Alternative Energy Sources

The utilization of alternative energy sources is an important step toward abating many of the world's global environmental problems. Energy resources are important for all countries: They are required for achieving good standards of living and wealth, and they foster social, cultural, technical, and economic development. Conventional energy sources, especially fossil fuels, have been the dominant energy resources used by societies. But conventional energy sources have recently led to numerous challenges, including environmental harm, uncertain future supplies, economic disparities among regions that have and do not have such resources, and global instability. In recent decades, alternative energy sources have begun to be used, particularly those that are renewable. Renewable energy sources can contribute beneficially to the economic and social development of the country, while protecting the environment and enhancing global stability and sustainability. As alternative resources become more affordable and other pressures like environmental damage increase, it is expected that alternative energy resources will play an increasing role in the energy systems of countries.

Population growth is expected to make alternative energy sources even more necessary, as the global population by 2050 is predicted by some to reach between 7 and 12 billion people. Simultaneously, global demand for energy services is expected to increase by as much as an order of magnitude by 2050, while primary-energy demands are expected to increase by 1.5 times. The supply and utilization of alternative energy sources will likely be critical components of industrial and technological development around the world.

In this entry, alternative energy sources are described, and the ramifications of their use in areas such as environmental stewardship, sustainability, and global stability are discussed. Environmental impacts of energy use, such as climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, and acid precipitation, are examined. Predictions for future energy use are considered. Also, potential benefits of alternative energy sources to current problems are identified, and the solutions that they offer are explored. This entry is intended to provide an explanation of alternative energy sources and their role in development, environmental protection, sustainability, security, and global stability.