Energy is the ability of doing work. It exists in the following but not limited forms; thermal, electrical, chemical and nuclear. There are two sources of energy, non-renewable energy and renewable energy. Non-renewable energy includes coal, oil and natural gas, while renewable energy includes solar, wind and biomass energy.
Over the past years, the world has heavily depended on non-renewable energy for industrialization and livelihood development. During the past century, our energy needs have been met by using non-renewable energy. This application has released greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are causing air pollution and related human ill-health such as respiratory diseases. At large, GHG emissions have and are contributing towards global warming and climate change which is one of the planet’s critical environmental challenges among water pollution, land degradation and biodiversity loss. The pressing issue is that, climate change enhances the above-mentioned environmental challenges including other ecosystems disfunctions.
The structure of Zimbabwe’s energy consumption by source illustrates that 17%, 37% and 45.7% of the country’s energy emanates from petroleum, renewables and coal respectively. In 2015, electricity production was 762 ktoe, with 32.9% sourced from fossil fuels and 66.2% obtained from hydro sources. Every citizen has a right to a clean environment as enshrined by the Constitution of Zimbabwe of 2013, under section 73. Hence, pollution must be abated. Production of electricity using coal and fossil fuels release GHG emissions which have both public health and environmental impacts. The extraction of coal releases methane, a toxic gas that directly chokes if inhaled, including clearance of land, vegetation and forests. Clearing of land and vegetation disrupts habitats and causes biodiversity loss. Use of water to produce electricity increases flood risks due to dam construction and water channelling. Water abstraction for power generation competes with water needs for aquatic life. This disturbs the optimal functions of the ecosystem. These environmental effects emanating from energy applications pose hazards and risks on the life, health, habitats and infrastructure of both humans, wildlife and ecosystems at large.
The world including is scaling down fossil fuel usage as an option due to its inefficiency. The environmental impacts that stem from human activities, are now visible and clearer and the well-being of human nature is at risk. Mother Nature is gradually dying due to pollution coming from energy use required in activities such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining and construction. The chance to better the situation and save the planet is available and requires urgent change of behaviour and policies. All GHG emitting processes and machinery need to be substituted or made more efficient to reduce the amount of gases released. The world is well aware of its contribution to environmental challenges. Hence, it has developed and adopted strategies to phase out the use of coal and fossil fuels. Efficient energy sources are being adopted which offer viable options for the planet’s future.
Energy efficiency is the use of less energy to perform a similar task. Availability of technology is related to efficiency of energy. Light emitting diode (LED) lights are a specific type of lights which are designed to produce light using less energy as compared to incandescent light bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs generate heat due to high energy consumption. In summer, this generated heat tends to be a problem in buildings and our homes by increasing room temperature. LEDs curb this problem by using less energy and preventing heat generation from light production. Electrical appliances marked “energy star”, are built up of mechanisms that conserve energy. Solar and wind technologies are clean sources of energy which are on the cards for use compared to coal powered energy. This is well advised by Sustainable Development Goal number 7 on affordable and clean energy.
The technology uses electromagnetic waves which are absorbed by solar panels (electrochemical-photo cells) to generate electricity. No gas or waste substance is generated from this process. Automobiles need petrol and diesel to power their engines. The combustion of fuel releases GHG emissions. To prevent this case, electrical and hybrid automobiles are being adopted. Electrical automobiles absolutely depend on electricity to function based on a rechargeable battery. Hybrid automobiles apply two or more distinct types of power (battery and fuel). The hybrid mechanism alternates power source based on speed. When speed is low, it uses a battery and when speed is high, it uses fuel. Either stopping on a traffic light or in congestion, the hybrid engine hibernates. The goal of these technologies is to cut down and, in the latter, eliminate GHG emissions attributed to human activity, while conserving natural resources and the environment. Not only do these new technologies conserve the environment, they also boost economic activities through job creation and eliminating environmental incidents.
