9.02 - Introduction to Environmental Aspects of Renewable Energy
There are three basic reasons to search for improvements to energy and production and usage: ethics; economics; and the environment. This article focuses on the third. Increasing renewable and more sustainable energy sources can prevent pollution and environmental degradation, although every energy source carries at least some risk to ecosystems and public health. Because environmental sustainability requires a systems perspective, seeking energy systems that are environmentally sustainable also requires that ethics and economic drivers be a part of any environmental analysis. The choice of energy sources involves a triple bottom line, where an action must be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Environmental systems sciences necessitate that environmental, ethical and economic factors be integrated into environmental solutions. Life cycle analysis, alternatives assessment, risk management and other environmental and public health decision tools must be applied to ensure that renewable energy actions be sustainable.
