Why renewable
Why Renewable?
Sustainable
The energy that has powered our lifestyles has come from fossil fuels - decayed plant and animal matter that has been compressed and locked up under the ground over millions of years. This energy is being used up at an incredible rate and is not being replaced. This situation cannot continue indefintely. We face 2 simple options: dramatically reduce the energy we consume or find another source for it. Renewable energy is energy that can be replaced quickly and as often as we like. It is all based on solar energy of one form or another - either direct (e.g. solar panels) or indirect (wind, wood fuel).
Environmental
When fuel is burnt, it releases Carbon Dioxide (CO2). This CO2 allows energy (sunlight - visible light) to pass through it but traps that energy inside (heat energy - infra red). Glass acts in much the same way which is why this is called the Greenhouse effect. If there were no CO2 in our atmosphere, the planet would be feel very cold indeed so it is a good thing at the right concentrations. Over millions of years plants (which take in CO2 and give out Oxygen) have come to a balance with animals (which take in Oxygen and give out CO2) that means the planet is a good temperature for the plants and animals that live here now. By burning a fossil fuel, we release many tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere. This increases the CO2 concentration which in turn leads to an increase in the temperature of the planet - global warming. Although the planet will eventually adjust to this new temperature and CO2 concentration, many areas will be flooded and many species of plants and animals will not survive the change. The geographical areas that we will be able to produce various types of food will also change. The upshot for humanity could be extremely traumatic through things like famine, mass migration and war.
Financial
If the sustainability and environmental benefits of using renewable energy were not enough, we have already got to the stage where most renewables are actually cheaper than the fossil fuels they replace. In many cases, once you buy the equipment it will go on producing completely free energy for many years. Investing in renewables gives solid, predictable returns - something that cannot be said for other investments.