Will Green Technology Really Save Us?

In the face of climate change, many believe that green technology is the key to our survival. Solar, wind, tidal, and hydroelectric energy, among others, offer a promising path to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. However, challenges such as capturing and storing renewable energy persist. Despite these difficulties, advancements in technology continue to make green energy more accessible and cost-effective. The question remains, can green technology truly save us?

The Power of Solar Energy

One hour of sunlight striking the Earth supplies more energy than the world consumes in a year (Source: Solar Power - Wikipedia). Solar power has the potential to revolutionize our energy landscape, but there are still obstacles to overcome. Advances in battery technology, for instance, could make solar energy more reliable and efficient. A decade of significant improvements in energy storage is anticipated, transforming various industries (Source: The Battery Decade: How Energy Storage Could Revolutionize Industries in the Next 10 Years).

Diversification and Advantages of Renewable Energy

Beyond solar, wind, tidal, and hydroelectric power are all viable sources of renewable energy. Each offers unique advantages and challenges. For example, tidal energy can provide consistent power, but the initial investment and installation costs are high. Wind energy, on the other hand, is increasingly cost-effective, making it a popular choice globally (Source: Tidal Energy Advantages and Disadvantages: Key Points to Consider).

Renewable energy is not only becoming more viable; it is also becoming the cheapest option, even without subsidies (Source: Renewable Energy Is Now The Cheapest Option - Even Without Subsidies). With ongoing technological advancements, the future of green energy looks bright.

Challenges and Skepticism

Despite the promise of renewable energy, there are vocal critics who argue against its efficacy. Some return to the well-worn argument that green technology is merely an advertising scheme, suggesting that terms like sustainability and resiliency are developed to give the illusion of a perfect, controlled world. These critics often fail to acknowledge the constant flux and unpredictability of our planet, as demonstrated during this ongoing pandemic.

Two figures often cited by skeptics are Michael Schellenberger and James Hansen. Schellenberger argues that renewables cannot save the planet (Source: Why Renewables Can’t Save the Planet - Quillette), while Hansen, often called the Godfather of the movement on renewables and nuclear, has expressed concerns that renewables alone are not enough to address climate change (Source: James Hansen: A Legacy of Climate Advocacy and Nuclear Power Support). However, the new generation of LFTR (Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor) nuclear energy plants could provide a viable solution, resolving this debate once and for all.

Michael Moore's documentary, Planet of The Humans, further questions the efficacy of green technology. Moore's film suggests that the only solution is depopulation, an idea that goes against current efforts to combat climate change in a more holistic manner. While his film critiques the limitations of current renewable technology, it also fails to address the potential of next-generation nuclear energy, which may offer a more sustainable and effective solution (Source: Michael Moore’s Planet of the Humans).

The Reality of Climate Change and the Earth’s Future

Ultimately, the planet has been through countless changes and will continue to change. A 4.5 billion-year-old Earth and a sun that will likely burn for another 5 billion years mean that we are not at the mercy of a finite and unstable environment. The true challenge lies in our ability to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change (Source: Nineteen News, May 20, 2021).

The jury is still out on the future of the sun and the potential for it to become a red giant in the distant future, but for now, the sun provides a vast and enduring source of energy. Embracing green technology is not just about saving the Earth; it's about securing a future where we can thrive in the face of change.

Final Thoughts

As the world grapples with climate change, the role of green technology cannot be understated. While there are challenges and skepticism, the ongoing advancements in renewable energy suggest that we are moving in the right direction. Whether solar, wind, tidal, or nuclear, the path to a sustainable future is complex, but the evidence supports the idea that green technology can indeed play a crucial role in saving us from the environmental crisis.