Many countries across the globe are moving towards creating affordable, reliable, clean energy (United Nations, 2015) in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This drive comes from the call to action from multiple COP meetings and legal instruments. SDG 7 drives to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all future generations of citizens.
Clean Energy
Clean energy refers to energy that is produced from sources that neither release air pollutants nor have a negative impact on the environment.
Often when we hear clean energy we also hear of renewable energy. Renewable energy refers to energy or electricity that is generated from sources that get replenished constantly. Examples of these are wind and solar energy.
Using solar-powered water systems for pumping and irrigation is quickly becoming more sustainable for citizens. This reduces walking and waiting times, and can make water readily accessible to schools, health-care facilities and entire communities.
Clean energy which comes from natural sources has the benefit of preserving natural resources that help reduce the worlds pollution levels whilst also reducing the use of fossil fuels which are known for increasing greenhouse gases and increasing the risk of environmental disasters. Now let’s look at a few fun facts.
Fun Facts About Modern Clean Energy
Not all clean energy sources are renewable energy sources
Wood burned from sustainable forests releases carbon dioxide which is a source of air pollution and although this is renewable it is not clean therefore cannot be categorised as clean energy. The same applies to sustainable-labelled wood used in products that utilise methods that enable deforestation.
Clean energy will never run out
Natural resources such as the sun and wind are available in abundance and as such will always be available to keep making more energy unlike fossil fuels which are depleting daily.
Clean energy reduces the number of deaths
Air pollution is one of the contributory causes to the deterioration of the earth’s atmosphere, which has an adverse affect on the earths climate change. Switching to clean energy sources could prevent 4 to 7 million deaths resulting from air pollution yearly.
98.4% of Norway’s energy comes from renewable sources
Norway is one the largest clean energy producers with clean energy making up 98.4% of their energy supply. The citizens of Norway get to enjoy the benefits of having affordable, clean, energy and improved quality of life.
Clean energy sources like solar and wind can be used to create drinking water
Water scarcity affects many countries with an estimated 785 million people being affected globally. In Africa it has been estimated that 1 in 3 African citizens are affected by lack of access to clean drinkable water. One innovative solution is the use of solar-powered water systems. These systems utilise the sun in order to evaporate dirty or salty water and condense the vapour into safe drinkable water.
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References
Be The Story. (2022, March 10). The cleanest countries: leading the way to renewable energy. Be the Story. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://www.be-the-story.com/en/environment/the-cleanest-countries-leading-the-way-to-renewable-energy/
Mlaba, K. (2022, February 1). Water Scarcity in Africa: Everything You Need to Know. Global Citizen. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/water-scarcity-in-africa-explainer-what-to-know/
Topping, C. (2022, January 13). 20 Fascinating Renewable Energy Facts Everyone Should Know. OVO Energy. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://www.ovoenergy.com/blog/green/20-fascinating-renewable-energy-facts
Service, R. F. (2019, June 28). New solar technology could produce clean drinking water for millions in need. AAAS. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://www.science.org/content/article/new-solar-technology-could-produce-clean-drinking-water-millions-need
Solar-powered water systems. (n.d.). UNICEF. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://www.unicef.org/wash/solar-powered-water-systems
United Nations. (2015). Goal 7 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal7
UNDP. (n.d.). Sustainable Development Goals | United Nations Development Programme. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals
What is Clean Energy? How Does it Work? Why is it so Important? (n.d.). TWI. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/clean-energy
What will the future look like by 2050 if it’s powered by renewables? (2022, May 20). World Economic Forum. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/02/renewable-energy-future-carbon-emissions/
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