Derived from natural resources that are abundant and continuously replenished, renewable energy is key to a safer, cleaner, and sustainable world. It is also an economic opportunity with transformative benefits for communities and societies, including better jobs, more community ownership and empowerment.
Solar, wind, and biomass energy generate electricity without the production of harmful greenhouse gases or air pollutants. They can produce power on a large scale, and when combined with battery storage technology, they can provide energy even when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. This can replace energy produced by fossil fuels, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions and other harmful pollutants.
In addition, renewable energy reduces dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels, mitigating vulnerabilities to global market fluctuations. It enables countries to diversify their energy sources, and decentralise generation by empowering local communities to participate in the energy transition.
Energy from renewable resources reduces water and land use, resulting in less environmental damage and biodiversity loss. Renewable energy can also be sourced locally, reducing the need for long-distance transmission lines. These lines can disrupt the natural habitat of wildlife and contaminate water and soil, while solar and wind farms can be located in rural areas where the land remains intact and productive.
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