Physics Pulse x The Climate Change Club

How Renewable Energy can play a role in the environment

By: Aadyaa Keyal - Researcher

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INTRODUCTION

One of the most popular subjects loved by students is Science. With Chemistry, Biology and Physics under this, a plethora of knowledge is provided. If the power is used for greater good then it can definitely make the world a better place or in this case, a much cleaner and greener place. So let's read on and see how renewable energy can fruitfully reduce the drastic effects of climate change and a model that has successfully shown results. 

Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural sources that are replenished faster than they are used. Renewable energy sources include solar,wind,hydro,geothermal and wave. This energy is power generated by renewable sources, such as wind, water, and sunlight, and does not produce harmful carbon dioxide emissions that lead to climate change. If you're wondering why should you switch to this eco friendly option,then here are the benefits of using renewable energy:-

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions:

  Renewable energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions, unlike fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, which are the primary cause of global climate change. 

• Reducing air pollution: 

  Renewable energy reduces some types of air pollution. For example- Solar energy systems on buildings reduce the need for electricity from coal, natural gas, and oil power plants, which can reduce air pollutants like nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and mercury. 

• Reduces need for power plants:

  Solar panels can help reduce the need for power plants. For example, 50,000 homes switching to solar panels would add approximately 500 MW solar capacity to the grid. 

• It provides a sustainable option:

  Renewable energy does not pollute our environment.  Example-Solar energy is a renewable source of power that doesn't require water or fuel. 

• Leads to a smaller footprint:

  Renewable energy systems often have a smaller footprint than nonrenewable energy sources. For example, solar panels can be installed on existing structures, and wind turbines can be placed on agricultural land without displacing crops. 

• Improving health and safety:

  Improving energy efficiency in homes and buildings can improve air quality, temperatures, and humidity levels. This can help reduce the incidence and symptoms of heart and respiratory conditions, allergies, and more. 

How physics plays its vital role through a model:

A remarkable invention made half a century ago has proven to be effective. Climate Models is a Physics based  model that simulates the interactions of various factors affecting climate, such as solar radiation, atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and feedback mechanisms. These models help predict future climate scenarios based on different emissions scenarios and policy actions.

Syukuro Manabe and Richard Wetherald are credited with creating the first credible climate model in 1967.General Circulation Models (GCMs) are also called Climate Models are computer programs that simulate the Earth's climate system to predict how it may change.

How a Climate Model works:

Climate models use mathematical equations to calculate the interactions between the atmosphere, ocean, land, and ice. They take many factors as inputs, including air temperature, pressure, wind, and carbon dioxide. 

What they're used for:

Scientists use climate models to predict weather over decades or centuries, and to understand how the climate system responds to human activities like burning fossil fuels. 

How accurate they are:

Climate models are based on physical principles and are generally considered accurate. However, they do include some uncertainty because Earth's systems are constantly changing. Models that measure smaller areas with higher resolution are more accurate. 

Building on the earlier work of scientists, such as John Tyndall and Svante Arrhenius, an English steam engineer and amatuer meteorologist called Guy Callendar used a 1D radiative transfer model to show that rising CO2 levels are warming the atmosphere. So the model has helped in further studies.

Conclusion

The environment is being destroyed by humans like us. If  we fail to protect our planet,then there will be no planet left for our future generations. Through this model,we learnt how one branch of science, that is physics and the other our own environment, can be linked and used for solving various environmental issues,particularly focusing on climate change!

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Sources:

• https://kahedu.edu.in/the-role-of-renewable-energy-in-sustainable-development/#:~:text=Reducing%20emissions%20of%20greenhouse%20gases%3A&text=The%20usage%20of%20fossil%20fuels,like%20solar%20and%20wind%20power.