Wind is an example of a renewable energy resource.
According to the International Energy Agency, economical renewable energy sources will become available by the middle of the 21st century because of technological improvements and expanding markets. Governments and the public are also becoming increasingly attracted to renewable resources because of an increasing focus on environmental issues and concerns.
Non-Renewable Energy
Non-renewable energy resources include oil, gas and coal. Once exhausted, these resources cannot be replenished. Non-renewable resources remain the most popular source of energy because of the relative low cost of production and the availability of these resources around the world. For example, according to the World Coal Institute, coal is present in almost every country and more than 50 countries mine the resource.
Impacts of Non-Renewable Energy
Coal, the world's most popular energy resource, produces the highest greenhouse gas emissions per energy unit out of all energy sources. The UNEP estimates that burning coal generates 70 percent more carbon dioxide than using natural gas. Similarly, other non-renewable energy sources such as oil and natural gas produce high levels of emissions, which contribute to fossil fuels being the greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases have also been linked to climate change.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydro power. These resources do not become depleted or exhausted. For example, wind is always present and harnessing wind for power does not deplete the resource. According to the International Energy Agency, the commercial exploitation of renewable energy resources is low because of the high cost of development and delivery.
Impacts of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy has the potential to offer a number of benefits, including ensuring energy will be available through a diverse and local energy system without the exhaustion constraints of non-renewable energy sources. It also helps reduce atmospheric emissions when used in place of fossil fuels and can also be a new source of employment as new infrastructure is built, installed and maintained. Although renewable energy has a limited global environmental impact when compared with non-renewable energy sources, there remains the potential for local negative impacts. Renewable energy can make large tracts of land unusable for competing uses; disrupt marine life, birds, flora and fauna; and produce visual and noise pollution.
