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Chapter 16: Problem 1

Why is it important for renewable-energy sources to replace fossil fuels? What are the prospects for getting it done?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Renewable-energy sources need to replace fossil fuels to mitigate the negative environmental and health impacts of fossil fuels, such as climate change and air pollution. The replacement prospects are promising given the advancements in renewable energy technologies, their increasing cost-effectiveness, and a growing recognition of the need to address climate change. However, challenges such as energy storage, geographical limitations and the need for supportive policy and infrastructure remain.

Step by step solution

01

Interpret the Importance

Start off by noting down the harmful effects of using fossil fuels, such as pollution, global warming, health issues, and unsustainable nature of non-renewable resources. Follow this by drawing a comparison with renewable energy sources, highlighting their advantages like sustainability, lower emissions, smaller environmental impact, and diversification of energy supply.
02

The Current Situation

Evaluate the current status of the use of renewable energy on the global scale. Look at statistics for the usage of renewable energy like solar, wind, hydropower, biomass and geothermal energy. Make sure to consider both the successes and the challenges faced.
03

Identify the Prospects

Discuss the prospects of replacing fossil fuels with renewable-energy sources. This can be done by analyzing different factors like technological advancements, cost-effectiveness of renewable energy, governmental policies and public awareness about climate change. Also include the challenges that are faced in achieving this replacement, such as storage issues, geographical constraints, initial set-up costs, and policy and regulatory hurdles.
04

Form a Conclusion

Based on the points discussed earlier, form a conclusion that comprehensively answers the question. The conclusion should balance both the need for renewable energy and the practicality of fully implementing it in the near future.

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