Data reveals that more than 100 cities are powered by renewable energy in 2017. This is a clear indication of the commitment from Governments across the world in pushing clean energy and mitigating climate change.

The continued use of non-renewable resources has clear consequences for our health and wellbeing, both of which are personally associated with the impacts non-renewable resources on our environment. A 2004 study concluded that pollution from coal-powered plants shortened nearly 24,000 lives a year in the U.S. In 2008 the containment area at the Kingston Fossil Plant in Tennessee ruptured releasing 5.4 million cubic yards of sludge which damaged houses in the surrounding areas and released harmful ash into the air. In 1991 the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP) found that five percent of the lakes in New England were acidic and two percent could no longer support trout.

With the above consequences of non-renewable resources, cities across the globe have started shifting to renewable energy sources. A recent publication by the not-for-profit organization CDP estimated that more than 100 cities around the world are sourcing at least 70% of their energy demand from renewable sources. 42 cities were recorded in 2015, and the number jumped to 101 in 2017 which is truly inspiring.

Renewable energy the cleanest energy

The above data illustrates a comprehensive picture of cities focusing more on using cleaner energy to mitigate climate change. Clean energy is very critical today for combating the issue of global warming and its impact on nature and humans. Renewable energy does not emit greenhouse gases during production.

Further, the major reason for the faster adoption of renewable energy is that the source becoming commercially attractive and is able to give better returns than non-renewable sources. Most renewable energy investments are spent on materials and labor to build and maintain the facilities, rather than on costly energy imports.

The targets and direction taken by the major cities on moving towards renewable energy are the clear examples of government taking the issue of climate change seriously. The international community has understood the importance of low-carbon energy to sustain the future.

Let’s hope that more and more cities follow the path of clean energy and the number in 2018 triples.

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