

So how does renewable energy work? Here's a look at seven clean energy sources that can be tapped directly or indirectly to help our world go green and fight global warming. (Learn all about going solar in our Solar Resource Center.) Solar and wind power, in particular, are now less expensive than fossil fuels in many parts of the world, and the price keeps decreasing annually. Even if we did not face the threat of climate change, minimizing pollution is basic for good health.Īnd what's good for the environment is increasingly good economically for homeowners and businesses. This is why renewable energy sources are so important – they are our ticket to a less polluted world.

Wind turbines use the sun's energy to generate clean electricity, but there are environmental impacts from the manufacturing process.Īll told, though, alternative energy resources pack a much lighter environmental footprint than fossil fuels. For instance, dams harness the power of moving water, but they can also harm fish and wildlife. Just because an energy source is renewable doesn't mean it's 100 percent environmentally safe. These sustainable energy sources are often called "alternative energy" because they're considered to be an alternative to traditional fossil fuels such as oil and coal.

They are part of the planet's physical structure, which means they are constantly being renewed by natural means. Have you been wondering what "renewable energy" really means? Renewable energy sources are literally found in sunlight, in the air, deep underground and in our oceans. What is Renewable Energy and How Does It Work?
