EARTH- ULTIMATE BENEFACTOR OF HUMAN NEEDSby SANDIP PAUDEL | 28-10-2019 22:13 |
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  THE BASICS Renewable energy is energy generated from ongoing natural processes like wind or sunlight that are not depleted when used. Unlike fossil fuels, these types of energy are theoretically unlimited. In contrast, fossil fuels like oil and gas are finite resources formed in the earth over hundreds of millions of years from the remains of plants and animals. Importantly, and unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy is clean and doesn¡¯t release carbon pollution into the atmosphere (which drives climate change). Burning fossil fuels does. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY Geothermal is the heat energy under our feet. (¡°Geo¡± means ¡°earth¡± and ¡°thermal¡± means ¡°heat.¡±) Geothermal energy comes from the nearly unlimited heat generated by Earth's core, which warms underground water reservoirs (called ¡°hydrothermal resources¡±). Geothermal power plants tap into these resources and convert the heat energy into electricity using a steam, turbine and generator. While not as common as wind and solar, geothermal energy has enormous potential. In fact, Iceland gets about a quarter of its electricity from geothermal and places from California to Costa Rica are harnessing this powerful form of energy too. Things that is needy for renewable-clean, non-noxious, reliable, affordable and job creating. QUICK FACTS • Renewable energy employed an incredible 9.8 million people around the world in 2016 alone. • China is the world leader in renewable energy, with more installed than any other country on the planet. In 2017, the nation unveiled the world¡¯s largest floating solar farm. (Better yet, it was over an old coal mine!) • Businesses of all sizes are embracing clean energy, with over 130 major corporations –from Apple to Starbucks to Ikea – committed to going 100 percent renewable. |
