The United Kingdom has been heavily reliant on non-renewable energy sources for decades. However, the negative effects of non-renewable energy on both the environment and human health have become increasingly evident. Non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas have been the primary drivers of economic growth and development in the UK. However, the cost of this growth has been high, including pollution, climate change, and health hazards. In this article, we will explore why non-renewable energy is bad and what the UK is doing to transition towards renewable energy sources.
Environmental Impact
One of the most significant negative impacts of non-renewable energy is its effect on the environment. Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which can lead to climate change. The UK has been one of the leading contributors to carbon emissions, and the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. The UK has experienced heatwaves, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels, all of which can be attributed to climate change.
Non-renewable energy sources also contribute to air pollution, which can have harmful effects on human health. Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter into the air, which can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and other illnesses. According to a report by the Royal Colleges of Physicians and of Paediatrics and Child Health, air pollution contributes to 40,000 premature deaths in the UK each year, with children and the elderly being the most vulnerable.
Economic Impact
Non-renewable energy sources also have a significant economic impact. The extraction, transportation, and refining of fossil fuels are expensive, and the cost is often passed on to consumers in the form of higher energy bills. The UK has been heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels, which can make the country vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions.
Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro power are becoming increasingly competitive with non-renewable sources in terms of cost. Investing in renewable energy can create jobs and stimulate economic growth, while reducing the UK’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Transitioning to Renewable Energy
The UK has made significant progress in transitioning towards renewable energy sources. In 2019, renewable energy sources accounted for 37.1% of electricity generation in the UK, up from 6.7% in 2009. The UK has set a target of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, which will require a significant increase in the use of renewable energy sources.
The UK government has implemented a number of policies to support the transition towards renewable energy. The Renewable Energy Directive requires EU countries to increase their share of renewable energy to 20% by 2020, and the UK has exceeded this target. The UK has also implemented a feed-in tariff, which provides financial incentives for households and businesses to generate their own renewable energy.
Conclusion
Non-renewable energy is bad for both the environment and human health. The UK has been heavily reliant on non-renewable energy sources, which has contributed to climate change, air pollution, and economic instability. However, the UK is making progress in transitioning towards renewable energy sources, which can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. The transition to renewable energy is critical for a sustainable future, and the UK is taking steps in the right direction.
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