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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 In the U.S., 45.3 percent of the water withdrawn from lakes, rivers and underground aquifers is used to cool off thermoelectric power plants: nuclear reactors […]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
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