RENEWABLE AND
NONRENEWABLE ENERGY
and their impact on climate change and sustainable development
COURSE NAME: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
COURSE ID: ENV101
Done by: Azreen Tahiat Raya 2330108
Mubashwara Mehzabeen 2210555
SUMMER 2023
SUBMITTED TO: KARISHMA SINHA
SECTION: 16
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………………2
DISCUSSION………………………………………………………………….………………..3
CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………….……………………8
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………………..9
INTRODUCTION
James Joule, a 19th-century engineer and physicist, first defined energy as the ability to do work.
It is a property that can be transferred or transformed but never created or destroyed. In essence,
we can split energy into two major categories known as renewable energy and nonrenewable
energy. On the one hand, renewable energy is the energy we get by the use of renewable
resources. These resources have infinite supply. Since we can find these sources and replace
them easily, they are generally sustainable. An example of energy derived from renewable
resources is solar energy. On the other hand, nonrenewable energy is the energy we get by the
use of nonrenewable resources. These have finite supply. They are taken directly from the Earth.
While it takes billions of years for these resources to be formed through processes such as
decomposition of matter, they are relatively easily mined or taken out of the Earth. We cannot
replace these resources easily, hence they are unsustainable. However, currently, it is
nonrenewable energy that is the primary source of all energy in the world. An example of energy
derived from nonrenewable resources is the energy from burning coal. It is important to
differentiate them because they impact the environment around us in different ways. Towards the
end of this report, we will discuss their impact by their correlation with climate change and
sustainable development. Furthermore, we will shed light on the ways in which this impact on
climate change can be mitigated and the ways in which long-term sustainability can be achieved.
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DISCUSSION
Types of renewable energy
Small, inexpensive, locally run energy systems are the focus of renewable resources and
alternative technologies for developing countries. Because of this,it excludes options like tidal
energy,large-scale wave energy and ocean thermal gradients systems,all of which have the
potential to be significant in the future but will likely necessitate significant investment.Large
capital projects are not inherently inappropriate for underdeveloped countries,despite what this
seems. Such projects should be taken into account if prospective loads,cost-benefit
ratios,environmental factors and funding are favorable. Renewable energy sources replace
themselves more quickly than they are used up. They can therefore be counted on to meet human
requirements since they are sustainable. They also cause less environmental harm.The various
forms of renewable energy include solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, biological
energy etc.
Solar energy: Solar power is captured by solar collectors like
photovoltaics,solar heating panels and other devices and is then used
to generate different types of power.The sun’s heat and light are the
most well-kind of renewable energy source. Solar power systems
generate clean, renewable, and emission-free electricity.
When electricity is created using solar energy and other renewable
resources,such as wind and hydropower, there are no carbon dioxide
or other local air pollutants released into the atmosphere which is produced by burning fossil
fuels like coal and natural gas.
The globe could be powered for a whole year if we could harness all of the sun’s energy shining
on the earth for only one hour, whereas collecting and using fossil fuels is expensive and bad for
the environment. In addition to other health advantages, it has been discovered that solar power
reduces the incidence of chronic bronchitis, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, and lost
workdays due to illness.
Wind energy: Wing energy is energy that we produce on our own. The most popular source of
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this energy is windmills, and these windmills are used for a variety of uses, including the
generation of energy and the pumping out of groundwater.
Wind energy can make up to 4% of our current global energy usage.
The term “hydroelectricity” describes energy produced by the force of
water. About 70% of all renewable electricity is produced by
hydroelectricity. Wind energy has potential to reduce carbon emissions
by substituting electricity produced from other sources,such as fossil
fuel power plants.
Wind turbine manufacturing and installation energy costs can also be recovered rather fast.This
can happen in as little as six to eight months for a large wind turbine on a good site.It is an
extremely clean energy source that operates without emitting any pollutants or creating any
waste.
Geothermal energy: Under the surface of the earth, there is some
energy buried. Geothermal energy is the name given to this energy.
Due to this heat, volcanic eruptions and naturally occuring hot springs
arise. The heat is then used to heat dwellings through heaters and hot
water.
Geothermal power facilities emit fewer pollutants. Compared to fossil fuel power plants of
comparable scale, geothermal power plants release 97% fewer sulfur compounds that contribute
to acid rain and around 99% less carbon dioxide. Scrubbers are used in geothermal power plants
to get rid of the naturally occuring hydrogen sulfide that is present in the reservoirs.
