcely use our natural and precious resources. Industries and factories should take precautionary measures before dumping their wastes into the water bodies.

5. How can we protect Mother Earth?

Ways to save Mother Earth include planting more and more trees, using renewable sources of energy, reducing the wastage of water, saving electricity, reducing the use of plastic, conservation of non-renewable resources, conserving the different flora and faunas, taking steps to reduce pollution, etc.

6. What are some ways that humans impact their environment?

Humans have influenced the physical environment in many ways like overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have generated climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water. These negative impacts can affect human behavior and can prompt mass migrations or battles over clean water.  

7. Why is the environment of social importance?

Human beings are social animals by nature. They spend a good amount of time in social environments. Their responsibility towards the environment is certainly important because these social environments might support human beings in both personal development goals as well as career development goals.

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Essay on Energy, Economy and Environment

“If you wish to bear fruits you must go to your roots.”

The energy sources are primarily carbon-based fuels, hydro and nuclear power. Because of their cost, performance, availability and use, fossil fuels will remain a dominant energy source, along with nuclear and hydro. The other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, biomass energy and are likely to grow significantly in importance. We have to create awareness about energy conservation and their role in the economic growth and the environment using the T.E.A.M approach (Teach, Enforce, Advocate, Model). Shifting our focus to industrial ecosystems for better status of Energy – Economy – Environment. So our target is to maximize energy efficiency by reducing environmental wastes. Having concern for the environmental impacts of energy developments by identifying the opportunities for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable manufacturing growth and practices and reduction of business costs by developing economic new sources of supply and innovative technologies, developing the delivery infrastructure to meet changes in demand and supply, improving energy efficiency and finally reliability in production, delivery, and customer end use.

 We should directly focus on industrial ecosystem to attain the benefits of complete energy- economy – environment. The progress toward environmental and economic goals is achieved by meeting environmental and economic goals and by achieving organizational carbon reduction. There will be a significant cost savings result from increased process efficiencies and reduced waste and profitable sustainability practices. Enabling frameworks for energy efficiency, utilizing market forces, promoting open trade and investment, avoiding trade-restrictive measures, fostering research, development and deployment of energy efficient technologies, emphasizing international cooperation, encouraging mutual recognition of voluntary energy labels and standards, integrating efficiency with climate change, security, access and other aspects of energy policy, and finally by developing and utilizing rigorous and reliable metrics, and life-cycle oriented approaches.

The Waste water Treatment, reduces the Environmental Impact. Commonly the sludge on a yearly basis of newspaper, bio and natural waste, agricultural refuse, concrete and metal waste can be resold after cleaning for recycling. Thus introducing the industrial ecosystem in India will result in drastic effect in the form of the 3E’s. The forecasting results are economic, environmental savings of energy sources, coal and water, reduced emissions of CO2, SO2, NO2 and finally reuse of waste products (fly ash, sulfur, gypsum, nitrogen in sludge). The monetary benefits are realised from the production costs (purchasing unwanted by-products from others at bargain prices; selling its own by-products), Energy consumption (less transportation), waste management (on-site, or even being able to sell what would otherwise be waste) and finally by costs of compliance and cost of some R&D (shared with other companies).The Societal benefits are better health, more jobs, cleaner air and water and healthy economy etc. Always industrial ecosystem paves the way for sustainable development.

Clean energy options should be developed by reducing the nationwide carbon-dioxide emission, increasing the share of low carbon energy in electricity generation systems and by securing stable energy supply by building a secure energy supply system to meet economic development goals. The framework structure consists of cleaner energy supply and energy demand. The cleaner energy supplies can be fulfilled by restructuring energy mix and improve energy efficiency, developing carbon-free renewable energy and effectively explore its power generating potential. We can also increase the utilization of low carbon natural gas and energy supply diversity and by accelerating the replacement of existing power generating units and formulating a power plant efficiency improvement program to require new built units to apply the best available technology. Introduce clean coal technology to reduce the Carbon-dioxide emission of power generating system. The energy audit is the important step in improving the energy efficiency of a home or building. Audit usually identify and highlighting the energy consumption and energy wastage by organizing resources and data requirement and developing action plan to save the quality and cost. The major steps in the audit are gathering information, description of equipment/plant specification/data collecting hours/day operation, energy consumption per day, and their operational schedule.

