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As the world becomes more aware of the urgent need to address climate change, the shift towards clean energy is becoming increasingly important. While fossil fuels have been the backbone of the global energy system for centuries, the numerous advantages of clean energy over fossil fuels have become more apparent in recent years. Here are just a few reasons why clean energy is the way forward.

Cleaner air and water

One of the biggest advantages of clean energy is that it produces far fewer harmful emissions than fossil fuels. Burning coal, oil, and gas releases harmful pollutants into the air, which contribute to climate change and pose serious health risks. On the other hand, renewable energy sources like wind and solar power do not produce any harmful emissions, making them much cleaner for the environment.

 

Cost-effectiveness

Renewable energy sources have been proven to be more cost-effective than traditional fossil fuels. While the initial costs of setting up solar or wind farms may be high, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. Clean energy sources such as solar and wind power are renewable, meaning that they are not subject to the same price volatility as fossil fuels, which can be influenced by supply and demand.

 

Job creation

The transition to clean energy is also creating a significant number of new jobs in the energy sector. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, the renewable energy sector employed over 11 million people in 2018, a figure which is expected to rise as the industry continues to grow.

 

Energy security

Renewable energy sources provide greater energy security than fossil fuels. As renewable energy technologies become more widely adopted, countries will be less reliant on fossil fuels from foreign sources, reducing geopolitical tensions and increasing energy independence.

 

Sustainable development

Finally, the use of clean energy sources supports sustainable development. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are renewable and do not produce greenhouse gas emissions. This means that they are an essential tool in combating climate change and creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

Clean energy is undoubtedly the way forward. Its many advantages over fossil fuels make it the more viable and sustainable option for energy generation. Not only is clean energy better for the environment, but it is also more cost-effective, creates more jobs, and promotes sustainable development. With continued investment in renewable energy technologies, we can make a real difference in mitigating the effects of climate change and creating a more sustainable world.

Pirmak Zwanbun

Pirmak is a senior researcher at the African Energy Institute. He has 10 years of experience across the energy verticals of power, hydrogen, oil, gas, LNG and renewable energy.