By now, almost everyone knows about global warming and how it is becoming a huge threat to humanity. If it is not addressed sooner, we will look at a future with massive climate changes that will not favor society. Most scientists have argued that human activities are the leading cause of the current global warming crisis. Through deforestation, burning of fossil fuel, and land-use changes, humans have increased carbon dioxide concentration, affecting climate change.
With that in mind, some people are turning to solar energy as a replacement for conventional energy. The question in most people’s minds is, “can solar panels contribute to global warming?” While that may be a concern for some people, solar energy helps reduce global warming. When utilized well, it can generate power and reduce carbon dioxide emissions hence reducing our carbon footprint.
Benefits Of Solar Energy For Climate Change
Using Less Water
Water is one of our most vital natural resources. We run the risk of running out of fresh water in the future if we are not careful. Traditional means of producing electricity uses tons of liters of water every year. It is used in processing, refining, and transporting fuel through pipes and cooling generators. This means that a dam must be built to control the water flow, which puts a strain on the ecosystem. However, generating power via solar panels uses no water at all. For solar photovoltaic cells to operate, they only need solar hence reducing the strain on water. The only time solar water panels need is the natural rainwater to clean the panels when they accumulate dust.
Help Slow Down Climate Change
When toxic gases such as methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere, they pollute the environment and contribute to the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is a natural process of warming the earth and keeping it at a habitable temperature. However, human activities like the burning of fossil fuels have increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is why the earth is warming up faster than before, leading to catastrophic events like flooding, extreme heat, cyclones, and drought. However, one of the benefits of solar energy for climate change is that there is no burning of fuel hence no emissions caused by energy production.
Reducing Air Pollution
Traditional electricity methods from fossil fuels can produce harmful gases like carbon monoxide and methane, polluting the air. Polluted air has a negative impact on our general health and wellbeing, leading to diseases like bronchitis, headaches, anxiety, asthma, allergies, and in severe cases, cancer. When people use the sun to generate electricity, there is less emission of harmful gasses from burning fossil fuels. In the end, the air we breathe is safe, reducing illnesses.
Reduces Your Home’s Carbons Footprint
Solar energy is a clean source of energy as well as effective and sustainable. The source of energy for the solar panels is the sun which is free and in abundance. It does not release harmful gases into the atmosphere, neither does it use any water in generating electricity. This means that by using solar energy, you reduce the need for energy that emits harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Reduces the Strain on Natural Resources
Our population continues to grow, yet the earth has only so many resources to give in terms of oil, coal, and natural gas. We run the risk of exhausting these natural resources if we do not change. The results will be damaging to the environment as well as putting a financial strain on us. However, the energy from the sun is in plenty, and we cannot deplete its energy. Using solar energy is an effective way to ensure we do not deplete our resources.
Reduces Dependence on Fossil Fuels
Using solar energy reduces our dependency on non-renewable sources of energy like fossil fuels. Non-renewable sources are eventually run out, so the sooner we embrace solar energy, the better for us and the environment. It is a free energy source, which means lower energy prices and clean energy, free of pollution. In today’s world, most environmentalists try to explain positive environmental impact of solar energy to the world. The fact is that as more households continue to install solar panels to reduce their energy costs, they are also helping save the environment. One of the many benefits of solar energy for climate change is that it is sustainable. It, therefore, covers the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of our future generation.
