The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources
The world uses many different energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels like gas, oil and coal, comprised over 81 percent of the energy consumed. Renewable sources such as wind power, solar energy biomass, hydroelectricity, and wind power are responsible for 14 percent. Nuclear energy accounts for another 5 percent. Different countries use different energy sources to balance environmental and economic requirements.
Nature provides energy in many forms: sunlight winds, waves ocean and more. When harnessed, and transformed into more efficient forms of energy, like heat or electricity, these are referred to as primary sources. When those energies are exhausted, they become nonrenewable energy sources.
The environment is harmed by many fossil fuels, in addition to other energy sources that aren’t renewable. Mining oil, for instance can cause the destruction of our forest ecosystems of the planet. Fracking (hydraulic fracture) can result in water pollution and earthquakes. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately there are many promising energy sources are sustainable and renewable. Wind, solar and hydropower can, for example, generate electricity without the need to dig for new sources.
Tidal and Wave Power are two more sustainable energy sources that are emerging. But, in order to be used in a large-scale manner these technologies need efficient distribution networks. This requires the use non-renewable energy sources to build these networks. This means that these sources aren’t capable of meeting the majority of our energy requirements. But it’s important keep in mind that costs for renewable energy equipment have come down drastically over the last couple of years, and efficiency is growing quickly.
