Why Is Renewable Energy Important?

If we as a global society do not address climate change and manage the remaining fossil fuel reserves wisely, life on planet Earth will be very different. And not for the better. Time is running out; we are rapidly reaching the point where damage to the environment and climate is irreparable.

Most of the developed world – with the exception of China and the USA – have signed up to the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty committing signatory countries to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases, or engage in emissions trading if they maintain or increase emissions of these gases.

One of the best ways of reducing CO2 emissions is to replace coal-burning power stations with renewable energy generation. However, this will not be done by wind power alone, there is acknowledgement that future energy needs will need to be met by a mix of energy types including wave and tidal power, solar, hydrogen cell and nuclear.