April 13, 2022
The global environmental status has changed a lot in the last couple of decades. With new inventions, discoveries, and advancements, our environment has unfortunately taken a hit, with the climate crisis and global warming increasing at an alarming rate. The climate crisis is depleting resources, and some of the resources are harming the environment, forcing environmentalists and world leaders to think of alternatives and methods to rectify the situation. One such alternative is “energy transition”.
The shift from energy production and consumption that requires fossil-based resources, such as coal and natural gas to renewable energy systems such as solar and wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass, lithium batteries, and ocean currents, is known as energy transition.
The energy transition is caused by the rising use of renewable energy sources. It aims to cut down energy-related emissions driven by carbon dioxide to meet global climate goals.
The Objective of the Conference
Global BSG is hosting its 2nd Annual Tech-Enabled Energy Transition Conference in September 2022. The global energy scene has undergone multiple changes in the past decade and will continue to change in the following decades. Non-renewable resources release heavy energy emissions, with electricity generation being the largest source of CO2 emissions (36%). Thus, leaders globally are coming up with strategies to shift to renewable energy sources.
This energy transition conference will talk about energy transition to meet the global climate target of reaching zero carbon emissions or minimum carbon emissions if it is not entirely possible to reduce carbon emissions. Using energy from renewable sources instead of fossil-based resources helps in the decarbonisation of energy, enhances energy efficiency, and improves other environmental, socio-economic, political, and transportation sectors.
Effects and Implications of Energy Transition
1. Environmental Effects
Energy transition has multiple attributes that are beneficial to the environment. Firstly, energy transition uses renewable resources such as wind and solar power, ocean currents, etc. Unlike fossil-based energy sources or non-renewable energy sources, which deplete rapidly, renewable resources, as the name suggests, can be renewed. They are easy to produce, generate, and consume.
They are also very clean since they are natural resources. They reduce carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to a healthier environment and improving the overall air quality. Plus, they help develop and improve the living conditions of different communities.
2. Improvement in Public Health
Fossil-based energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas release emissions that cause breathing problems, cancer, premature death, pregnancy issues, neurological complications, and other severe health conditions. Non-renewable energy sources cause pollution, which is the root cause of many health problems and is especially hazardous for your lungs.
Renewable energy resources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power sources don’t emit harmful substances into the air. As for biomass and geothermal energy, even though there are minuscule air pollutant emissions, they are negligible compared to coal and natural gas sources.
In addition to reducing air pollution, renewable energy plants also reduce water pollution. Since solar and wind power production do not require water, no water resources are exploited, and no emissions can mix with water bodies and pollute them. On the other hand, coal and natural gas require water to cool down.
3. Increase in Economic Opportunities
Fossil fuel energy is more machinery- and equipment-based and requires machines and technology to derive energy. On the other hand, renewable energy sources focus on labour work. More workforce and staffing go into obtaining, generating, and distributing renewable energy. For instance, wind energy sources need labour forces to set up wind farms and windmills, creating more job opportunities.
In Conclusion
Fossil fuel-based energy sources work on coal, natural gas, and oil. Even though they have economic benefits, they are harmful to the environment and can be quickly depleted. Renewable energy sources are a better choice as they are environmentally friendly, reduce carbon emissions, and improve public health. Renewable resources are also economically beneficial. Energy transition could very well be the future of the environment, as it uses resources that cannot get exhausted.
If you are keen to know about energy transition, register here. For more events and conferences, visit our website.
