Article Summary –
North Carolina is investing in clean energy to tackle climate change impacts like flooding and heat. Clean energy, such as solar and wind, reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The state ranks high in solar power and has potential in offshore wind. Investments create jobs and are economically beneficial.
North Carolina’s Clean Energy Revolution Amid Climate Challenges
In North Carolina, clean energy investments play a vital role as the state faces severe climate change effects like flooding, drought, and extreme heat. Inventor Charles Brush revolutionized energy in 1888 with the first automated wind turbine, powering his Ohio mansion. This innovation marked a significant leap in using wind energy, an idea dating back centuries with early windmills in Iran and Europe.
Nearly 140 years later, clean energy, particularly wind, is essential in tackling climate change. But what is clean energy? It’s energy from natural sources like sunlight and wind, constantly replenished and vital for climate change solutions.
Understanding Clean Energy
Clean energy, or renewable energy, comes from natural sources like sunlight or wind. Unlike fossil fuels—responsible for over 75% of greenhouse gas emissions—clean energy reduces pollution and curbs climate change. The UN states fossil fuel emissions lead to global warming and natural disasters.
Types of Renewable Energy
Clean energy includes solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal. Solar energy, harnessed through photovoltaic cells, ranks North Carolina fourth in the U.S. for installed capacity, with nearly 10% of its electricity from solar. Wind energy uses turbines, and North Carolina has the second-highest offshore wind potential due to its coastline.
Hydroelectric power uses fast-moving water, while biomass involves burning organic material to generate electricity. Despite concerns, some biomass forms offer low-carbon energy. Geothermal energy utilizes hot underground water, with low emissions if managed properly, though there’s a risk of increased earthquakes.
Importance of Clean Energy in Combating Climate Change
Climate change poses severe public health risks, evident from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, which resulted in numerous fatalities. The North Carolina Climate Science Report predicts significant climate shifts, increasing natural disasters like stronger hurricanes. Transitioning to renewable energy is crucial to reducing harmful emissions.
Additional Benefits of Clean Energy
The clean energy sector generates billions annually, with the market expected to exceed $2 trillion by 2035 according to the International Energy Agency. Renewable energy is becoming more cost-competitive with fossil fuels, and clean energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act have benefited over 3.4 million U.S. households in 2023. Furthermore, clean energy investments create jobs, with nearly 150,000 new jobs added last year, as the US Department of Energy reports.
North Carolina has received $3.4 billion from the Clean Energy Plan, leading to nearly 4,800 new jobs, highlighting the economic impact of clean energy investments.
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