The European Environment Agency (EEA) on Monday said that the transition from fossil-based electricity to renewable sources had cut greenhouse gas emissions while reducing other environmental problems. The European Union generates 34% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2019, doubling from the 2005 levels and compared to 38% coming from fossil fuels.
Besides cutting greenhouse gas emissions, the shift also reduces soil acidification, eutrophication, and particulate air pollution, the EEA said. Therefore, the transition can mitigate climate change while indirectly improving human health and the environment. EEA’s research on 16 power generation techniques concluded that fossil fuel-based ones had the most significant life-cycle impacts on the environment.
It does not mean that renewable generation has zero impact. Biomass energy is associated with particulate matter formation and growing land occupation, while waste incineration can affect freshwater ecotoxicity. To meet its climate goals, the EU needs to generate 70% of its power from renewables by 2030. The EEA also urged the bloc to tackle the potential environmental effects of renewables.
Tags: AlwaysFree,Bio/Renewables,Coal,Crude Oil,English,Europe,Gas
Published on January 19, 2021 11:52 AM (GMT+8)Last Updated on January 19, 2021 11:52 AM (GMT+8)
