The Role of Solar Energy in Global Warming Reduction

By: Reymart Cereneo


Introduction

    Renewable energy is widely recognized as the ideal solution to the impending crisis of global warming. Solar energy is one of these renewable energies which uses the sun's light and heat to generate renewable or 'green' power. Because of the low levels of pollution associated with its use, people are increasingly inclined to use solar energy which has resulted in an increase in solar operations across the world. Several solar energy revolutions have been quickly successful, making it easier for individuals and organizations to switch to solar energy as their source of energy. Solar energy has variety of applications and has a big role in reducing global warming.

Buildings and Homes

    Solar energy can be utilized to produce electricity, which can then be used to power lighting, appliances, and other electronic devices in homes and buildings. [1] Solar energy is also used to provide hot water, space heating, cooling, and pool heating for residential and commercial application by utilizing Solar Heating & Cooling (SHC) Technologies that collect thermal energy from the sun. This can help reduce the amount of energy used for heating and cooling. [2] This means that fewer fossil fuels will be burned and fewer carbon dioxide emissions will be released into the atmosphere.

Transportation

   Solar power can reduce global warming in the transportation sector in several ways. One way is by reducing the amount of energy used to power vehicles. Electric vehicles powered by solar energy are becoming increasingly popular, as they are more efficient and do not emit any pollutants or greenhouse gases. [3, 4] Additionally, solar energy can be used to power public transportation systems, such as buses, trains, and trams, which can reduce the number of vehicles on the road and the amount of energy used to move people. [5] Solar power can also be used to power electric boats, which can reduce the amount of fuel used to power boats and reduce the amount of air and water pollution caused by fuel-powered boats. [6]

Industrial Applications

   Solar energy can be used to generate heat for a wide range of industrial applications, such as water desalination, enhanced oil recovery, food processing, chemical production, and mineral processing, to name a few. This can be accomplished using either concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) or photovoltaic-powered resistive heaters or heat pumps. This can reduce the amount of energy used for industrial processes, which in turn can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. [7]

Conclusion

   In conclusion, solar energy is a powerful tool for reducing global warming. Solar energy can be used in buildings and homes to reduce the amount of energy used from traditional sources, as well as to power electric vehicles, public transportation systems, and boats. All of these measures can help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, which can help reduce global warming. Solar energy is a renewable energy source, meaning that it can be used over and over again without depleting the resources and is clean, this means that it does not produce any harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases. Therefore, solar energy is an effective way to reduce global warming.

References

[1] L. Shinn, "NRDC," [Online]. Available: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/renewable-energy-clean-facts. [Accessed 15 February 2023].

[2] S. E. I. Association, "SEIA," [Online]. Available: https://www.seia.org/initiatives/solar-heating-cooling. [Accessed 15 February 2023].

[3] "EDF," [Online]. Available: https://www.edfenergy.com/energywise/electric-cars-and-environment. [Accessed 16 February 2023].

[4] Z. HAUSFATHER, "CarbonBrief," [Online]. Available: https://www.carbonbrief.org/factcheck-how-electric-vehicles-help-to-tackle-climate-change/. [Accessed 16 February 2023].

[5] EnGoPlanet. [Online]. Available: https://www.engoplanet.com/single-post/solar-energy-uses-in-public-transportation. [Accessed 16 February 2023].

[6]"Conserve Energy Future," [Online]. Available: https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/solar-boats.php. [Accessed 16 February 2023].

[7]"ENERGY.GOV," Department of Energy, [Online]. Available: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-industrial-processes. [Accessed 16 February 2023].

Image Sources

Figure 1: https://www.hahasmart.com/blog/620/solar-energy-helps-reduce-global-warming

Figure 2: https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/solar-boats.php

Figure 3: https://www.solarsense-uk.com/filter_sector/solar-panel-installer-manufacturing-companies

 


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