Climate change is one of the most serious challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. The increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is leading to global warming, which in turn is causing extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and the degradation of ecosystems. To counteract these adverse phenomena, it is necessary not only for the global commitment of governments and corporations but also for the individual actions of each of us. The transformation of the energy sector towards renewable sources plays a key role in the fight against climate change.
In this article, we will look at how renewable energy can contribute to reducing climate change. We will discuss different sources of renewable energy, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, and compare them with traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources. We will present data on the greenhouse gas emissions associated with each of these sources and explore the climate benefits of switching to renewable energy.
By better understanding the link between renewable energy and climate change mitigation, we hope to inspire you to take action towards a more sustainable future for our planet.
From this article, you will learn:
- What is climate change and what are its main causes?
- What are the effects of global warming on the environment and public health?
- What are the differences in greenhouse gas emissions between traditional and renewable energy sources?
- How can renewable energy contribute to reducing climate change?
- What are the benefits of renewable energy for air quality and sustainability?
- What specific actions can each of us take to reduce our negative impact on the environment?
- How can Newell products support sustainable practices in the home and office?
Understanding climate change
The focus of today’s text will be on long-term weather changes, which can be caused by both natural processes and human activities. In the contemporary context, climate change mainly refers to global warming, an increase in the Earth’s average temperature as a result of increased greenhouse gas emissions. Gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect.
Causes of climate change
The main cause of modern climate change is human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These processes emit huge amounts of carbon dioxide, which is the main greenhouse gas. In addition, deforestation and land use changes reduce the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO2, compounding the problem. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions have been the main cause of the observed temperature rise since the mid-20th century.
Effects of global warming
The effects of global warming are diverse and affect various aspects of life on Earth. These include:
- Extreme weather events – increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, and floods.
- Sea level rise – melting glaciers and expanding seawater are causing sea levels to rise, threatening coastal areas.
- Ecosystem degradation – rising temperatures and changes in precipitation affect biodiversity, leading to the extinction of many species and disruption of ecosystems.
- Effects on human health – climate change affects health by increasing infectious diseases, exacerbating air quality problems, and heat stress.
Energy sources and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are the world’s main source of energy. However, their combustion is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Coal emits the most CO2 per unit of energy of all fossil fuels. Oil, used mainly in transport, is also a significant source of emissions. Natural gas is often promoted as a ‘cleaner’ fossil fuel, but its extraction and transport can lead to emissions of methane, which is a much more potent greenhouse gas than CO2.
Solar energy
Solar energy is one of the cleanest sources of renewable energy. Manufacturing solar panels involves some greenhouse gas emissions, but these are minimal compared to burning fossil fuels. Once installed, solar panels generate electricity directly from the sun’s radiation, emitting no CO2 or other pollutants during operation. Reports indicate that solar panels can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional energy sources.
Wind energy
Wind energy is another key player in the fight against climate change. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. The emissions associated with wind energy are mainly due to the manufacture, transport, and installation of the turbines, but they are significantly lower than for fossil fuels. In practice, wind energy is one of the cleanest and most sustainable energy sources.
Hydropower
Hydropower, also known as hydropower, is one of the oldest and most developed renewable energy sources. Large hydropower projects, such as dams, can experience methane emissions from decaying organic matter in submerged areas, but overall hydropower has low CO2 emissions. Small hydropower plants that do not create large reservoirs are even more environmentally friendly.
Biomass
Biomass is organic matter used as an energy source. It can come from agricultural waste, forestry waste, or specially grown energy crops. Burning biomass emits CO2, but in theory, the plants used to produce biomass absorb as much CO2 during growth as is emitted during combustion, creating a closed carbon cycle. However, emissions can depend on the type of biomass and its processing methods. Properly managed, biomass can be a sustainable source of energy that contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Benefits of renewable energy in the context of climate change
One of the most important benefits of renewable energy is the significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional energy sources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, generate large amounts of CO2 and other harmful substances when burned. In contrast, renewable energy, including solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, emits significantly less greenhouse gases, and in some cases virtually none at all. Switching to renewable energy sources can therefore significantly reduce global CO2 emissions, which is key to reducing global warming.
Improving air quality and health
Air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter are often the result of burning fossil fuels and hurt human health. They cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and premature deaths. Renewable energy generates significantly less of these pollutants, leading to improved air quality and health benefits for the population. Studies show that switching to renewable energy sources can reduce air pollution-related deaths by up to millions per year.
Sustainability and energy independence
Renewable energy promotes sustainability because it relies on resources that are naturally renewable and not depleting, unlike fossil fuels. In addition, countries that invest in renewable energy sources can reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels, leading to greater energy independence. This can also strengthen local economies by creating jobs in the renewable energy sector, such as installing and maintaining solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric power plants.
