The Future of Climate Change Is Happening Now

Posted: August 11, 2023 1:50 pm

Is climate change a myth? Everyone’s opinion is different, but the current trends taking place in the United States shed some light on the subject. Read on to discover what trends to be on the lookout for when it comes to climate change.

What Are the Signs of Climate Change?

In the United States, there are many trends that have continued to spread much faster than expected. The effects of solar panels, electric vehicles, and wind turbines on the climate are now being closely tracked by experts. Although the growth of clean energy is on the rise, experts say it’s not growing fast enough to stop global warming. The current level of greenhouse gas emissions is too much to keep control.

The forecasting agency, International Energy Agency, created an 810-page report that makes climate predictions that extend all the way to the year 2040. Compared to past years, this agency has increased its predictions for the future of various solar installations, electric cars, and wind farms. These are all advanced technologies that are becoming more prevalent through the years as people discover their underlying benefits.

Coal Production is Almost Obsolete

Although these projections seem to have great benefits for the future of society, the resulting climate effects could be detrimental. Our current energy policies could potentially cause the rise of greenhouse gas emissions. This is going to continue for the foreseeable future and especially within the next 20 years.

This is directly correlated to the fact that people are becoming more inclined to purchase all things energy! Advanced technologies and energies are the present, and everyone wants to be involved in this new trend.

Unfortunately, renewable energy has not kept up with this type of demand and the use of fossil fuels has been incorporated to bridge the supply gap. Many experts believe this is not a sustainable future for the United States or the world.

Coal is the dirtiest fuel of all and if that wasn’t bad enough, people are beginning to shy away from using it altogether. The United States is no longer investing in as many power plants that are operated by the means of burning coal. In recent years, people are beginning to realize that batteries and solar panels are a cheaper way to make electricity.

Although they are fairly complex, solar panels are completed powered by the sun which seems to be a much more sustainable option than mining for coal.

Along with solar, other renewable energy sources such as wind and hydropower are eventually going to push coal out of business. Experts believe these will take the stand as the most dominant source of energy by the year 2030. Even natural gas is predicted to steal some of coal production’s thunder. Natural gas produces many planet-warming emissions, but it is still a slightly cleaner source of energy than coal.

Coal isn’t completely gone, and its production won’t be shut down for a very long time given hundreds of new coal plants are still being built to this day. Once created, these plants are able to last for decades. They will still be operating for a while, just not at the top.

Although this is true, reports claim that the level of greenhouse gas emissions won’t be impactfully decreasing until these coal plants stop being used for good. Greenhouse gas emissions could significantly decrease if the coal plants were run much less frequently than they are now.

It would even help if they were remodeled with more advanced technology that would be able to capture the carbon dioxide that’s being sent into the air. Once captured, it could be buried underground. Unfortunately, the advanced technology is extremely expensive, so most plant owners aren’t ready to jump at this option.

Wind Power Is the Next Big Thing

Many countries have tried to solely build their wind turbines on land because this is the much cheaper option, but the United States has broken away from the pack.

Currently, the United States has one fully operational wind project that is completely offshore. The plan for this country is to continue building offshore wind turbines given the huge impact they have on supply electricity to Americans.

The east coast is the hotspot right now for offshore wind opportunities. The chance for growth in the markets is projected to be fantastic. Once more projects are completed, these offshore wind turbines will have the ability to supply all of New York with renewable electricity made and delivered in the United States. The U.S. is leading the charge for this new energy transition.

Using offshore wind turbines allows for the harvesting of the steadier and stronger winds that occur over the ocean. As this option becomes cheaper, its popularity is also beginning to increase. People are taking notice and this advanced technology is catching the eyes of other countries as well.

There are several companies that are also planning on creating wind farms in the United States to support this growing initiative. The new opportunity being created with offshore winds may be able to significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions in the future.

The Electric Car and SUV Tug of War

It is truly no surprise that more people are beginning to buy electric cars. As the supply increases, so does the demand. The cost of the electric battery is continuing to decrease and states such as California are giving electric car owners great incentives to purchase this specific type of car.

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project is offering electric car owners rebates up to $4,500. They are providing these offers to show their support for the growing use of more clean vehicles. Experts predict that this steady increase in purchases will not slow down anytime soon and start to cap off the use of gasoline-powered cars.

Interestingly, as people begin to purchase more electric cars, they are purchasing larger SUVs as well. These specific types of cars consume much higher amounts of gasoline than regular cars. The percentage of larger SUVs being sold in the United States has continuously increased in recent years.

Many oil savings were preserved during this latest increase in demand for electric cars. If people continue to purchase larger SUVs, these savings will be used up. There is a quite simple solution to this problem, selling more electric versions of the most popular SUV models. The tricky part about this idea is actually getting people to buy them!

Energy Efficiency Is a Team Effort

Many of the current issues with greenhouse gas emissions stem from the daily items being used by every American. Greenhouse gas emissions will start to decrease if people switch to cleaner versions of their factories, vehicles, and homes.

Obviously, many people don’t see eye to eye on this issue and aren’t quite willing to budge. Change doesn’t occur overnight, but experts say that many structures are being built today that have no focus on efficiency standards. A lot of small decisions could potentially lead to a big change in society’s battle with global warming.

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