Conclusions:

Thus for energy, economy and environmental growth results in enhancing competitiveness for the global evolution towards a more sustainable energy future.

“Save energy today, bright life tomorrow”

“A little energy care makes demand rare”

Improving energy consumption and transformation efficiency, increasing the value added of energy consumption by adopting energy supply methods and consumption practices that ensure low carbon and low pollution. Thus there should be a Low dependence on fossil fuels and imported energy. We are in the position of cat on the wall. The real question is not “What is the policy that will answer all our environmental energy and economy problems?”, but rather “Which combination of changes, costs and risks do we want to accept?”  This question is vital and urgent, as it will affect our lives and our environment for generations to come. Thus our goal is to identify clear energy action plans that are needed for the economic and environmental growth measures that will work with markets to improve information and lower barriers to deployment of economic solutions. Business supports energy efficiency and given the right way and regulatory frameworks can help governments achieve the triple objectives of energy, economy and environmental improvement.

Author’s Bio:

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Essays in Energy and Environmental Economics

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This dissertation is comprised of three papers which examine important topics in energy and environmental economics. The first paper ("Averting expenditures and desirable goods: Consumer demand for bottled water in the presence of fracking" with T. Robert Fetter) estimates household willingness to pay to avoid consuming tap water when hydraulic fracturing is present in the area. The paper focuses on accounting for the joint production of utility inherent in bottled water. Furthermore, it introduces a novel estimation routine which accounts for household heterogeneity in a parsimonious manner, and provides evidence of its effectiveness. The empirical results of the paper show that accounting for the utility that households have for bottled water independent of fracking results in a lower bound of willingness to pay to avoid one of the primary sources of fracking impacts.

The second chapter ("Estimating Congestion Benefits of Batteries for Unobserved Networks: A Machine Learning Approach") examines the price effect of grid-scale energy storage. Policy-makers have often identified energy storage as a ``solution'' to the intermittency cost of renewables, but no previous empirical work exists to establish the magnitude of that effect, largely because the price effect of energy storage is not constant across a grid and data on grid structures are not publicly available. This paper estimates the cross-network effects of storage and uncovers the network structure relevant to calculating the total reduction in the cost of serving load.

The final chapter ("Heterogeneous Environmental and Grid Benefits from Rooftop Solar and the Costs of Inefficient Siting Decisions" with Steven Sexton, Robert Harris, and Nicholas Muller) calculates the total reduction in pollution externalities associated with a solar panel across each US zip code. Noting that the marginal plant displaced by a solar panel's generation will depend on the location and time of generation, this paper establishes the chain from panel generation to plant displaced to reduction in emissions to reduction in externalities. Results indicate that subsidies and incentives offered by many states do not coincide with the areas where solar panels generate the largest reduction in externalities.

Each of these papers has important implications for energy and environmental policy in the United States and beyond. Valuing the change in overall social welfare from a new technology (e.g. fracking, energy storage, solar) provides a vital understanding that speaks to the economic efficiency of our energy systems, and helps to provide data and intuition for policymakers who seek to maximize total social welfare. In the first paper, valuing the disamenity of fracking helps policymakers understand the optimal regulation of fracking activity. In the second, estimates of energy storage's reduction in the cost of serving load help to guide debate of future policy. And finally, a better understanding of the siting of solar helps to guide future investments in clean energy technology.

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Kirkpatrick, Aubrey Justin (2019). Essays in Energy and Environmental Economics . Dissertation, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/18725 .

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Dukes student scholarship is made available to the public using a Creative Commons Attribution / Non-commercial / No derivative (CC-BY-NC-ND) license .

Energy and Environmental Policies Essay

Laws are meant to regulate how people behave towards each other. The laws are developed by legislatures and thus they are called policies. There are policies which have been put in place to ensure that we don’t destroy our environment.

This is because our livelihood on this planet depends on the environment because if we don’t take good care of it in future we may not be able to obtain our resources from the environment. The policies that were established concerning energy and environment are referred to as energy and environmental policies. This paper focuses on the reasons behind the development of the above policies and the steps that are being taken to implement them.

Energy is very important to us because without it our industries can not operate. The discovery of oil was welcomed with lots of whining and dining and in fact countries that produce oil are fancied by many because their economies are normally stable. The demand for oil is always on the increase every other day because factories are being established daily. In addition, the same oil is used for domestic purposes in form of kerosene and as well as in automobiles (Cochran et al., 2009).

