The world is dependent on a range of different energy sources. Fossil fuels–including oil, natural gas and coal–accounted for more than 80 percent of the energy consumed in 2018. Renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind power biomass, hydroelectricity, and wind power account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy contributes another 5 percent. Different countries use various energy sources, balancing the environmental aspects with economics.
Nature’s energy can be found in a variety of forms: sun, wind, waves and ocean. These sources of energy transform into more efficient forms of energy, like electricity or heat when they are harnessed. When the energy source is exhausted, they turn into nonrenewable energy sources.
Many fossil fuels, as well as some of the other sources of energy that aren’t renewable have been causing environmental harm. For example mining for oil could take away the planet’s forests. Hydraulic fracture (fracking) can cause earthquakes and water pollution. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burned, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, many of the most promising sources of energy are renewable and sustainable. Solar, wind and hydropower can generate, for instance electricity without having to dig for new sources.
Other sources of sustainable energy are emerging, such as waves and tidal power. However, to be utilized on a massive scale, these technologies must have efficient distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energies to build these networks. In the end, these sources aren’t sufficient to meet the majority of our energy needs. It is important to be aware that prices for renewable energy equipment have come down drastically over the last couple of years, and efficiency is increasing rapidly.