Biomass energy: Biological energy is a sort of energy known as
biomass is also produced by living things and materials made from
plants. In order to generate more heat, biomass is burned (exposed to
heat). Additionally, this biomass can be indirectly transformed into
biofuels and other useful energy sources,including methane gas,
biodiesel, and other fuels used in transportation.
It is possible to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by using biomass energy. The amount
of carbon dioxide released by burning biomass is similar to that of burning fossil fuels. However,
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in contrast to that released by biomass energy, carbon dioxide from fossil fuels is basically a
“new” greenhouse gas that was once trapped by photosynthesis millions of years ago.
Renewable energy & the impact on climate change
Renewable energy is frequently cited as the most important shift the world can make to fend off
the worst consequences of global warming. This is due to the fact that renewable energy sources
like solar and wind don’t produce greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which contribute to
global warming.
There are a lot more benefits to clean energy than just being “green.” The expanding industry
boosts employment, strengthens the resilience of electric networks, increases access to energy in
underdeveloped nations, and lowers energy costs.
All of those elements have helped to fuel a resurgence in renewable energy in recent years, with
wind and solar power generating more electricity than ever before. Renewable energy is, strictly
speaking, always available or, in the words of the U.S. Energy Information Administration,
“virtually inexhaustible.”
Renewable energy & the impact on sustainable development
By lowering greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security, and giving formerly
energy-deprived areas access to energy, renewable energy technologies play a critical role in
sustainable development. Some of the most significant ways that renewable energy technologies
support sustainable development are listed below:
1. Greenhouse gas emissions can be decreased by using renewable energy sources,which
can also assist to lessen the consequences of climate change.
2. By lowering reliance on foreign fuels and boosting the dependability of the energy
supply, renewable energy technologies can promote energy security.
3. Communities that before lacked it may now have it thanks to the advancements in
renewable energy sources, especially in developing nations.
4. Renewable energy technologies have a chance to boost employment and the economy,
notably in the design and the installation of renewable energy systems.
5. Renewable energy technologies can help rural areas develop by giving their residents
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access to energy, which can enhance living conditions,boost agricultural output,and
promote economic expansion,
So we can secure a sustainable future for all,with advantages for the present and coming
generations in terms of economy, society, and the environment by implementing clean renewable
energy sources.
Types of nonrenewable energy
Nonrenewable energy comes from four major types of finite resources: coal, mineral oil, natural
gas, and nuclear sources. These are extracted from the Earth in the form of solid, liquid, or gas.
Then, for ease of consumption, they are converted into convenient and usable forms. These four
types can be split into 2 categories of nonrenewable sources: fossil fuels and nuclear fuels.
Firstly, coal, mineral oil, and natural gas are collectively
known as “fossil fuels.” Fossil fuels are found
underground layered among rocks and sediments. They
were formed from the remains of plants and animals that
lived millions of years ago. Due to the continuous heat and pressure within the Earth, over a long
period of time, the organic matter transformed into coal, mineral oil, and natural gas.
Coal is solid fossil fuel that contains carbon and hydrocarbon. It is extracted by mining. It is used
for generating and running power plants. Mineral oil, or crude oil, is liquid fossil fuel. It is
extracted from underground reservoirs using pumping wells and refined into useful forms such as
diesel and gasoline. Natural gas, or compressed natural gas (CNG), is gaseous fossil fuel that
mainly contains methane. It is extracted from areas close to crude oil reserves using pumping
wells and used for cooking and heating homes.
When fossil fuels are burned, energy is released. This originally comes from the solar energy that
the dead plants and animals stored in their body millions of years ago. Plants used the energy for
photosynthesis and animals stored the energy in their bodies by consuming plants or other
animals. When they died, this energy was trapped. In general, since fossil fuels are highly
combustible, they release a large amount of energy which is able to meet the majority of the
world energy demand.
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Secondly, nuclear sources are known as “nuclear fuels.” Nuclear fuels primarily
come from the naturally occurring radioactive element Uranium. By mining and
refining uranium ores, these sources can be obtained. Afterwards, when uranium
undergoes the process of nuclear fission, it releases a large amount of energy. This
is used for running turbines and generating nuclear power.
Nonrenewable energy & the impact on the environment & climate change
Nonrenewable energy and its use is heavily connected with the environment and climate change
because it is a primary source of environmental degradation and global warming, thus leading to
climate change. The impact includes:
1. Emission of greenhouse gases: when fossil fuels are burned, they release large amounts of
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. These gases trap heat inside the
Earth’s atmosphere, leading to rise in the Earth's temperature and global warming.
