If you’re here it’s because you know that addressing the climate crisis is no longer somebody else’s problem.
The Paris agreement outlined a plan to keep global warming below 2 degrees celsius, since then environmental reports have stressed the importance of limiting global warming to 1.5ºC. Why? Because the reality is that climate change is happening faster, and with more devastating consequences than any of us could have imagined.
An IPCC special report on climate change above 1.5ºC outlined with high confidence some of the substantial effects on humans.
“Any increase in global temperature (e.g, +0.5°C) is projected to affect human health, with primarily negative consequences. Lower risks are projected at 1.5°C than at 2°C for heat-related morbidity and mortality.”
We’ve all been left appalled at scenes of bewildered polar bears left exposed as they float on meagre blocks of ice. According to WWF the Arctic is warming approximately twice as fast as the global average, causing the ice that polar bears depend on to melt away. You may also recall the complete collapse of Antarctica’s Conger Shelf last year. An area approximately the size of Rome.
While these scenes are devastating, the severity of the problem doesn’t always hit home until it affects our day to day lives. Perhaps you have noticed a change in the length of seasons or unbearable and out of the ordinary heatwaves in your city. Maybe you’ve been affected directly by the changes in agriculture and food shortages.
The reliance upon fossil fuels have had overwhelming environmental consequences and harmful emissions have worsened climate change. But there is hope on the horizon. Transitioning to renewable energy sources can help to create a cleaner, greener future for all of us.
What are the different types of renewable energy?
There are several types of renewable energy sources that are being explored as an alternative to fossil fuels, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore some of the most viable options:
Solar Energy is a type of renewable energy that is derived from the sun’s radiation. This energy can be converted into electricity or used for heating purposes.
‘The cost of manufacturing solar panels has plummeted dramatically in the last decade, making them not only affordable but often the cheapest form of electricity. Solar panels have a lifespan of roughly 30 years, and come in a variety of shades depending on the type of material used in manufacturing.’ Source: United Nations.
Support Battambang Solar Farm, Cambodia produce affordable, clean energy for all local communities.
Wind Energy is another type of renewable energy that is derived from the kinetic energy of the wind. This energy can be converted into electricity using wind turbines.
‘Many parts of the world have strong wind speeds, but the best locations for generating wind power are sometimes remote ones. Offshore wind power offers tremendous potential.’ Source: United Nations.
Hydropower is a type of renewable energy that is generated by the motion of water. It involves using the kinetic energy of moving water to turn turbines and generate electricity.
Ocean Energy is a type of renewable energy that is derived from the motion, temperature, and salinity of the ocean. It has the potential to provide a significant source of clean and sustainable energy for the world.
Bio Energy is a type of renewable energy that is derived from organic materials, such as plants and agricultural waste. It is produced through the process of biomass conversion, which involves converting the energy stored in organic matter into a usable form of energy, such as electricity, heat, or biofuels.
Geothermal Energy is a type of renewable energy that is derived from the heat of the earth’s crust. This energy can be harnessed using various technologies to generate electricity or provide heating and cooling for buildings.
What are the benefits of utilizing renewable energy sources?
Renewable energy offers many benefits that make it a compelling solution to the energy requirements of our world:
- Clean Energy – first and foremost, renewable energy is clean and it produces minimal environmental impacts. This makes it a critical tool in addressing the climate crisis.
- Economic Rewards – renewable energy provides economic benefits, including job creation and economic growth.
- Social Equity – energy from sustainable sources can improve social equity by increasing access to electricity in rural areas and reducing energy poverty.
What are the blockers to full adoption of green energy?
The adoption of green energy faces several blockers, including a higher upfront cost of renewable energy technologies, the challenge of integrating renewable energy into existing energy infrastructure, variable government policy, public perception and technical challenges.
Addressing these types of issues requires a multi-faceted approach that involves policy frameworks, innovation, education, public awareness campaigns, and technical advances in green energy technologies.
Thankfully, there are countries that are already leading by example, and transitioning away from fossil fuels. Smaller and mostly European countries are making some of the biggest progress. Learn more about the top countries pioneering decarbonization.
How does ClimateTrade support renewable energy projects?
ClimateTrade is a blockchain-based marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of carbon credits. ClimateTrade supports renewable energy projects by enabling the purchase of carbon credits generated by these projects, which helps to fund and incentivize their development.
When a renewable energy project generates electricity from renewable sources such as wind or solar, it creates a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the generation of the same amount of electricity from fossil fuels. This reduction can be quantified in terms of carbon credits, which represent one tonne of CO2-equivalent emissions that have been avoided or removed from the atmosphere.
By purchasing carbon credits from renewable energy projects, buyers on ClimateTrade are effectively funding the development and operation of these projects, which helps to increase the proportion of renewable energy in the global energy mix and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to facilitating the purchase of carbon credits, ClimateTrade also provides a platform for renewable energy project developers to sell their credits directly to buyers. This helps to streamline the process of carbon credit trading and enables project developers to access a wider pool of potential buyers.
Ready to take action and support a sustainable future?
Join the renewable energy revolution today by investing in clean energy projects with ClimateTrade. By purchasing carbon credits generated by renewable energy sources like wind and solar, you can help to fund the development of new projects and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon energy system. Visit the ClimateTrade Marketplace today to learn more about how you can help future-proof our world.
