This paper examines the growing global imperative to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in the context of economic globalization and environmental degradation. It traces the historical roots of pollution from the Industrial Revolution through the post-World War II era of non-biodegradable industrial chemicals, and argues that humanity's carbon footprint must be reduced to ensure survival into the 21st century and beyond. The paper defines renewable energy resources — including wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, bioenergy, and ocean wave energy — and makes the case that these sources, being vastly more abundant than fossil fuels, represent the necessary path forward for a growing global population.
One of the key changes of the late 20th century, certainly accelerated in the early 21st, is the set of economic, political, and cultural movements that broadly speaking move the various countries of the world closer together. This idea, called globalism, refers to a number of theories that see the complexities of modern life as such that events and actions are tied together regardless of the geographic location of a specific country. The idea of globalism has become popular in economic and cultural terms with the advent of major macro-trade agreements combined with the ease of communication brought about by the Internet and cellular technology.
The rapid growth of the global economy profoundly affects modern economic development and stability, labor, and, most especially, the environment. In combination with the Earth's natural geologic functions, the process of human globalization radically transforms local issues into national and international problems, heightening very serious challenges such as pollution, global warming, and overpopulation (Levin Institute).
Pollution is not a new global issue, nor is it strictly manmade. Since the Earth's very formation, contaminants have been introduced into the atmosphere, water, and soil with detrimental effect. From prehistoric fires and trash dumps to the blatant release of tons of toxic chemicals into the air and water following the Industrial Revolution, the various problems associated with humanity's excess waste have steadily increased our negative environmental impact (Markham, 34–82).
After World War II, modern factories produced non-biodegradable plastics like PCBs and inorganic pesticides like DDT. These types of materials are not only toxic but, being non-biodegradable, accumulate in the environment over time. This accumulation causes increased rates of cancers, birth defects, health problems, and a global loss of biodiversity (Pollution Issues). It is clear that if we as a species are to survive the 21st century and beyond, we must concentrate on changing our approach to the environment — reducing our carbon footprint and exploring renewable energy sources appropriate for a growing global population.
The bleak reality is that the age of oil has dominated global energy needs for the past century, causing numerous social, cultural, and economic problems. While there may be enough oil to last fifty to one hundred years, the ecological consequences of continuing on this path would drastically diminish quality of life and public health worldwide. It is therefore necessary from both an economic and ecological perspective to transition to renewable energy sources. The same technological revolution and expertise that transformed the Internet and global communication can also change the way humans harness and store wind, biomass, and solar energy — which are 6,000 times more abundant on an annual basis than fossil fuels (WorldWatch Institute, intro).
The 21st century must mark a decisive move away from fossil fuels, much as the 20th century was shaped by them. The computer chip market demonstrated that conventional markets can shift quickly and decisively as lifestyles and consumer demand change. It often seems that people vote with their pocketbooks, and if fossil-fuel prices rise high enough, the impetus to change will likely intensify.
"Definition and types of renewable energy sources"
You’re 86% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 1 section.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.