Renewable Energy Crucial to Future

By Allison Varga

It is a fact that our current reliance on energy sources like fossil fuels are doing a lot of harm to our planet. They are expensive, polluting our water supplies, the air that we breathe, and are huge contributors to the greenhouse effect thus leading to global climate change. The good news is that there are alternatives. We know that there are a plethora of clean renewable energy sources that have incredible potential that we have only begun to tap into. Only positives can come from utilizing these types of energies; they are cost effective, bountiful, and above all else are environmentally friendly.

           

Fossil fuels include coal, petroleum (oil), and natural gas. Although these energy sources have been producing energy for us for centuries, they are not sustainable. Fracked gas for example requires drilling and polluting nearby water sources as well as polluting the air with the factories needed to refine it. Oil wells often encroach on native land like rainforests which destroys the ecosystems as well as displaces indigenous tribes. 

Matt Smith advocates for better sources of power. He is the New Jersey State Director for Food & Water Action and discussed his work with our class. He talked about how his work “focuses on protecting clean and affordable public water, stopping the expansion of polluting fossil fuel infrastructure, and facilitating a rapid and fair transition to a 100% renewable energy economy” (Food and Water Watch). His mission shows how crucial the need to turn to renewable energy sources really is. He urged us to contact our governor Phil Murphy and get him to issue a moratorium on all new fossil fuel projects. 

We can also limit our greenhouse gas emissions by rejecting the air quality permit. Murphy campaigned saying that New Jersey would be on 100% renewable energy by 2050, so we need to take a stand now. Another guest speaker, Paula Rogovin enlightened us about how we could get involved in something similar to the Meadowlands Coalition. Through working in coalition with other groups that have similar values and goals, they were able to stop the fracking. She also suggested that we can all help spread the news through petitions, rallies, strikes, calling the governor’s office, forums, and through social media. By advocating for renewable energy, we are paving the way for a brighter tomorrow and there are many alternative sources that we reap the benefits from.

           

Clean energy is the energy not only for the future but for now. It can create jobs, reduce energy bills, and is sustainable. Types of renewable energy source options include: solar, wind, and water fueled. By using the natural earth elements there is an abundant amount of energy and the generation of energy is renewable. Changing our dependence on energy sources can open up a world of possibilities. Some examples of these resources are solar panels, which Ramapo College of New Jersey have already installed to cut down on costs and to be eco friendly. The college has also implemented environmental clubs such as 1Step. This organization helps bring awareness to ways to be more mindful about lifestyles including switching to fully clean energy. 

Other possibilities that are already being used are wind turbines that can be set up off the coasts, and water turbines powered either through waterfalls or another moving water source. All of these options are proven effective and this area is also subject to more innovative advancements that could be even more helpful. The industry of renewable fuel is continually on the rise. There are smart grid technologies that can convert and stabilize these energies to power more people at a lower rate than traditional fossil fuels. These new facilities would also create jobs, helping the economy and allow for the full transition to sustainable energy in the near future. This would also allow the United States of America to be less dependent on foreign outside energy sources which can again help with financing and limiting our dependence on imported fuels. Another benefit is that it is sustainable, meaning that it can last for generations to come. Along with that, the ultimate reward would be the betterment of our planet. Earth is suffering tremendously from our actions and it is our job to reverse the damage. By utilizing these sustainable renewable energy approaches, we can restore the balance of nature.

            

Overall renewable energy is the only way to go moving forward; it is cost effective, natural, and is sustainable. Now is the time to make the switch so that we can have an impact on the future generations if we still want Earth to be able to continue to support life. An example of just how severe the current situation is is the new illness. Presently, we are in a state of panic. The COVID-19 virus has turned into a pandemic. This year can be the wake call that is so desperately needed to start treating the planet better and this includes putting renewable energy at the forefront of our minds as soon as possible. Our energy is also a global crisis because it can make or break our planet.

Works Cited

“Matt Smith.” Food & Water Watch, 17 Oct. 2019, www.foodandwaterwatch.org/bio/matt-smith.

M. Liserre, T. Sauter and J. Y. Hung, "Future Energy Systems: Integrating Renewable Energy Sources into the Smart Power Grid Through Industrial Electronics," in IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 18-37, March 2010.

Rogovin, Paula. “Don't Gas the Meadowlands Coalition.”, 11 March 2020, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, NJ. Guest Lecture.