scholarly journals The 21st Century Coal Question: China, India, Development, and Climate Change

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 476
Author(s):  
Kevin J. Warner ◽  
Glenn A. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Community Based ◽  
China And India ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Fossil Fuel Emissions

China and India are not only the two most populous nations on Earth, they are also two of the most rapidly growing economies. Historically, economic and social development have been subsidized by cheap and abundant fossil-fuels. Climate change from fossil-fuel emissions has resulted in the need to reduce fossil-fuel emissions in order to avoid catastrophic warming. If climate goals are achieved, China and India will have been the first major economies to develop via renewable energy sources. In this article, we examine the factors of projected population growth, available fossil-fuel reserves, and renewable energy installations required to develop scenarios in which both China and India may increase per capita energy consumption while remaining on trach to meet ambitious climate goals. Here, we show that China and India will have to expand their renewable energy infrastructure at unprecedented rates in order to support both population growth and development goals. In the larger scope of the literature, we recommend community-based approaches to microgrid and cookstove development in both China and India.

scholarly journals Likelihood of climate change pathways under uncertainty on fossil fuel resource availability

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2482-2496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iñigo Capellán-Pérez ◽  
Iñaki Arto ◽  
Josué M. Polanco-Martínez ◽  
Mikel González-Eguino ◽  
Marc B. Neumann
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Resource Availability ◽  
Entire Range ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Fuel Resource ◽  
Climate Action

The consideration of the entire range of revised estimates of fossil fuels resources shows that their depletion is likely to occur during the 21st century accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources but not alleviating the need for urgent climate action.

scholarly journals Post COVID-19 Recovery and 2050 Climate Change Targets: Changing the Emphasis from Promotion of Renewables to Mandated Curtailment of Fossil Fuels in the EU Policies

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 1347
Author(s):  
Kyriakos Maniatis ◽  
David Chiaramonti ◽  
Eric van den Heuvel
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
European Union ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Climate Change Policy ◽  
Climate Impacts ◽  
The European Union

The present work considers the dramatic changes the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the global economy, with particular emphasis on energy. Focusing on the European Union, the article discusses the opportunities policy makers can implement to reduce the climate impacts and achieve the Paris Agreement 2050 targets. The analysis specifically looks at the fossil fuels industry and the future of the fossil sector post COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis first revises the fossil fuel sector, and then considers the need for a shift of the global climate change policy from promoting the deployment of renewable energy sources to curtailing the use of fossil fuels. This will be a change to the current global approach, from a relative passive one to a strategically dynamic and proactive one. Such a curtailment should be based on actual volumes of fossil fuels used and not on percentages. Finally, conclusions are preliminary applied to the European Union policies for net zero by 2050 based on a two-fold strategy: continuing and reinforcing the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive to 2035, while adopting a new directive for fixed and over time increasing curtailment of fossils as of 2025 until 2050.

scholarly journals TENDENCY OF GLOBAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN THE WORLD IN THE LAST TEN YEARS

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isak Karabegović
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
The World

It is well-known that, in the past decades, the burning of fossil fuels was identified as the major cause of climate change. Climate change mitigation is becoming a central concern of global society. Limiting global warming to below 2 °C above the temperature of the pre-industrial period is the key to preserving global ecosystems and providing a secure basis for human activities, as well as reducing excessive environmental change. The ambitions increased at an accelerated pace with a dramatic expansion of net zero-emission targets. Increasing pressure from citizens and society has forced countries to intensify their climate plans, while the private sector has bought a record amount of renewable energy. An energy system based on fossil fuels must be replaced by renewable energy with low carbon emissions with improved energy efficiency. That applies to all consumers of fossil energy: cities, villages, building sectors, industry, transport, agriculture, and forestry. The paper explores and presents the strategy of energy development of renewable energy sources in the world. The application of new technologies that have led to developing renewable energy sources is presented in detail: wind energy, solar energy, small hydropower plants, biomass, and their increase in the total share of energy production, i.e., reduced fossil fuel use in energy production. Investments in new technologies used in renewable energy sources have led to increases in employment worldwide. Analysis of the trend of increased energy production from RES (Renewable Energy Sources) with investment plans, the employment rate for each energy source, and the development of renewable energy sources in the coming period are provided.

scholarly journals Risks of switching to renewable energy sources

2021 ◽  
Vol 101 ◽  
pp. 01010
Author(s):  
E.S. Romanova ◽  
A.A. Masalkova
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
International Treaties ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2

This research work is devoted to the issue of studying the key risks of switching to renewable energy sources. The relevance of the topic of work is determined by the fact that, according to climatologists [5], climate change, which has a negative impact on the environment, is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2). For this reason, measures to prevent or reduce greenhouse gas emissions are at the heart of the energy transition. International treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement lay the foundations for global action to combat climate change and implement a fourth energy transition. The energy transition is characterized by a number of incentives and barriers. Despite the fact that there are many scenarios for the development of the global energy sector by 2050, the expected transformations of the energy market lead to a significant redistribution of the ratio of the shares of hydrocarbon sources and renewable energy sources [16]. The trend towards fossil fuels is on the rise. These transformations in the market are determined not only by the climate agenda, but also by the concept of sustainable economic development.

scholarly journals Multicriteria assessment of renewable energy sources in Serbia

Tehnika ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-385
Author(s):  
Bojan Stojčetović ◽  
Milan Mišić ◽  
Aleksandar Đorđević
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Multicriteria Decision Making ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Potential Solution ◽  
Analytical Hierarchical Process ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Multicriteria Assessment

The development of today's economies is inconceivable without energy. However, fossil fuel reserves are declining, climate change is accelerating and some changes in the energy sector are needed. Renewable energy sources are a potential solution for many scientists and practitioners. However, the planning and implementation of renewable energy projects requires consideration of a number of criteria, which is why multicriteria decision-making methods are often used to evaluate renewable energy sources/technologies. Goal of this paper is to evaluate four types of renewable energy sources (photovoltaic, hydro, biomass and wind energy) in Serbia. Analytical hierarchical process and seven criteria were applied. Based on the obtained results, hydro sources are ranked the best. Also, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine whether changes in the priority of criteria would cause changes in the range of alternatives. It was found that major changes in priorities are needed for changes to occur, so it can be concluded that the results obtained are relevant.

scholarly journals Renewable Energy Technologies as “Saving Graces” for Pacific Island Nations Fighting Climate Change

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 117-125
Author(s):  
Rena Lovo ◽  
Eric Gilder ◽  
Ora Renagi ◽  
Dapsy Olatona
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Pacific Island ◽  
Sustainable Renewable Energy ◽  
Pacific Island Nations

Abstract In this study, the authors carried out a detailed analysis of the technologies required for successful implementation of a sustainable renewable energy household power supply in Papua New Guinea or PNG (PNG is a Pacific Island nation, North of Australia) to free the country from fossil fuel dependency. The role of renewable energy sources in the recent PNG National Energy Policy covering 2018 to 2050 (unveiled at the 2018 March Energy Summit in Port Moresby by the PNG Minister of Energy) was also analysed. From the outcome of our recently concluded SERI 2018 Renewable Energy conference, we assembled into a single hypothetical ‘energy basket’ all the varied renewable ‘green’ energy sources within PNG (as estimated by our energy research groups). This paper estimates that there is sufficient renewable energy in PNG and advocates that these available green energy sources should be tapped, for they can go a long way in the quest for climate change mitigation. This research paper will articulate that shifting PNG’s and other Pacific Island nations’ energy reliance from fossil fuels and other non-renewable sources to renewable green and environmentally sustainable sources is not only achievable, but feasible within a reasonable time.

Transitioning to Renewable Sources of Electricity: Motivations, Policy, and Potential

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea Schelly
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Good News ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Renewable Sources ◽  
Transmission Grid ◽  
Electricity Infrastructure

The electricity grid in the United States may be the largest, most pervasive technological system ever constructed to meet the needs and comforts of human beings (Nye 1997). Although it is less than 150 years old, the electricity infrastructure of this nation is ubiquitous; power lines stretch across deserts, forests, states, highways, and the entire nation in order to provide electricity to residences, businesses, and communities. The electricity carried by these transmission lines is generally produced using fossil fuels (mostly coal; see US Energy Information Administration 2012) and is most commonly generated at a monstrously large facility (a coal plant, a nuclear facility, or a hydropower dam). Our electricity infrastructure was constructed to carry enormous amounts of electricity across vast geographical expanses, based on the massive generation facilities and concentrated fossil fuel based energy sources that defined the system and its use. However, there are increasing concerns regarding the sources of our energy supply. Many of these concerns are related to climate change and how carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels contribute to rising global temperatures and the climate instability of the planet (Brown 2003). Additional concerns include the host of other environmental damages caused by the use of coal (Epstein et al. 2011), nuclear energy (Slovic et al. 1991), and hydro-electricity (Dincer 1998); other debates involve worries about nearing or reaching peak energy supplies (Brown 2003), energy security (Yergin 2006), and the aging transmission grid (Amin 2003). For a multitude of reasons, many would agree that it’s time to rethink our dependence on fossil fuel based forms of energy and move toward alternative, renewable energy sources (Brown 2003, pp. 116–135). The good news is, the renewable energy industry gets bigger every year, with more energy from renewable sources being produced, sold, and used (Sherwood 2011). Some US states have enacted renewable energy standards requiring that a certain percentage of their electricity supply come from renewable sources. Tax incentives, subsidies, and various forms of rebates, in financially incentivizing renewable energy adoption, also provide evidence that we are indeed moving in the direction of clean, renewable sources of energy.

Communicating about Solar Energy and Climate Change

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarla Rai Peterson ◽  
Cristi C. Horton
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Political Influence ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Climate Change Communication ◽  
Change Communication

Transitioning to renewable energy systems requires changing the ways people interact with energy as well as technological change. This shift involves social changes that include modifications in norms, policies, and governance. Multiple sociopolitical factors shape the likelihood that solar energy will emerge as a significant component in energy systems around the world. This article describes ways climate change communication may be strategically employed to encourage substantial deployment of solar installations and other renewable energy resources as part of the innovations that contribute to transition and transformation of current energy systems. Understanding how communication may contribute to integration of more solar power into energy systems begins with examining current public awareness of and engagement with solar energy, as well as other low-carbon energy resources. With this foundation, climate change communication can contribute to research, development, and deployment of solar energy installations, by facilitating strategic alignment of solar energy with existing interests and preferences of its stakeholders. These stakeholders include elites who fear that shifting the energy system away from fossil fuels threatens their political influence and financial profits, energy workers who fear it will bring further reductions in already reduced wages, and those who perceive fossil fuels as the only alternative to opportunistic mixtures of animal waste and biofuel. Climate change communicators have the unenviable task of helping all of these groups imagine and participate in transitioning energy systems toward greater reliance on renewable energy sources, such as Sun. This article briefly describes the development and implementation solar energy technologies, and suggests how strategic communication may contribute to further implementation. It concludes with examples of differential deployment trajectories of solar energy in the Navajo Nation and Germany. These cases demonstrate that neither the endowment of natural resources nor the material energy needs of a location fully explain energy decisions. Indeed, social dimensions such as culture, economics, and governance play equally important roles. This provides numerous opportunities for climate change communicators to strategically highlight the ways that solar energy responds to immediate needs and desires, while simultaneously contributing to climate change mitigation.

scholarly journals Hydropower and Sustainability

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hemlal Bhattarai
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Source ◽  
Renewable Energy Source ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Hydropower Project ◽  
Power Sector ◽  
Strategic Measures

Renewable energy sources are gaining momentum in power sector mainly to address the impacts of climate change as well as the risks associated with usage of fossil fuels or nuclear energy sources. Hydropower is one of the most promising renewable energy source-based power plant that hold significant shares globally. But there are series of risks associated with hydropower project when we talk about sustainability and needs are felt to critically understand the pertaining risks as well as protocols or measures to quantify the risks. Such measure will prove to be crucial in underlining the strategic measures from planning, construction and operation phases of hydropower keeping on account of its sustainability.

scholarly journals Nuclear energy in the context of climate change

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-25
Author(s):  
Vasile Popa ◽  
Octavian Cocoș
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Source ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Current State ◽  
Development Prospects

Human society faces the great challenge of drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions while providing increased amounts of energy. Although the share of renewable energy sources has increased in recent years, fossil fuels are still widely used and burning them makes large amounts of carbon dioxide enter the atmosphere. However, renewable energy sources may not be able to supply in time enough energy to replace fossil fuels. Under the circumstances, the question arises as to whether nuclear energy could play a significant role in mitigating climate change. Although there is still confidence and support for nuclear energy, it is unlikely that this energy source will make a greater contribution to combating climate change in the coming decades. This study analyzes the current state of nuclear energy, as well as the development prospects in the context of climate change and risks to the environment and human health.

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