Is renewable energy key for a healthier planet, better future?

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Energy is at the heart of climate change and key to the solution. According to the UN, climate change action, such as renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, emit little to no greenhouse gases. These are readily available and in most cases cheaper than coal, oil or gas.

Accordingly, a large amount of the greenhouse gases that blanket the earth and trap the sun’s heat, are generated through energy production, by burning fossil fuels to generate electricity.

Statistics

Statistics show fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, are by far the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. This justifies the reason why we should focus more on renewable energy.

To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030; just six years to go and reach net-zero by 2050, according to UN climate change action to limit global warming to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels, six years to 2030 and 26yrs to 2050. This is a small margin to achieve the goal.

Employment

The UN on climate change action estimates that 30 million jobs will be created by renewable energy factories worldwide, in addition to a potential $4.2 trillion in savings due to reduced climate change impacts. This urges governments, such as Uganda, to invest more in renewable energy sources.

The current climate cataclysm looming, the pace and scale of current climate action plans are wholly insufficient to effectively tackle climate change.

The increasing frequent and intense extreme weather events are already impacting every region on earth, no one is being spared. Rising temperatures are escalating these hazards further, posing grave risks, thus requiring urgent and transformative measures, going beyond mere plans and promises made at both COP28 and other COPs that have happened before.

Shall we keep drawing plans and making empty promises towards the climate change crisis, No, we need to wake up and strike against these empty promises and plans made year in year out.

We must, therefore, come to terms that absolutely, renewable energy plays a crucial role in creating a healthier planet and a better future for all.

This is because renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and hydropower, produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions, if the world transit away from fossil fuels, we can significantly mitigate climate change and improve air quality. Thanks to the Kiira EV for championing this in Uganda through electric cars. The ideas so far created through the green school initiative, if fully replicated and funded, could further create a sustainable impact on climate change.

The initiative, which is supported by New Vision, FAO and the Swedish embassy in Uganda, brings together over 100 schools countrywide.

We must also agree that cleaner energy means cleaner air. Reducing air pollution leads to better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs and a safer environment for everyone.

In cities, such as Kampala, the quality of air is poor, compared to rural areas, such as Karamoja.

Technologies focused on renewables tend to have fewer trade-offs and more benefits, including improved public health and wealth. This is in addition to renewable energy usually derived from natural resources that are continuously replenished, making it a sustainable choice.

Uganda and the rest of the world must go back to the drawing board and harness wind, solar, geothermal and other sources to power without depleting finite fossil fuels.

I, therefore, encourage governments, more so Uganda, to embrace renewable energy because it is not only essential for our planet’s health, but also paves the way for a more sustainable future for us all.

The writer is the deputy headteacher, Lolachat Seed Secondary School/ Co-ordinator Green Schools