ABSTRACT
In all of these respects, renewables are attractive. Typically, though not invariably, their use produces far less environmental damage than conventional energy. Burning of biomass such as fuelwood does result in some air pollution. At some locations, wind farm opponents cite danger to wildlife and aesthetic affronts. But these environmental concerns pale in comparison with those associated with conventional fossil fuels. Even with current pollution controls, coal-generated power still causes more pollution than that produced by wind turbines, and that’s before considering greenhouse gas emissions from coal combustion. Also, renewables are largely insulated from the rising costs that, in time, may hit depletable resources like natural gas. Finally, in moderating the demand for fuels imported from unstable parts of the world, renewables indirectly provide an energy security benefit.
