Leaving Behind Fossil Fuels: Embracing a Global Shift to Renewable Energy.
By Nwadiuto Akwani.
INTRODUCTION
Fossil fuels, while historically significant in powering our modern world, have come at a great cost. Crude oil explorations in Niger Delta, Nigeria have left the local population exposed to pollutants such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which has led to respiratory, neurological, reproductive, and gastrointestinal issues. There are also increased risks of cancers, including lung and skin cancers, among residents. Burning fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute significantly to climate change. Approximately 30–40% of carbon dioxide emissions from human activities dissolve into water bodies such as oceans, rivers, and lakes which leads to ocean acidification, extreme weather events, and sea level rise. An analysis by the national library of medicine shows that Increase in ocean acidity threatens marine life with notable decreased survival, calcification, growth, development and abundance, The WMO reports that weather, climate, and water-related hazards led to nearly 12,000 disasters from 1970 to 2021. Developing nations bore the brunt, accounting for 90% of fatalities and 60% of financial losses caused by climate shocks and extreme weather.
Fossil fuels produce hazardous air pollutants, such as Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that cause environmental damage, including acid rain which bring harm to crops, forests, and wildlife. An instance of these impacts is the oil spills recorded in Nigeria. Between 2020 and 2021, Nigeria’s National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) documented 822 oil spills, releasing a total of 28,003 barrels of oil into the environment. This has severely affected the livelihoods of farmers and fishers, while residents have reported numerous health problems as a consequence.
In 2023, a study by the National Library of Medicine, found that the health impacts of air pollution from fossil fuels leads to an estimated 8.34 million deaths globally per year due to fine particulate matter and ozone exposure. Fossil fuels are responsible for 5.13 million of these deaths, highlighting the significant health benefits of transitioning to clean energy sources. Burning gasoline additives like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene releases ultra-fine particles and aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known to cause cancer. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to severe health problems, including asthma, heart disease, and premature death. Phasing out fossil fuels would substantially reduce mortality and mitigate environmental health risks.
Fortunately, the dawn of renewable energy offers us a promising alternative. With the advent of diverse and innovative renewable energy technologies such as hydro energy, bioenergy, wind energy, solar energy, and geothermal energy, the transition away from fossil fuels is not only feasible but imperative.
SOURCES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
For the world to be able to make a complete shift to renewable energy it is important for us to be aware of the various forms of this said energy, making it clear that with these numerous means of renewable energy generation the world can transition to a more sustainable future while simultaneously making fossil fuels and its adverse effects on the environment a thing of the past. We will look in detail into some current means of renewable energy and make an analysis on the different regions of the world that benefit most from each energy form.
HYDROELECTRIC POWER
Hydroelectric power is one of our most longstanding and significant sources of low-carbon energy. Responsible for 15–16% of the world’s electricity, large-scale hydroelectric generation began more than a century ago and continues to be our biggest renewable energy source. Excluding traditional biomass, hydroelectric power still constitutes roughly half of renewable energy generation and the highest renewable energy source used in the world.
Hydroelectric power is a means of generating electricity that involves the use of water. Thus, it is often adopted in areas with flowing water. The water typically flows down a penstock which drives the blades of a turbine ultimately generating electricity. The water which drives the turbine returns back to the river or reserve to be used again. Hydroelectric power is a continuous cycle of power generation where the water is not consumed and can be used many times without depletion. However, the extent of hydroelectric power generation varies greatly from country to country. Below is a map of the world showing the annual hydroelectric power generation per country as of 2023.
WIND POWER
Wind energy is a renewable source of power generated by harnessing the kinetic energy of moving air. It is converted into mechanical energy through wind turbines and then into electricity. Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources worldwide due to its sustainability and low environmental impact.
Wind energy generation begins when the wind blows, it turns the turbine blades, which are connected to a central rotor. The rotor spins a shaft linked to a gearbox that increases the rotational speed. This mechanical energy is then transferred to a generator, which converts it into electrical energy. The generated electricity is transmitted through power lines to homes, businesses, and industries. Wind energy is a clean and renewable source of power that produces no greenhouse gas emissions, making it a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. This map highlights regions where wind energy is abundantly harnessed, showcasing the global distribution of wind farms. Areas with consistent and strong winds, like coastal regions and open plains, are prominently featured, emphasizing their suitability for wind energy production.
GEOTHERMAL POWER
Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that harnesses heat from the Earth’s interior to generate electricity and provide direct heating. This heat originates from the Earth’s core, where temperatures can reach over 5,000°C (9,000°F), and is continuously replenished through radioactive decay of minerals and thermal energy transfer.
