On his first day in office, President-elect Joe Biden renewed America’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, a worldwide initiative to save the environment and halt climate change.
Widespread implementation of solar power is one of the key principles of this agreement due to the overwhelming impact it can have on conserving the Earth’s resources.
We all know that solar energy is an eco-friendly choice, but do you know why? Find out more about the environmental benefits of going solar right here.
- Solar Power Is Renewable Energy
Fossil fuels like oil and coal are finite resources, created deep within the earth millions of years ago. When we burn these resources to generate electricity, we can’t ever replace them.
The bottom line is – we’ll round out of oil and gas eventually.
On the other hand, the sun will keep providing us with free energy for the next 5 billion years.
- Reduced Carbon Emissions
Running out of fossil fuels is our least concern since global warming will kill us long before the oil and coal run out.
The Earth’s atmosphere is highly efficient at dealing with the heat generated by carbon emissions under normal circumstances. Unfortunately, things are far from normal right now.
There’s already an excessive amount of heat stuck between us and the edge of the atmosphere, and it’s causing havoc. The ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising, and normal weather patterns are going awry.
Unless we slow the amount of carbon we spew into the air every day, extreme weather events will continue to increase. That means widespread destruction, crop failure, and inevitable extinction due to lack of food.
That’s why there’s such an overwhelming sense of urgency regarding U.S. solar initiatives.
With many states and towns implementing rewards for those who choose to go solar, there’s never been a better time to get on board with renewable energy than right now.
- Improved Air Quality
Burning fossil fuels releases huge amounts of pollution into the air. These harmful gases poison animals and plants and also affect human health.
Solar energy generates no pollution, and the solar panel manufacturing process produces few carbon emissions.
- Going Solar Reduces Water Pollution
Likewise, power generation plants use enormous amounts of water to cool their equipment. Once the water’s been through this process, it’s spoiled for human, animal, and plant consumption.
Water is a finite resource too, and we need to conserve every drop.
- Solar Energy Reduces Hazardous Waste
Coal-powered energy plants also create tons and tons of toxic wastes. These end up in landfills, abandoned mines, and other places where they can leach into the soil and poison soil-dwelling organisms, people, plants, and animals.
Save the Planet, Save Yourself
We only have one planet, so it makes sense to look after it as best we can. Conserving the Earth’s vital resources helps ensure mankind will be around for a lot longer than if we continue as we are.
Going solar is only the first step in helping to create a better future for all, browse our blog for more great ideas on how to live more efficiently and make the most of every moment.