World Sustainable Energy Days

Energy Transition Now – Fast, Smart, Resilient!

Humans’ urge for more and more energy is enhanced. In the hurry to make energy available, societies put caution to the wind. Excess use of energy beyond what is needed starts impacting the planet. The need to use energy sustainably has dawned on humanity. The sustainability of energy alsoincludes considerations of its impact on the environment. Some renewable energy sources, such as wind, hydroelectric power, solar, and geothermal, are more sustainable than fossil fuel sources. The use of biofuels has the problem of causing more environmental damage. Using natural gas would give the world time to switch to more sustainable options in the long term. While discussing sustainable energy, one should not forget to discuss nuclear energy, a low-carbon and sustainable source. The need for energy transition is understood and accepted. Fast, Intelligent, and Resilient solutions are what the world is looking for.

Fire made us human, and fossil fuels made us modern, but now we need a new fire that makes us safe, secure, healthy, and durable

Amory Lovins

Fire is one of the most influential forces on Earth, and it happened more than 1.5 million years ago. Discovering Fire is perhaps one of the impactful events that changed the progress of humanity. It is also a demonstration of the intelligence of human beings, separating them from animals. Domesticating animals, Fire moved humankind in search of enhancing the quality of life. Using coal and electricity as energy sources has made progress faster and paved the way for industrialisation. Humans’ urge for more and more energy is enhanced. In a hurry to make energy available, societies put caution to the wind. Excess use of energy beyond what is needed starts impacting the planet. The need to use energy sustainably has dawned on humanity.

Energy sustainability is the one that meets the needs of the present without affecting that of future generations. The sustainability of energy alsoincludes considerations of its impact on the environment. The emission of greenhouse gases has impacted the climate, and mitigating climate change has become a challenge the world is struggling to cope with. The average temperatures are rising, and now the battle is whether we can keep the rise at 1.5 degrees.  

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs but not their greed.               

Mahatma Gandhi

World Sustainable Energy Day occurs annually from late February to early March. Unlike many other observations, the World Sustainable Energy is observed in a period, typically three days. In 2024, it will be from March 5-8. The Austrian Energy Agency initiative in 1992 led to the observation of World Sustainable Energy Day. The focus is to discuss the role played by renewable energy sources and fostering a sustainable energy landscape. It serves as a vital forum for policymakers, researchers, and industry to exchange insights, share their expertise, and foster collaborations to enhance the sustainable use of energy sources.

Another factor not to be missed is that in addition to the fossil fuel use contributing to greenhouse gases, they are also limited and not guaranteed to be available for future generations. The use of renewable energy also helps conserve the world’s natural resources. The world has to shift to the use of renewables, and that to sooner.

Some renewable energy sources, such as wind, hydro, solar, and geothermal, are more sustainable than fossil fuels. The use of biofuels has the problem of causing more environmental damage. Using natural gas has environmental benefits and would give the world time to switch to more sustainable options in the long term. While discussing sustainable energy, one should not miss the opportunity to discuss nuclear power, a low-carbon and sustainable source. When it comes to nuclear the fear of radiation, radioactive waste, the possibility of proliferation, and accidents dominate. Small and modular reactors with enhanced safety and hydrogen energy are joining the basket of sustainable energy options. Carbon capture and storage (carbon sequestration) is another option researchers are exploring, but currently, the technology is expensive and not sustainable.   

The Pursuit of a Rapid, Intelligent,
and Robust Energy Transition.

The need for energy transition is understood and accepted. The importance of fast, intelligent, and resilient solutions is what the world is looking for. The purpose of observation of “World Sustainable Energy Days” is to discuss and develop measures that can accelerate change in the forms of energy, mitigate climate change, and ensure life on Earth is sustainable. It is our responsibility to future generations.   

Let’s nurture nature
so that we can have a better future.

Toons: Reema and Anusha
Logs: M Sai Baba
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