CLIMATE CHANGES, GREENHOUSE GASSES AND RENEWABLE ENERGY: What is the Link?

Atmospheric concentrations of several important greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and most man-made gases) have increased by about 25 percent since large-scale industrialisation began some 150 years ago. The growth in their concentrations is believed to be caused by human (anthropogenic) activity. In particular, anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions have increased dramatically since the beginning of the industrial age due largely to the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

Global Warming Animation

Renewable energy provides a new avenue for rural economic development, increases the tax base, insures against rising or variable fuel costs, decreases dependence on foreign energy sources, and offers numerous environmental benefits. As compared to traditional fossil fuels, renewable energy is a labour-intensive sector that generates a wide variety of high-wage and high-skilled jobs in the areas of research and development; design and manufacturing; construction and installation of power-generating facilities; cultivation and collection of fuel in the case of biomass; and operation and maintenance jobs. In addition to providing good returns on investments, renewable energy could create thousands of jobs, increase incomes in rural areas, and generate additional tax revenue.