15. Environmental consequences

In the previous sections, we looked at a variety of energy sources. Exploiting any energy source harms the environment in some way. The source we choose in any given situation is determined by factors such as the ease of extracting energy from that source, the economics of extracting energy from that source, the efficiency of the technology available, and the environmental damage that using that source will cause. Even though we talk about 'clean' fuels like CNG, it's more accurate to say that one source is cleaner than the other. We've already seen how burning fossil fuels pollutes the air. Although the actual operation of a device, such as a solar cell, may be pollution-free, the device's assembly may have harmed the environment. In these areas, research continues to develop devices that will last longer and cause less harm throughout their lives.

 

 

In more ways than one, riding an electric bike is good for the environment. They are lighter than other, heavier modes of transportation and, as a result, cause less damage to the roads. These machines produce a lot of emissions, which contribute to pollution and harm the environment.

 

Activity:

Gather information about various energy sources and how each one affects the environment.
Debate the merits and demerits of each source and select the best source of energy on this basis.

 

All energy sources have an effect on the environment in some way. By most measures, fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas do far more harm than renewable energy sources, including air and water pollution, public health damage, wildlife and habitat loss, water use, land use, and global warming emissions.

Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydropower, on the other hand, have environmental consequences, some of which are significant.

Environmental impacts vary in type and intensity depending on the technology used, the geographic location, and a variety of other factors.

We can effectively avoid or minimise these impacts as renewable energy sources become a larger portion of our electric supply by understanding the current and potential environmental issues associated with each renewable energy source.