In a post-pandemic world, renewable energy is the only way forward. While some may still think that what is objectively and scientifically proven is still up for debate, one of the greatest achievements of the fossil fuel industry. It is not. It is a great threat to human life.
Pollution affects us all. It is responsible for over seven million deaths annually and causes all types of respiratory infections, including those caused by viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, which are seasonal and recurrent.
We are not the only ones who need to solve this problem: we also know that not doing so will kill us, and we now have a wonderful example of this.
Electricity generated by fossil fuels is responsible for 25% of the world’s harmful emissions, while manufacturing and transportation, even large consumers, are responsible for 21% and 14% respectively. If a change can make a big impact on weather emergencies, it could pivot to renewable energy.
The news is no more favorable in this regard: the two basic components needed to do so are solar panels and batteries to store energy, which are subject to economies of scale, which make them efficient and affordable.
Everyone knows the economics of renewable energy. A few years ago, it was only competitive with the support of government subsidies. Now, the situation is reversed: While oil companies receive more than $ 5 billion in government subsidies each year, they oppose environmental legislation and have no problem finding banks to lend to them, renewables are already cheaper than oil, gas or coal Landscape.
Microsoft’s ambitious plan to plug all the emissions generated through the company’s operations into its history is driven by the desire to implement that kind of change through the Post Pandemic Renewable Energy.
Powers that can be supported by investments that can achieve an 800% return. Coal, on the other hand, is a money-losing machine, and its economics are as toxic as its emissions.
Rebuilding a country’s energy supply map, even in developing countries, has never been more meaningful. Even a large coal producer like Australia is planning to make huge savings from renewable costs, and estimates that 90% of its energy supply is based on solar and wind power by 2040 without charging consumers.
Norway aims to electrify all of its domestic fleet by 2040. Some oil companies are now investing in solar power, somewhat like green washing, but partly because it is profitable.
