The day will come when fossil fuels run out. Right now we are playing a dangerous game in which we, as humans, collectively consume more and more and more. Global attempts to increase the infrastructure of renewable energy is working, but the rate that turbines and solar panels are popping up may well not be enough to counteract the total consumption of oil, nuclear and coal.
It’s the pollution aspect too. Carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere any time we use fossil fuels for energy. These emissions are part of the huge climate change issue that is causing an unknown amount of problems globally.
If we may be as bold as to divide the – why save energy – argument into three categories, Social, Environmental and International, it is because they are so closely linked to the triple bottom line of corporate social responsibility (CSR), which are People, Planet & Profit. In this explanation of impact, people come first, so what social benefits can be gained from saving energy?
- It saves us money
By having more disposable income we are able to save money and increase our financial security. We also have more money to spend, helping our economy to grow. Reducing your energy bills is one of the easiest ways to increase your disposable income without making a huge sacrifice. - Less deaths
Hundreds of thousands of people are dying globally due to air and water pollution. Reducing energy consumption and pushing towards renewable sources will ultimately lead towards cleaner air and water. - Quality of life increases
Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy will create plenty of news jobs to compensate for the loss of those in the plants that will shut down. Over time, renewable energy sources and green energy suppliers will grow much larger than the preceding industry, and will allow for a cleaner and healthier planet that benefits all citizens. With no ‘Oil Wars’ to be fought, many people will be spared the daily chorus of shelling and gunfire.
The environment is the biggest victim of man’s desire for energy, as it provides all of the means and resources to make it possible, but is poisoned and plundered in the process.
- Oil spills
Massive oil spills make the national news, but the hundreds, if not thousands of minor oil spills around the world are often kept to local news or hidden by the media. It’s a far more frequent occurrence than is realised, and it’s not only the environment that suffers, it’s the sea life too. - Loss of wilderness and natural habitats
Creatures are being pushed to the bridge of extinction, forests are disappearing and only recently the Great Barrier Reef was declared ‘unsalvageable’. Why save energy? – because we have a duty as the inhabitants of this planet to protect it from its greatest enemy, ourselves. Demand for energy is pushing the Earth to its breaking point. - Climate change
Whilst some try to deny that climate change is manmade, the proof is in the pudding. Climate change is a natural scientific event; the only issue is that humans have pushed it in the wrong direction. Things should be getting colder. Drought, storms, floods, soil erosion and acid rain are all by-products of our energy demand and consumption.
- Foreign energy independence
Right at this very moment, your country is importing an incredible amount of energy from other countries and regions. Russia has natural gas, Norway has oil and France has nuclear power, just to name a few. This importation of energy places a large pressure on governments not just financially, but politically. With energy independence, countries can build their own infrastructure and reap the benefits of energy production for themselves. - Reduced international conflict
Consider a hypothetical situation where there is no more oil left on Earth. Objectively speaking, this means there’s not going to be as much fighting in the Middle East if there’s no natural resources to acquire as a result. Energy supplies and natural resources have been at the forefront of international unrest for many years, and will only accelerate as demand increases and supply decreases. The solution is the same answer to – why save energy – because it makes sense to make a change now so we don’t have to deal with the dire consequences later. - Healthy food supplies
Food and beverages get exported all around the world, not just from the country of production to the country of consumption, but often further. Some products are grown in one country, sent to another to be used as an ingredient for something else, and then sent to another country for sale. Even then, the items may be exported further if foreign demand is high enough. With all of this moving around, there is a high price to be paid on certain goods, but the price we are considering is an environmental one. Many crops, sections of oceans and soil eroded lands are producing inedible food, often due to toxins, plastics or pesticides. Reducing energy consumption in UK and globally will allow for food to be grown healthy once again, but means of more environmentally friendly transport should also be accounted for in future systems.
Have we sufficiently answered – why save energy – for you? Above are just some of the main points, but there are hundreds more out there to be explored.
Please also check our guide on How To Switch Energy Supplier And Start Saving Money.
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