I recently came across a compelling article on Visual Capitalist that highlighted the significant impact of fossil fuels on both our planet and our health. The article underscored the stark reality that fossil fuels are responsible for a staggering 90% of global carbon dioxide emissions. However, the problem extends beyond just carbon emissions. The energy production process, particularly when relying on fossil fuels, leads to a cascade of negative consequences, including devastating accidents and pervasive air pollution, all of which have a demonstrably detrimental impact on human lives. The data presented in the article paints a clear picture of the carbon intensity of different energy sources. Coal emerges as the most polluting, generating a massive 820 tons of CO₂ per gigawatt of energy produced. Petrol follows with 720 tons of CO₂ per gigawatt, while natural gas emits 490 tons of CO₂ per gigawatt. In contrast, renewable and cleaner sources fare significantly better. Biomass, while not entirely carbon-neutral, produces between 78 and 230 tons of CO₂ per gigawatt. Hydropower generates only 34 tons of CO₂ per gigawatt. Solar energy emits a mere 5 tons of CO₂ per gigawatt, and wind energy is even lower at 4 tons of CO₂ per gigawatt. Nuclear energy stands out as one of the cleanest options, with just 3 tons of CO₂ per gigawatt. Perhaps even more alarming is the data on mortality rates associated with different energy sources, as highlighted by Our World in Data. The extraction and combustion of coal are responsible for approximately 25 deaths per terawatt-hour of electricity generated. This is a staggering figure compared to the remarkably low mortality rates associated with solar, wind, and nuclear energy, which collectively account for only 0.03 deaths per terawatt-hour. The implications of these findings are undeniable. We are presented with a clear choice: continue down a path that perpetuates harm to ourselves and the environment or embrace a transition to safer and more sustainable energy sources as quickly as possible. While I acknowledge that there is no single, immediate solution that can magically transform the global energy landscape overnight, I firmly believe that, as responsible individuals, we have a moral imperative to do everything within our power to accelerate the adoption of cleaner energy alternatives. This urgency is a theme I've even touched upon in my third book, 'Heir to the Dynasty,' where I emphasize the importance of making conscious choices that benefit both humanity and the planet.
Author: Sezgin Ismailov
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