If we want to stop climate change, rather than just slow it down

If we want to stop climate change, rather than just slow it down, we need to do more than just reduce the amountof fossil fuels we burn, We must switch to alternative energies, ideally from sources that produce low amounts of greenhouse gas and that are renewable. Our supply of fossil fuels will one day be completely up, but renewable energies are unlimited. They rely on sunlight and Earth’s natural cycles will never run out.

Renewables on the rise

Renewable power sources include wind, solar, wave, tidal, hydroelectric, and biomass energies. Fifteen percent of the world’s electricity comes from hydroelectric power, which is created when a rush of dam water spins turbines that generate electricity. Other renewable power sources are used far less, but are becoming more popular.

Push and pull Tidal turbines work like wind turbines placed underwater. The push and pull of tidal currents turns the rotors and generates electricity.

Wind power Wind turbines work in a similar way to windmills. Wind turns the rotors, but instead of driving a millstone as in a windmill, the rotors in a wind turbine drive a generator that creates electricity. The largest turbines can generate enough energy to power a small town.

A special power station inthe UK runs completelyon bird droppings. 

Solar farm This solar power plant in the United States is one of many around the world that makes electricity without releasing any greenhouse gas. The mirrors concentrate the Sun’s energy at a focal point on top of the tower, creating heat that is used to drive a series of turbines.

Solar cell

Solar cells use silicon crystals to convert sunlight into electricity. As light strikes the crystals, electric charges are knocked loose and channeled into wires.

Nuclear power plant Some scientists recommend using nuclear power, rather than fossil fuels, until renewable energy sources are better developed. But while nuclear fuels produce less greenhouse gas than fossil fuels, they create dangerous radioactive wastes.