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We can become more energy secure.
By developing renewable energy sustainably and using less fossil fuels, the U.S. can increase its security.
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What is renewable energy? Why does it matter where my energy comes from?
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Renewable energy – such as wind, solar, and geothermal – comes from sources that will never run out. Renewable energy technologies have far fewer environmental impacts (such as greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water pollution, risks to human health, etc.) than those of fossil fuels or nuclear energy. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are non-renewable, meaning that their sources are finite and will be eventually be exhausted. In addition, burning them contributes to climate change, which creates problems for our nation’s energy security.

It matters where your energy comes from, because some forms of energy have more extensive environmental impacts than others. When we degrade our environment or use it beyond its capacity to survive, thrive, and recover, we threaten our own quality of life.

Climate change is an example. When we burn fossil fuels, we compromise not only our environment, but even life as we know it. How? Burning fossil fuels results in emissions of greenhouse gases. Excessive emissions of these gases leads to global warming, which causes climate change. Changes in climate lead to other widespread changes – in weather patterns (including extreme weather) food production systems, available water resources, land use and settlement patterns, wildlife habitat, recreation, etc.

Developing renewable energy is one strategy that can help us fight off the worst effects of climate change. If more of our electric generation comes from wind and solar, then we burn less coal and natural gas. If we are able to use sustainable alternative fuels for our vehicles, then we burn less gasoline.

Renewable energy is not a magic bullet, however. We also must use energy wisely and efficiently, and reduce our overall energy consumption.
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