Geothermal energy works by tapping into the Earth’s internal heat, which is generated by the natural decay of radioactive elements deep within the planet. Wells are drilled into underground reservoirs containing hot water or steam, which can be found near tectonic plate boundaries or volcanic regions. This heat is then used in different ways depending on the technology. In geothermal power plants, steam or hot water is extracted to drive turbines that generate electricity. In direct-use applications, hot water is piped to buildings for heating, while geothermal heat pumps use the stable underground temperature to regulate indoor climates. Since geothermal energy is constantly replenished, it is a reliable and sustainable renewable energy source. The map illustrates the geographic distribution of geothermal energy sources, often concentrated in tectonically active regions such as the Pacific Ring of Fire. It demonstrates where Earth’s natural heat is effectively tapped to generate electricity and provide direct heating.
BIOFUELS
Biofuels are renewable fuels derived from organic materials such as plants, algae, and animal waste. They are an alternative to fossil fuels and can be used for transportation, electricity generation, and heating. Because they are made from biological sources, biofuels can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fuels.
Biofuels are produced through processes like fermentation, transesterification (for biodiesel), and thermal conversion. Ethanol is blended with gasoline to power vehicles, while biodiesel can be used in diesel engines with minimal modifications. Advanced biofuels, such as algae-based fuels, are being developed to provide cleaner and more efficient alternatives.
Research is focused on improving biofuel efficiency, reducing costs, and developing next-generation biofuels like algae-based and synthetic biofuels. Governments and industries are investing in biofuels as part of the global transition to cleaner energy sources. This map outlines key regions involved in biofuel production, focusing on areas with vast agricultural outputs. Countries with robust farming and forestry sectors, like Brazil and the United States, are prominent, showcasing their ability to produce biofuels from organic materials such as crops, algae, and waste.
SOLAR POWER
Solar energy is a renewable energy source that comes from the sun’s radiation. It is one of the most abundant and sustainable energy sources available, capable of generating electricity and providing heat without producing greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy can be harnessed using various technologies, such as photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal systems.
Solar energy works by capturing the sun’s radiation and converting it into usable power through photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar thermal systems. In PV systems, solar panels made of semiconductor materials absorb sunlight, excite electrons and generate direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted into alternating current (AC) for use in homes and businesses. By capturing solar energy, you lessen dependence on fossil fuels while simultaneously minimizing your carbon footprint. The energy produced is influenced by the strength of sunlight and the effectiveness of your solar panels.. While solar energy is clean and renewable, its effectiveness depends on sunlight availability, requiring energy storage solutions for continuous use. The map depicts areas with high solar energy potential, typically within regions that receive ample sunlight year-round. It highlights how locations in sun-rich zones, like deserts and tropical regions, are leading in solar power generation.
Crossing the bridge — Harnessing Regional Renewable Energy Strengths
A global transition to renewable energy is not only possible but necessary for environmental sustainability and economic stability. Each country has a unique set of natural resources that determine which form of renewable energy is most beneficial. By considering annual temperature levels, wind patterns, water availability, and geographical features, nations can tailor their energy strategies to maximize efficiency and reliability. If the world were to leave fossil fuels behind, we would see significant changes in global temperatures, air quality, improved health, lower cancer risks and neurological diseases that affect development in children and cognitive relapses in adults. This transition is not just about reducing carbon emissions but also about leveraging the natural advantages each country possesses to create a cleaner and more resilient energy system.
Countries located near the equator and in arid regions, such as Saudi Arabia, India, Australia, and large parts of Africa, are best suited for solar energy. These areas receive high levels of solar radiation year-round, making photovoltaic (PV) panels and concentrated solar power (CSP) systems the most efficient options. The Sahara Desert alone receives four thousand, three hundred hours sunlight annually, covering just 1.2% of the deserts surface area with solar panels theoretically can produce 28,000 terawatt- hours annually exceeding the world’s annual energy consumption of about 23,000 terawatt- hours thus the sunlight received by the Sahara desert is enough sunlight to power the entire world multiple times over. If large-scale solar farms were implemented across these regions, they could produce surplus energy that could be exported to neighboring countries, creating an interconnected global energy network. Technological advancements in battery storage and grid infrastructure would allow solar-rich countries to store and distribute excess electricity, solving the issue of intermittency that solar power traditionally faces.
In contrast, countries with strong and consistent wind currents, such as Denmark, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States (particularly in the Midwest and coastal regions), and Argentina, are ideal for wind energy. Offshore wind farms in the North Sea already supply significant amounts of electricity to European nations, and with continued expansion, they could replace fossil fuel-based power plants entirely. China’s Gansu Wind Farm and the wind corridors of the Great Plains in the U.S. highlight how wind power can become a dominant energy source in regions with high wind speeds. If investment in wind technology continues to grow, wind energy could become one of the cheapest and most reliable forms of power globally, reducing dependence on coal and natural gas.
Hydropower remains the most reliable renewable energy source for countries with abundant water resources and mountainous terrain. Nations such as Norway, Brazil, Canada, China, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have major river systems that provide the perfect conditions for hydroelectric dams. Norway, for example, already generates about 88% of its electricity from hydropower, demonstrating the feasibility of a hydro-based energy system. While large dams can have environmental consequences, such as disrupting ecosystems and displacing communities, newer technologies like small-scale and run-of-river hydroelectric plants offer more sustainable alternatives. By modernizing hydroelectric infrastructure and integrating it with other renewable sources, these nations could further enhance their energy independence and stability.
