Renewable Energy - What Can be Done to Create More of It?

Photo is from consumerenergyreport.com

Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural resources that can replenish themselves, such as wind, sunlight, rain, tides, and geothermal.  Just around 20% of all energy usage worldwide comes from renewable resources.  It is no surprise that wind energy is at the top of the renewable energy list.

What can be done to improve that percentage from 20% to a higher number?  Wind energy is growing rapidly.  In fact, it is growing at a rate of about 30% yearly.  Sadly, the only impetus for change so far has been the steady increase in the price of oil.  It seems that when energy hits consumers in the pocketbook, that is when they decide that something must be done.  It would be more helpful if that action came before the increase in prices, but that is a human reaction that will probably never change.

The number one impetus for change to more renewable resources must come from one place mainly.  That is government.  It is seen in places like China that when the government becomes interested in renewable energy, that companies jump on the bandwagon (in other words, grab a share of that government money handout).  What will it take for the United States government to really enact change toward a more diverse and plentiful use of renewable energy?  Let's face it.  Until our leaders get out of bed with all of the special interest groups, such as big oil, we will never see real growth toward renewable energy.  I suppose it will only happen when big oil runs out of oil and has to turn to renewable energy.  Sad but true.

In the meantime, individuals can make lasting and important change.  The green efforts of individuals across the world is making a difference.  We must continue to display that we care and that we will vote for leaders who care too.  Along the way, the world will be a better and a cleaner place.  Let's hope we are not too late.