Australia has been embracing renewable energy in a variety of dynamic ways over the past ten years in particular. From solar farms popping up all over regional Australia to the growing popularity of solar panel installation in Melbourne and other cities across Australia’s temperate east and south-east coast, and even Smart City Solutions to electric buses and the ever-growing number of electric vehicles appearing on our roads – renewable energy usage is truly everywhere we look nowadays.
Fittingly, it is common knowledge that fossil fuels are finite and leach harmful elements into our unique Australian environment, meaning the days of using these resources is coming to an end. But renewable energy solutions are about more than just replacing an expiring product.
Years of belching harmful gases into the atmosphere has compromised Australia’s air quality and moving to renewable energy will not only stop this from happening, but turn around and improve the air we breathe.
These are just some of the ways the renewable energy solutions contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Reducing Fine Particulate Matter
Fine Particulate Matter (also known as PM2.5) consists of tiny particles or droplets in the air that are 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter, which is about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair. These miniscule particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to serious health problems such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases – and they are highly present in the emissions from traditional fossil fuel power plants.
The good news is that renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric systems generate electricity without emitting these harmful particulates. This is one of the almost invisible ways that moving to renewable energy solutions creates cleaner and safer air for the future.
Preventing Stagnation Events
Stagnation events happen when the air becomes still and pollutants get trapped close to the ground, leading to poor air quality. Fossil fuels, like coal and oil, release large amounts of pollutants into the air when burned for energy. These pollutants include fine particles, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds that can cause health problems.
When fossil fuel emissions are high, they contribute significantly to the buildup of these harmful substances. During stagnation events, without enough wind or air movement to disperse them, these pollutants accumulate and make the air more toxic. Renewable energy, on the other hand, produces electricity without emitting these pollutants. For example, wind energy not only generates clean power but also helps keep the air moving, which disperses pollutants and reduces their concentration, improving overall air quality.
Lower Levels of Aeroallergens
Pollutants caused by fossil fuel production are not only dangerous for the environment, but they contain aeroallergens – substances in the air that can trigger allergic reactions – that can be extremely harmful for your health. These emissions have been linked to rising cases of allergic respiratory diseases like hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma.
As fossil fuel production and use produces higher levels of carbon dioxide emissions, this in turn causes warmer temperatures which impacts the amount of airborne allergens, such as pollen and fungal spores. Burning fossil fuels also releases nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can worsen asthma and other breathing problems.
What we have observed across the globe, however, is that cleaner air has significant flow on effects, like the reduced burden on the healthcare system because the air is much safer for everyone to breathe. This leads to better overall health outcomes and can reduce healthcare costs associated with treating pollution-related diseases including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and much more.
Simply put, by switching to renewable energy sources, we can reduce NOx and VOC emissions in Australia, leading to lower levels of harmful aeroallergens in the air and in turn, alleviating climate-related strain that may currently be being placed on our national healthcare system.
Cutting Down on Ozone Production
Many of us have been taught that the ozone layer is valuable for reducing UV rays and should be protected from erosion by harmful emissions, so how can ozone also be bad for you? It is true that this molecule made of three oxygen atoms is an invaluable shield between us and the sun, but at ground level, it has far more harmful impacts on humans. It can harm the tissues of the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and irritation and cause symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, and worsening of asthma.
When coal is burned for energy, it releases nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the air. These chemicals react with other pollutants, especially on sunny days, to create ground-level ozone. By switching to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, we can drastically cut down on NOx emissions. This, in turn, reduces the chemical reactions that produce ozone, leading to cleaner air and better health outcomes for everyone.
Economic Benefits and Job Creation
Investing in renewable energy not only improves air quality but also stimulates economic growth and job creation. The transition to clean energy requires new infrastructure, technology development, and maintenance, creating numerous job opportunities in the renewable energy sector. These jobs often offer good wages and contribute to the overall economic well-being of communities.
The International Energy Agency reports that energy efficiency drives a range of economic benefits, including job creation and improved air quality. By investing in renewable energy, we can achieve a dual benefit of cleaner air and a stronger economy.
Investments in renewable energy are crucial for improving air quality and protecting public health. By reducing fine particulate matter, preventing stagnation events, lowering levels of aeroallergens, cutting down on ozone production, and enhancing overall health, renewable energy offers a sustainable solution to air pollution. Plus, the economic benefits and job creation associated with renewable energy investments further highlight the importance of transitioning to clean energy sources. As we continue to invest in renewable energy, we pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for all.