Geothermal energy is another promising source, particularly for countries located along tectonic plate boundaries. Iceland, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand, and parts of the United States (such as California and Hawaii) have vast underground reservoirs of heat that can be tapped for electricity and direct heating. Iceland has already demonstrated how a country can run almost entirely on geothermal power, providing both electricity and heating to its citizens with minimal environmental impact. Expanding geothermal energy in other geologically active regions could reduce reliance on fossil fuels, particularly for heating purposes, which still accounts for a large portion of global energy consumption. Unlike solar and wind, geothermal energy is not weather-dependent, making it a stable and continuous energy source.
Biofuels offer an alternative for countries with large agricultural and forestry sectors. Brazil, Indonesia, the United States, and parts of Europe, such as Germany and Sweden, are well-positioned to produce biofuels from crops, agricultural waste, and forest residues. Brazil’s ethanol industry, which primarily uses sugarcane, has successfully replaced a significant portion of gasoline consumption, reducing emissions and dependence on oil imports. Second-generation biofuels, made from non-food biomass such as algae and waste products, could further enhance sustainability without competing with food production. If biofuel technology continues to advance, it could provide a cleaner alternative for transportation, particularly in sectors like aviation and shipping, where electrification is more challenging.
For coastal and island nations, such as Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan, and Indonesia, tidal and wave energy present an untapped opportunity. Scotland has been at the forefront of marine energy development, demonstrating that ocean currents and tidal movements can generate reliable electricity. Since ocean energy is highly predictable compared to wind and solar, it could become an essential component of a diversified renewable energy mix. However, tidal and wave technology is still in its early stages, requiring more investment and research to become commercially viable on a global scale. If fully developed, marine energy could provide continuous power to coastal populations, reducing reliance on land-based power generation.
The global shift from fossil fuels to renewables is often seen as expensive, but long-term savings far outweigh initial costs. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2050 would require an investment of around $110 trillion. However, this investment would result in approximately $160 trillion in savings due to reduced health costs, environmental damage, and climate-related disasters. Additionally, renewable energy prices have been falling dramatically. Solar PV costs have dropped by over 80% since 2010, while wind energy costs have fallen by nearly 50%. With continuous improvements in energy storage and grid integration, renewables are becoming not only environmentally necessary but also economically competitive.
If fossil fuels were entirely phased out, global CO₂ emissions would drop by approximately 75%, based on current energy consumption patterns. This shift could lower global temperatures by at least 0.3°C to 0.5°C by 2050 compared to business-as-usual scenarios. Such a reduction would slow the melting of polar ice caps, reduce the frequency of extreme weather events, and mitigate the risk of irreversible climate tipping points. Improved air quality from reduced emissions would prevent an estimated 7 million premature deaths annually, as reported by the World Health Organization. Cities currently suffering from severe air pollution, such as Beijing, New Delhi, and Los Angeles, would experience dramatic improvements in public health and quality of life.
Beyond environmental benefits, a full transition to renewable energy would create over 42 million new jobs by 2050, offsetting losses in the fossil fuel industry. The renewable energy sector already employs more people than the coal industry, and as demand for clean energy increases, so will employment opportunities in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. By reallocating fossil fuel subsidies — which totaled $7 trillion globally in 2022 — toward renewable energy infrastructure, governments could accelerate the transition without increasing public expenditure. This shift would not only strengthen economies but also enhance energy security, reducing dependence on geopolitically unstable oil and gas markets.
CONCLUSION
Every country has access to at least one form of renewable energy that aligns with its natural resources, making a world free of fossil fuels entirely feasible. By tailoring energy strategies to local conditions — solar for hot, sunny regions, wind for coastal and open plains, hydro for mountainous areas, geothermal for volcanic zones, and biofuels for agricultural regions — we can create a decentralized, resilient energy system. The financial, environmental, and social benefits of leaving fossil fuels behind far outweigh the costs of maintaining a carbon-based economy. If we act decisively, the world could see not only a measurable drop in global temperatures but also cleaner air, restored ecosystems, and a more equitable and sustainable future.
The global transition to renewable energy is not only feasible but essential for a sustainable future. Each country has access to at least one form of renewable energy that aligns with its climate and geography, whether it be solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biofuels, or marine energy. By strategically leveraging these resources, nations can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and enhance energy security. The economic and environmental benefits of this shift far outweigh the costs, with projections showing potential trillions in savings from reduced climate-related disasters, improved health outcomes, and job creation in the renewable energy sector. If we act decisively, we could see a measurable drop in global temperatures, cleaner air, and restored ecosystems. The only barriers to this transformation are political and economic interests, but with continued technological advancements and global cooperation, a world powered entirely by renewable energy is within reach.
