Integrating renewable energy into our daily lives has many great benefits. It helps us live in a way that is better for our planet. Let’s look at some of these benefits:

1. Less Pollution

• Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro (water) create very little to no pollution when they are used. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that switching to renewable energy could cut down carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80% by the year 2050.
• The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) suggests that by using more renewable energy, we could avoid about $70 trillion in damages caused by climate change around the world by 2050.

2. Being Energy Independent

• By using local renewable resources, countries can rely less on fuels that need to be brought in from other places. For example, in 2020, renewable energy made up 21% of all the energy used in the United States. This shows that we are moving toward being self-sufficient with our energy.
• This independence can help protect us from changes in fuel prices and can make our national security stronger.

3. Job Opportunities and Economic Growth

• The renewable energy industry is growing quickly. As of 2018, it employed about 11.5 million people around the world, and this number is expected to keep rising.
• When we invest in renewable technologies, we can help local economies grow. A report called the National Solar Jobs Census showed that solar jobs increased by 20% from 2017 to 2019.

4. Saving Money Over Time

• In the last ten years, the cost of solar panels has dropped by about 89%, making them very affordable. According to a company called Lazard, the cost of electricity from large solar projects was between $36 and$44 per megawatt-hour (MWh) in 2020.
• Homeowners can save money on their energy bills and even make money by selling extra energy back to the grid.

5. Better Health for Everyone

• Using renewable energy helps cut down on air pollution, which leads to better health for everyone. A study from the University of California found that switching to renewable energy could save more than $80 billion in health care costs linked to air pollution by 2030.

By using renewable energy sources, people and communities can make a big difference in creating a cleaner and healthier future.