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Renewable energy—wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass—provides substantial benefits for our climate, our health, and our economy. Each source of renewable energy has unique benefits and costs; this page explores the many benefits associated with these energy technologies.

Solar, wind, and hydroelectric systems generate electricity with no associated air pollution emissions. In comparison, coal and natural gas plants have air and water pollution that is linked to breathing problems, neurological damage, heart attacks, and cancer.

Environmental damage affects everyone, but the costs and benefits of reducing environmental damage are not well matched or shared.  Air and water pollution can travel great distances and affect areas well removed from the sources of pollution.  There is a lot of evidence that the global environment is being degraded by the net effect of many activities that produce pollution either directly or indirectly.  The production of energy is a major contributor, especially the burning of fossil fuels.  Pollution of the environment can be reduced by adopting renewable energy, but there are costs involved. 

Some interesting links:

• Two-thirds of Americans give priority to developing alternative energy over fossil fuels (PEW Research)
• Nexans Climate Change Survey US.pdf