Non-renewable energy

It was estimated by the Energy Information Administration that in 2005 86% of primary energy production in the world came from burning fossil fuels. With the remaining Non-fossil being hydro 6.3%, nuclear 6.0%, and other (geothermal, solar, wind, and wood and waste) at just 0.9%.

Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources because they take millions of years to form and reserves are being depleted much faster than new ones are being formed. Concern about fossil fuel supplies is one of the causes of regional and global conflicts. The production and use of fossil fuels raise environmental concerns. A global movement toward the generation of renewable energy is therefore under way to help meet increased energy needs.

Renewable energy

Solar-based resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for most of the available flow of renewable energy.

Solar energy technologies harness the sun's energy for practical ends. These technologies date from the time of the early Greeks, Native Americans and Chinese, who warmed their buildings by orienting them toward the sun. Modern solar technologies provide heating, lighting, electricity and even flight.

Solar power is used synonymously with solar energy or more specifically to refer to the conversion of sunlight into electricity. This can be done either through the photovoltaic effect or by heating a transfer fluid to produce steam to run a generator.

Are you ready to change the way you live?

The climate crises can be solved.

• Buy energy efficient appliances and light bulbs.
  
  
• Change your thermostat to reduce energy for heating and cooling.
  
  
• Switching off lights and turn appliances off standby.
  
  
• Turn back your washing machine temperature to 30 degrees.
  
  
• Weatherise your home, increase insulation and get an energy audit.
  
  
• Recycle.
  
  
• Buy a hybrid car.
  
  
• Walk or ride a bicycle on your journeys.
  
  
• Where you can, use light rail and mass transit.
  
  
• If you are a parent, join with your children to save the world they will live in.
  
  
• Switch to renewable sources of energy.
  
  
• Call your energy supplier to find out if they offer green energy. If they don’t, ask them why not.
  
  
• Plant trees, lots of trees.
  
  
• Join international efforts to stop global warming.
  
  
• Learn as much as you can about the climate change. Then put as much as you can into action.