According to WHO, air pollution kills at least 7 million people annually. The deaths are from conditions like stroke, lung cancer, obstructive respiratory diseases.
Data from the World Health Organization shows that more than 90% of the world population is exposed to air pollutants above the organization’s health limits. But is there a solution from the environmental benefits of solar energy?
The use of environmental-friendly energy options can solve the problem of energy.
One industry that can play a critical role in environmental conservation is solar energy. Installing a single solar panel is equivalent to planting 150 trees in a year.
What are the Environmental Benefits Solar Energy?
1. Reduction of air pollution
Fossil fuels are the primary contributors to air pollution in the world. The fuels release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which are suspended in the atmosphere. When it rains, the chemicals cause acid rain, which is
also not safe. Apart from that, the gases can cause respiratory complications and other diseases leading to death.
Solar energy can solve the problem of air pollution as an alternative to fossil fuels. The panels do not emit any gases to the environment from installation to use.
2. Water conservation
Power plants require approximately 700 gallons of water for cooling. On the other hand, solar panels do not need water or extra equipment to produce electricity. Therefore, solar power can increase water supply, especially in major cities where the resource is scarce.
Fossil fuels like coal and petroleum use a lot of water in the generation, refining, cleaning, and transportation. Considering that freshwater is becoming a rare resource, it is prudent to conserve water sources. Solar panels work well where there is enough sunlight throughout the day- mostly in arid and semi-arid areas. Water is a scarce resource in these areas, and an option to conserve what is available will have a significant impact on residents’ livelihoods. The residents can use the water for agriculture and other vital needs.
3. Reduces carbon footprint
The current American carbon footprint per capita is around 16 metric tons annually. In comparison, the amount is almost 4 times the global carbon footprint average per person.
The safe limit of carbon emissions per person is approximately 3 metric tons per year. Greenhouse gases have led to climate disruptions across the globe. We have seen an increase in natural calamities like drought and floods. According to projections, temperatures could increase by up to 4°C if we do not cut the current carbon footprint by half. By 2050, summers and winters will be warmer than in the current global average.
Renewable energy sources are the way to go to sail through the storm of climate change. Solar energy can play a significant role in the eradication of carbon dioxide by replacing fossil fuels.
Every year, the world uses 11 billion tons of oil. The deposits of fossil fuels are decreasing at a rate of 4 billion tons every year. If the current oil consumption trend continues, the resource could be depleted in the next 53 years.
But what could happen in the case of fossil fuel resource depletion? We could not only run out of an energy source, but it could also be detrimental to life on earth.
The depletion of natural resources has detrimental effects on the economy.
Solar power can be an excellent alternative to conventional energy sources. It helps in the conservation of the environment through the reduction of pollutants and the protection of resources. Apart from that, as a renewable energy source, the sun can never be depleted even in a billion years. Tap the environmental benefits of solar energy to conserve the earth for future generations through solar installation on your commercial or residential property.
Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu