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Biology-Related Homework Help Environmental and Conservation Biology Topic started by: ppk on Dec 30, 2011



Title: In general, what has spurred the use of renewable energy and what are the benefi
Post by: ppk on Dec 30, 2011
In general, what has spurred the use of renewable energy and what are the benefits of its use in environmental and economic terms? 


Title: Re: In general, what has spurred the use of renewable energy and what are the benefi
Post by: star on Dec 31, 2011
Renewable energy use is growing fast, due to advances in technology and increasing concern over the environmental impacts of fossil fuel combustion. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable sources are inexhaustible on time scales relevant to human societies, and their use will help alleviate air pollution and the greenhouse gas emissions that are driving global warming. Renewable energy can also bring economic benefits. Developing renewables can help diversity an economy's mix of energy, lowering price volatility and protecting against shocks, such as the 1973 oil embargo, by lessening dependence on foreign fuel. New energy sources require more hands-on labor than fossil fuel industries and so can create new employment opportunities and sources of income and property tax for local communities, often rural areas passed over by other types of economic development.