Project 3: Argument Map: Renewable Energy by Aditya Bhandari

Argument: Transitioning to renewable energy is a crucial step for the betterment of our planet and future generations

ab2576_ — 2023-11-16 23:25:36 UTC

Yes; the pros outweigh the cons

ab2576_ — 2023-11-16 23:29:30 UTC

No; the cons outweigh the pros

ab2576_ — 2023-11-16 23:29:48 UTC

Abundance

ab2576_ — 2023-11-17 21:44:25 UTC

While fossil fuels are scarce, renewable energy is available in all countries. 90% of the world’s electricity could come from renewable energy by 2050.

Cheaper

ab2576_ — 2023-11-17 21:44:48 UTC

Renewable energy is the cheapest power option in most parts of the world today. The prices for renewable energy technologies are dropping rapidly as more is developed. In 2018, air pollution from fossil fuels caused $2.9 trillion in health and economic costs. The cost of electricity from solar power fell by 85 percent between 2010 and 2020. Costs of onshore and offshore wind energy fell by 56 percent and 48 percent respectively.

Healthier

ab2576_ — 2023-11-17 21:44:54 UTC

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of people in the world breathe air that exceeds the air quality limit. By increasing the use of renewable energy and decreasing the usage of fossil fuel, the air quality would get better. 13+ million deaths occur each year due to avoidable environmental causes. By focusing on renewable energy many lives would be saved.

Job Opportunity

ab2576_ — 2023-11-17 21:45:22 UTC

Every dollar that is invested in the renewable industry creates 3 times more jobs than in the fossil fuel industry. The IEA estimates that the transition towards net-zero emissions will increase the job market. While we would lose 5 million jobs in fossil fuel production by 2030, an estimated 14 million new jobs would be created, therefore increasing the overall job market. Furthermore, 16 million workers would be required for energy-related industries. This surge of 30 million new jobs would benefit those in need and decrease our poverty rates.

Economic Benefits

ab2576_ — 2023-11-17 21:45:43 UTC

Around 7 trillion dollars was spent on subsidizing the fossil fuel industry in 2022. This bill pays a large toll on our economy and the application of renewable energy would solve this issue. This switch would also alleviate those in poverty as renewable energy prices don't fluctuate as much as fossil fuels.

Wildlife Conservation

ab2576_ — 2023-11-17 21:46:06 UTC

Some types of renewable energy cause disturbances to wildlife. Wind turbines kill millions of migratory birds and bats each year from collisions. Hydroelectric dams block migration routes for fish which also prevents them from breeding and decreases population size. Concentrating solar plants produce beams of sunlight intense enough to desecrate insects and birds. By implementing more renewable energy the toll to wildlife would be catastrophic.

Poverty

ab2576_ — 2023-11-17 21:46:22 UTC

The initital implementation of renewable energy would cause a spike in energy prices and would affect the lower class the most. Thus the change could significantly increase income inequality and energy poverty.

Land Usage

ab2576_ — 2023-11-17 21:46:29 UTC

By 2035 it's projected that 50 million acres of new land will be developed for energy production in the United States by 2035, the majority from the production of renewable energy. These large plots of land will drive animals out of their habitat and decrease biodiversity.

E-waste

ab2576_ — 2023-11-17 21:46:42 UTC

As renewable energy technologies are still developing, they have a limited life span and need frequent replacement due to inefficiencies. There are concerns about the proper disposal and management of electronic waste and questions on its sustainability. Solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and other materials can contribute to e-waste if not recycled correctly.