Individual action to reduce energy consumption
Each of us can contribute to the fight against climate change by reducing energy consumption in our daily lives. Simple measures such as insulating your home can significantly reduce the need for heating and cooling, which translates into lower CO2 emissions. Choosing energy-efficient household appliances and LED lighting also allows for significant energy savings. Regular servicing of heating and air-conditioning appliances increases their efficiency and thus reduces energy consumption. Every step towards reducing energy consumption helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Use of public transport, bicycles, electric cars
Transport is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Using public transport instead of cars significantly reduces CO2 emissions. Cycling is an environmentally friendly alternative for short journeys and also promotes a healthy lifestyle. Electric cars, powered by energy from renewable sources, represent the future of sustainable transport. Investing in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and supporting policies that promote their use can help reduce emissions from the transport sector.
Installing solar panels, participating in green energy programs
Installing solar panels on the roof of your home is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint. With solar panels you can produce your clean energy, leading to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. For those who cannot install solar panels, participating in green energy programs offered by energy suppliers is an alternative. These programs allow consumers to purchase energy from renewable sources, thereby supporting the growth of the green energy sector.
Conscious purchasing choices
Conscious consumerism means making purchasing decisions taking into account their environmental impact. Choosing products with a low carbon footprint, such as those made from renewable materials and in a sustainable way, can significantly reduce our impact on the planet. Supporting companies that use renewable energy and adopt sustainable production practices also contributes to environmental protection. In addition, reducing food waste and recycling are simple steps that each of us can take to reduce our negative impact on the climate.
Replace batteries with Newell batteries
Change starts with small steps. You don’t have to immediately build a hydroelectric power station or put windmills under your house. With Newell, you can make a small but significant change in your home or business. It’s all about replacing traditional batteries with rechargeable batteries. These are more environmentally friendly as they can be recharged several times and used for a long time, significantly reducing waste and the need to frequently buy new batteries.
An ecological and economical solution
Traditional disposable batteries, once used, become hazardous waste that is difficult to dispose of. Newell rechargeable batteries can be recharged hundreds of times, reducing waste and saving money. Newell rechargeable batteries offer high performance and reliability. They are ideal for powering electronic devices in the home, such as remote controls, toys, torches, as well as office equipment. Newell batteries are easy to use and come in a variety of sizes, allowing them to be used in many devices. We also offer chargers that allow you to charge the cells quickly and safely, which makes using them even more efficient.
Here’s something else you need to know. All our rechargeable batteries and chargers come with a 40-month guarantee. If there’s anything that concerns you, let us know and our claims department will help resolve the problem with express speed.
USB-C rechargeable batteries
Some time ago, innovative USB-C rechargeable batteries were also added to our range. Each cell in the new product line offers up to 1,200 charging cycles. This means that one rechargeable battery can replace up to 1,200 disposable batteries! We have also taken care to support state-of-the-art technology. Our new batteries are extremely resistant to self-discharge. If you charge them to full, you can be sure that they will retain around 80% of their energy after 12 months of storage. The batteries with integrated USB-C ports have been created using lithium-ion technology. As a result, they can be charged, discharged, and recharged repeatedly at any time. With our cells, you will also avoid the occurrence of the so-called memory effect, i.e. the “remembering” of reduced usage time.
Newell’s line-up of the latest “USB-C” products is as follows:
- Newell AA USB-C 1550 mAh 2-pack blister – AAA batteries are some of the most popular batteries in the world. In the set, you will find 2 Newell rechargeable batteries with USB-C ports and a power cable. You will use them to power clocks, remote controls, torches, game controllers, smoke detectors, blood pressure monitors, or toys, among other things.
- Newell AAA USB-C battery 500 mAh 2 pcs blister – a slightly smaller version of the “sticks” will work well for similar types of devices. These batteries are also sold in sets of 2, including the included cable.
- Newell 9 V USB-C 500 mAh battery – an excellent alternative to traditional 6F22 rectangular batteries. The cells are used, among other things, in radios, calculators, smoke detectors, wall clocks, or electrical circuits used for scientific purposes. USB-A / USB-C cable included.
- Newell 18650 USB-C 2200 mAh battery – cells that are gaining in popularity finally lived to see a variant with an integrated USB-C port. They are used in cameras, camcorders, torches, electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and power tools, among others.
Go green!
Climate change is a challenge we all face. Each of us can play an important role in the fight against global warming by making informed decisions about our energy consumption and supporting the development of renewable energy sources. Switching to renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting green initiatives are steps that can bring significant benefits to our planet and future generations.
By offering energy-efficient LED lighting, rechargeable batteries, and solar-compatible devices, we aim to support the planet. With these solutions, each of us can make small but significant changes that add up to make a big impact on the environment.