The world is dependent on a range of different sources of energy. In 2018 fossil fuels, like gas, oil and coal, comprised over 81 percent of the energy consumed. Renewables, including solar power, wind, hydroelectricity, and biomass, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy contributes another 5 percent. Different countries employ different energy sources to balance the environmental and economic demands.
Nature is a rich source of energy in many forms: sunlight, wind, waves, ocean and many more. When harnessed and converted into more efficient forms of energy, like electricity or heat, these are known as primary sources. When these energy sources are exhausted, they are non-renewable energy sources.
The environment is damaged due to a wide range of fossil fuels along with other sources of energy that are not renewable. For example mining for oil may degrade the world’s forests. Hydraulic fracture (fracking) can cause earthquakes and water pollution. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, many of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Wind, solar and hydropower generate, for instance electricity without having to dig for new sources.
Other renewable energy sources are emerging, including waves and tidal power. However, in order to be used in a large-scale manner they must have efficient distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energy sources to construct these networks. These sources aren’t able to provide the majority of our energy requirements. It’s important to remember that the prices of renewable energy https://leonardogiombini.it/2018/11/17/dal-protocollo-di-kyoto-e-oltre/ equipment has dropped dramatically in recent years and the efficiency is rising.