Morvay and Gvozdenac (2008) explains that there are various forms of energy such as wind and chemical, but as for now research has established that energy in form of oil has been causing more harm to the environment than the other forms. This is because when this oil is heated it results in emission of carbon dioxide into the environment which is expressed as pollution because it damages the ozone layer.

Moreover, it leads to acid rain which is very destructive. When the waste from oil is deposited into the environment it endangers our lives because if the toxins come into contact with water bodies our food reserves are at a risk of being extinguished due to the fact that we can no longer eat sea food, neither can we get adequate crop harvests. It is in this regard that governments have come up with policies that aim at safeguarding our environment. The other forms of energy are being utilized because they are least likely to be harmful.

For instance solar energy is very effective and efficient because it does not require any processing and in fact the only thing that is required is storage of this energy. But storage should not be a problem because solar batteries are able to store solar energy which can be used in future. Most government and private entities buildings are being fitted with solar panels that are used as source of electric power.

The energy derived from the sun is easy to convert into electricity because one only needs to use an inverter which converts solar energy into electricity. In fact there are some automobile manufacturers that have already developed a pilot model vehicle that’s powered by solar energy but then they are still working on the project. Another alternative source of energy is wind which is readily available (Morgenstern & Portney, 2004).

There are some governments including the US government that are advocating for this form of energy because its very reliable compared to solar energy. This is because solar energy can not work on rainy weather and cloudy climates. Sperling and Kurani (2001) explain that in order to tap wind energy, wind turbines are installed on higher grounds where there is much wind.

Governments have been pushing for the adoption of wind energy because electricity generated from rivers is not reliable because sometimes the water level goes down hence the force of the water is not enough to rotate the turbines.

Additionally, developed countries have been using nuclear energy which is generated very fast compared to the other forms of energy because it’s based on chemical compounds.

Finon and Midtton (2004) argue that governments have been holding meetings in a bid to eliminate products that are thought to be harmful to the environment. Of late the manufacture of refrigerators that use CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) has been banned in most countries. In fact people who have the old models are disposing them in exchange of the new models.

Moreover, governments have been against deforestation because the trees are vital in reserving soil nutrients and in addition to that they provide us with oxygen. It is with this regard that governments have been conducting numerous campaigns on tree planting. As of now those who cut trees in order to get timber have to be licensed by the concerned agencies. Governments have been encouraging their citizens to plant more trees as possible.

Furthermore, governments are in support of campaigns against the use of plastic paper bags because they don’t decompose hence they are harmful to the environment. People are being encouraged to develop alternative products that are renewable because if we continue to use our natural resources faster than we can replace them in future we will run out of raw materials.

The campaign for environment conservation has been enhanced by the introduction of paperless transactions which goes along way in reducing the waste that is disposed into the environment. In fact it is illegal to dump waste without appropriate authorization.

In essence, governments have been on the frontline in the battle against waste disposal. Manufacturers are being held responsible for their waste and this means that they must collect the waste after have finished using their commodities.

In some countries like Japan there is hardly any waste that is disposed because they use the same waste to generate fuel and they ensure that the volume of gas that is released into the air is not toxic and thus it does not harm the environment. Implementing effective energy and environmental policies would require political resources, economic ability, major cultural attitudes, and international influence.

Cochran, C.E., Mayer, L.C., Carr, T.R. & Cayer, N.J. (2009). American public policy: An Introduction . (9th Ed). Stamford, CT: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Finon, D. & Midttun, A. (2004). Reshaping European Gas and electricity Industries: Regulation, Markets and Business Strategies . San Diego, CA: Elsevier.

Morgenstern, R. & Portney, R. (2004). New Approaches on Energy and the Environment: Policy Advice for the President . Washington DC: RFF Press.

Morvay, K.Z. & Gvozdenac, D. (2008). Applied Industrial Energy and Environmental Management . West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons.

Sperling, D. & Kurani, K. (2001). Transportation, Energy, and Environmental Policy . Washington, DC: Transport Research Board.

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1. IvyPanda . "Energy and Environmental Policies." August 2, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/energy-and-environmental-policies/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Energy and Environmental Policies." August 2, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/energy-and-environmental-policies/.

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