2. Rising sea levels: global warming contributes to the melting of polar ice and glaciers,
leading to rising sea levels. This creates risks for coastal communities, low-lying islands,
and vulnerable ecosystems.
3. Extreme weather events: climate change intensifies extreme weather events, such as
hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires, with severe consequences for human lives and
infrastructure.
4. Air pollution: nonrenewable sources also emit pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2),
nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
These pollutants cause smog formation and can have severe health impacts.
5. Ocean acidification and warming: when there is excess CO2, it is absorbed by the oceans
from the atmosphere leads to ocean acidification. When greenhouse gases warm oceans,
it leads to ocean warming. Both are very harmful for marine life.
6. Leading to deforestation: nonrenewable energy sources often require significant land use
for extraction and infrastructure. This can result in deforestation, leading to the loss of
vital carbon sinks and biodiversity.
7. Disruptions of ecosystems: the changing temperature and weather patterns are bound to
disrupt and alter ecosystems, leading to shifts in biodiversity and ecological imbalances.
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Nonrenewable energy & the impact on sustainable development
Nonrenewable energy and its use is closely connected with sustainable development because it
has a significant impact on several aspects that make up sustainability. The impact includes:
1. When the use of fossil fuels leads to air pollution and related health issues, the health and
well-being of future generations is put at risk.
2. The sources that are used for nonrenewable energy have finite supply. This means that
they will run out eventually. By depleting these resources, we are at risk of compromising
the availability of energy sources for the future generations.
3. According to the idea of sustainable development, resources must be utilized in a way
that they are preserved for the long-term use of the society. By emphasizing heavily on
the use of nonrenewable energy, given that it is the major source of our energy, we may
be impeding progress in research and development of renewable energy. Thus, we may be
limiting the scope for using more sustainable alternatives.
4. By promoting nonrenewable energy, especially in remote and underserved areas, there
may be missed opportunities to provide affordable, reliable, cleaner and more sustainable
energy access to all. We must understand that the nature of sustainable development is to
promote advancement and adoption of cleaner technologies, however, it is clearly being
violated due to the use of nonrenewable energy sources.
CONCLUSION
Throughout history, we have utilized nonrenewable energy sources to meet our energy demand,
facilitate modern industrialization, and achieve unprecedented heights of progress and growth.
From powering industries, transportation networks, and houses, fossil fuels, essentially coal,
mineral oil, and natural gas, have been a primary provider of energy. However, it is because of
their finite nature that we are pressed to question the sustainability of our current trajectory. By
transitioning first partially and then completely, we can hope to mitigate the negative effects of
nonrenewable energy on the environment and climate change.
Partial transition from nonrenewable energy involves a range of national and international
measures. Emphasizing usage practices that promote energy efficiency and conservation within
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different industries and households can readily reduce energy demand and the strain on
nonrenewable sources. Integrating a variety of renewable sources such as solar, wind, and
biomass alongside existing nonrenewable options can make energy supply more stable and
eco-friendly. Implementation of government policies such as tax breaks and subsidies that
provide some incentive for the public to adapt to renewable technologies can establish ground for
renewable energy growth. Facilitating and funding in research and development of advanced
technologies can enhance existing renewable technologies such as better energy storage
capacities, grid integration, and management systems.
Complete transition from nonrenewable energy further involves advanced measures such as
gradual reduction in usage of fossil fuels, higher investment towards renewable energy
infrastructure expansion to improve performance of these sources, and keeping energy grids
updated to foster efficiency in distribution and reliance on the technology. Additionally, we
should make strategies to improve community engagement in such issues by organizing public
awareness initiatives, empowering individuals with proper knowledge so they can make
sustainable energy choices, and magnifying the collective impact of the transition. Finally, by
acknowledging the global magnitude of climate change and its effect on the planet in the present
as well as the future, we must target global synergy. In collaboration on a worldwide scale, there
will be scope of exchanging expertise, transferring technology, and collaborating on research and
development, all of which ought to help make the transition smoother and more effective.
In conclusion, this transition from nonrenewable to renewable energy sources demands from us a
multifaceted approach which presses heavily on energy efficiency, use of diverse sources, policy
reinforcement, innovation, and community participation. If we can successfully adhere to these
transition methods and more, we can hope to achieve the sustainable development goals, and
promote a healthier and more sustainable climate and planet for the present and future
generations.
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Division of work: introduction, discussion on nonrenewable energy done, and conclusion
done by Mubashwara, discussion on renewable energy and conclusion done by Azreen.
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