The world relies on a variety of energy sources. In 2018, fossil fuels, such as oil, gas and coal, made up over 81 percent of the energy consumed. Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar power, biomass and hydroelectricity, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy contributes another 5 percent. Different countries have different sources of energy to meet the environmental and economic demands.
Nature’s energy comes in many forms: sun, wind, waves, and ocean. These primary sources can be transformed into more practical energy forms, such as electricity or heat when they are harnessed. These energy sources become non-renewable sources of energy once they have been exhausted.
The environment is harmed due to a wide range of fossil fuels in addition to other energy sources that aren’t renewable. For instance mining for oil could degrade the world’s forests. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) can trigger earthquakes as well as water pollution. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burned and contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, a lot of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Solar, wind and hydropower could produce, for instance, electricity without digging up new sources.
Other sources of sustainable energy are emerging, like tidal and wave power. To be used on an extensive scale, these technologies need to have effective distribution networks. These need to be built, which requires the use of non-renewable energy. These sources aren’t enough to meet the majority of our energy needs. However, it’s important to keep in mind that prices for renewable energy equipment have come down significantly over the last few years, and their efficiency is increasing rapidly.