Alternative Energy and National Security – Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels
Over the past century, humanity has become overly dependent on fossil fuels for energy. This dependence has resulted in problems such as energy security, climate change, air quality issues and health complications.
If we continue to rely on fossil fuels, we will face enormous difficulties in the future. Fortunately, there are numerous alternatives that can help us reduce our dependence on these damaging resources.
Energy Security
Energy security is the assurance of having enough fuel and electricity when necessary. This is essential for national and foreign security, necessitating a diverse energy mix, domestic production capacity, and secure distribution networks.
Energy security is essential in order to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels emit hazardous greenhouse gases that contribute significantly to climate change.
It is possible to reduce our reliance on these sources by shifting towards alternative energy sources. Solar and wind power are both growing rapidly, offering numerous advantages over fossil fuels.
However, relying solely on these resources may not be the most advantageous strategy for national security in the long run.
Instead of focusing on reactive policies, the Biden administration should place great emphasis on hastening our country’s transition to cleaner and more renewable energy sources at home. By doing so, America can establish itself as a global leader in sustainability efforts.
Climate Change
Climate change is an evolving trend that’s impacting the planet and altering weather patterns, with potentially hazardous repercussions for human and natural life. It’s caused by human emissions of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor which trap solar rays thereby raising global temperatures.
Fossil fuels are the leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, but all forms of energy, industry, buildings and transport contribute to climate change. As Earth’s temperature increases due to human activities like farming and logging, more extreme weather events such as droughts, wildfires, flooding, sea level rise and melting polar ice caps will occur more frequently.
A shift to clean energy development and a greater emphasis on climate change mitigation are essential elements of this transition. Not only does this benefit national security, but also people around the world; it will create more jobs, reduce pollution, save consumers money and help save the environment.
Economic Development
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas have been the dominant forms of energy around the world for two centuries. They have been the driving forces behind technological, social and economic progress worldwide.
However, the production of fossil fuels also involves significant external costs – including air pollution, health problems and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it is necessary to put a price on the social cost of burning fossil fuels so that industry and consumers are incentivized to switch.
The transition to alternative energy sources requires a concerted effort from the international community. A fair transition is essential in order to guarantee that no one is left behind.
Energy Independence
For centuries, fossil fuel energy systems have been the backbone of global economic activity. They fuelled industrial revolutions, lifted millions out of poverty, and ultimately helped shape modern society as we know it today.
Therefore, it is essential for us to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Not only will this have economic and environmental benefits, but it will also enable us to move toward a more secure future.
To achieve energy independence, we must transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable sources. To do so, we need to invest not only in alternative energy production and technology but also create jobs that will facilitate this shift towards cleaner options.
Congress must pass legislation that will transition the U.S. energy infrastructure away from fossil fuel dependence to a secure, clean grid that supports decarbonization efforts and gives our citizens better quality of life. We must eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, accelerate deployment of clean energy technologies and battery capacity credit increases, as well as prioritize purchases from certified ‘clean’ manufacturers who use sustainable materials and processes in product construction.