Reduce - Reuse - Recycle

Renewable Energy Saves Water and Creates Jobs

Credit: David Hogan Getty Images

A common argument for expanding renewable energy sources is that technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines are responsible for far less carbon dioxide than power plants that burn fossil fuels. But two other powerful benefits should also be getting much more attention: the switch can save vast quantities of freshwater, and can create a large number of new, high-paying jobs.

Want proof? Let’s look at the data that our detailed research has revealed.

Only about 3 percent of the Earth’s water is freshwater. Most of that is frozen in glaciers — which means only 0.8 percent of the planet’s water reserves can be tapped for human use.

Water is a precious, but limited, commodity. And nearly 1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean water. In the U.S., 45.3 percent of the water withdrawn from lakes, rivers and underground aquifers is used to cool off thermoelectric power plants: nuclear reactors […]

More about energy, water, and renewable and sustainable solutions:

Cleansing the Air at the Expense of Waterways

Portland, USA, Goes Green with Water Pipes: Innovations in Hydropower

Silicon Valley Wants to Solve Our Water Problems

Researchers develop 4-in-1 smart utilities plant for tropical climates

Urgent need to manage water more sustainably, says UN report

Summary
Article Name
Renewable Energy Saves Water and Creates Jobs
Description
The switch to renewable energy can save vast quantities of freshwater, and can create a large number of new, high-paying jobs. Want proof? Look at the data.
Author
Publisher Name
Scientific American
Publisher Logo

Recent Posts

Invisible Threats: Understanding Water Contaminants in the U.S.

Clean water is essential for life, yet millions of Americans unknowingly consume contaminants through their…

1 week ago

High levels of microplastics in human brains appear to be increasing

Human brains contain higher concentrations of microplastics than other organs, according to a new study, and the…

4 weeks ago

California: executive order to help capture and store more water from severe storms

From the Office of the Governor: In anticipation of a multi-day, significant atmospheric river in Northern California,…

1 month ago

Experts give the real facts on California water

From Governor Newsom: Scientists, water managers, state leaders, and experts throughout the state are calling…

2 months ago

Water Quality and Protection

Photo: A harmful algal bloom in Milford Lake, Kansas, made the water appear bright green.…

2 months ago

World’s Fifth-Largest Economy Is About to Ban Most Polystyrene Foam

An expanded plastic foam coffee cup is at a donut shop in Monterey Park, California.…

2 months ago