Clean Energy in Massachusetts
A Future Sucess Story
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is closer to true sustainability than ever before.
And the health benefits that come with it are out of the park!
We are in the middle of an energy transformation.
For decades, we have known that fossil fuels are not a sustainable source of energy. They are non-renewable, cause climate change, and emit dangerous pollutants. At the same time, fossil fuels have been able to satisfy our societal energy needs. They have kept the lights on and the machines running.
But clean energy is growing like never before. In Massachusetts, renewable sources produce 19% of all electricity in the Commonwealth (1). In the last ten years, solar energy generation in Massachusetts has grown more than 500% (2). Also, last year was the first time in history where more money was invested in clean energy than in fossil fuels (3). We certainly have a long way to go, but at least we're trending in the right direction.
Fossil Fuels got us Started
Fossil fuels (oil, gas, natural gas) are materials found in Earth's crust that can be burned to produce energy. There are only a finite number of deposits throughout the planet that can be mined, extracted, or fracked.
Fossil fuels have some benefits. They have a high energy density, which means that a lot of energy can be produced from little fuel. They have also historically been very cheap, which is important given how much energy our society uses.
However, they also many downsides. Fossil fuels are responsible for the majority of global air pollution (4). This is a very serious issue, as air pollution kills approximately 7 million every year and disables millions more (5). Fossil fuels are also the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions (6). Increased greenhouse gases emissions cause global warming and climate change.
Millions of people are dying and climate change is rapidly accelerating because of fossil fuels (4, 5). It is incredibly important to find a replacement for our primary source of energy. At the same time, this replacement must also be able to produce a lot of energy for a relatively cheap cost, as all of our infrastructure and transportation are based on the assumption that energy is cheap and abundant. Fortunately, recent developments mean that today's clean energy can do just that.
To learn more about fossil fuels watch this short video
Facts about Clean Energy
25,000
Tons of Particulate Matter Emitted in MA Every Year (7)
500%
Increase in Solar Energy Generation in MA (2)
19%
Of All Energy Generated in MA is Renewable (1)
The Benefits of Clean Energy?
Clean energy is a term used for energy that is both renewable and produced without emissions. This means that clean energy does not contribute towards air pollution or climate change, and there is an unlimited supply of it. Two of the most common sources for clean energy are solar power and wind power (2). The technology for capturing energy from the sun and from wind has developed significantly in the last several decades. Since 2010, the cost of generating electricity from solar energy has declined by nearly 90% and from wind by more than 50% (3). It is now cheaper in many parts of the United States to produce electricity from renewables than from any fossil fuel (8).
Because of these developments, clean energy is growing like never before. Massachusetts, produces 5 times more clean energy than it did 10 years ago, and today, around 19% of all energy in Massachusetts is clean (1, 2). Here are a few of the reasons why switching to clean energy is good for Massachusetts.
Health Benefits
PM2.5 causes 7 million deaths every year and fossil fuels are responsible for 85% of PM2.5 emissions (4, 6). By increasing our clean energy sources, we can reduce our fossil fuel usage and have healthier societies.
Slowing Climate Change
Climate change is also closely related to the use of fossil fuels. By transitioning to clean non-polluting energy, we can avoid irreversible damage from climate change.
Sustainability
Our current energy system is inherently unsustainable, and well, non-renewable. Without clean energy, we will need to continue searching for new forms of energy and may eventually face energy scarcity. Alternatively, clean energy—particularly solar and wind power—is renewable and sustainable.
Increased Renewable Energy-Related Employment
Solar panels and wind turbines won’t grow out of the ground; they’ll require installation and maintenance. Switching to renewable energy will help the economy by creating millions of jobs at all levels of skills and experience (9).
Lower Energy Costs
It is now cheaper in many parts of the United States to produce electricity from renewables than from any fossil fuel (8). This gigantic leap signals that for millions of Americans, it’s already financially advantageous to switch to renewables.
Reduced Water Consumption
Did you know there's a lot of water used in the production of greenhouse gases? Fracking (drilling for natural gas) is particularly known for wasting water. With renewables, this water wastage is drastically reduced. Who would've thought?
It’s clear that clean energy is the way of the future.
It’s sustainable, doesn’t cause climate change, and better for human health. Here at the Global Observatory on Planetary Health, we believe transitioning to clean energy is a critical step for mankind to make.