Renewable energy
To help lessen the effects of climate change, we must reduce the level of greenhouse gases emitted. This can be achieved by generating our energy from renewable sources that emit low or even zero levels of greenhouse gases. As well as countering the effects of climate change, using renewable energy will also help to reduce other forms of environmental and social damage arising from the use of fossil fuels. For example, it will minimise the impact of acid rain on water supplies and forests, and reduce the impacts of localised air pollution on people's health.
Renewable energy is the term used to describe energy flows that occur naturally and continuously in the environment. These sources will never run out, and it is possible to make use of them without causing as much damage to the environment.
Wind
Wind represents a vast source of energy that has already been harnessed for hundreds of years. Wind power is currently one of the most developed and cost-effective renewable energy technologies.
Solar
Solar energy involves capturing and harnessing the sun's energy. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar cells convert sunlight into electricity. Buildings can also be designed to capture the sun's energy and reduce the need for artificial light and heating.
Biomass
Biomass fuels include waste generated from agricultural, industrial and commercial processes which can be burnt to produce energy (e.g. waste wood, straw, chicken litter and food processing wastes). Crops such as willow are also grown specifically to generate biomass fuel. Crops take carbon out of the air when they are growing, so the overall effect on the environemnt when they are burnt is neutral.
Wave and tidal
Both wave energy and tidal power involve harnessing the natural movement and energy contained in the ocean by using machinery that converts it into electrical power.
Hydro-electric
Hydroelectric power is the energy derived from flowing water in rivers, or from man-made installations where water flows from a high-level reservoir down through a tunnel and away from the dam. Water power has been used for centuries to power machinery.
Geothermal
Geothermal energy involves the exploitation of heat stored within the earth. It can be used directly to provide heating. Alternatively, geothermal power plants can access steam, heat or hot water from geothermal reservoirs underground, which can be used to turn generators and produce electricity.