Learn more about renewable energy:
Renewable Energy: County Goals
Why is a Renewable Energy Transition Important?
Renewable Energy 101
Renewable Energy Financial Incentives
Solar Resources
Solar for Your Home
Solar for Your Business
Why is a Renewable Energy Transition Important?
Making progress in global, nationwide, and local transition to renewable energy is crucial for the environment, economy, and public health.
Environment
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Traditional fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, release carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases when burned, which contribute significantly to global warming. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal produce little to no emissions. Decreasing the quantity of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will limit global warming and avoid dangerous temperature increases.
Preserving Ecosystems: Transitioning to renewables also reduces the environmental degradation associated with fossil fuel extraction, such as deforestation, habitat destruction, and oil spills.
Economy
Job Creation: The renewable energy sector has become a major source of employment, offering jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, research, and development. The transition to renewables can create millions of new jobs globally, especially in emerging technologies such as solar and wind energy, electric vehicles, and energy storage.
New Industries and Technological Innovation: The renewable energy transition fosters innovation in energy storage, smart grids, and energy efficiency technologies, which can drive economic growth and open up new industries.
Public Health
Reduced Air and Water Pollution: Burning fossil fuels is a major source of air pollution, which leads to respiratory diseases, heart disease, and premature deaths. Renewable energy sources, in contrast, have minimal or no air pollution. Additionally, renewable energy systems generally use less water than conventional power plants, reducing stress on water resources.
Cleaner Environments: Transitioning to clean energy improves overall public health by reducing harmful pollutants that affect communities, especially in regions where fossil fuel extraction and power generation are concentrated.
