The Triad

Years after the industrial revolution during the 19th century, which marks the
gradual increase of energy consumption and environmental pollution. The
contemporary era of the 21st century seems to be reaping the effects of hundreds
of years of rampant exploitation of non-renewable energy sources.

There are various causes and sources of energy problems contributing to the
global energy crisis such as overconsumption, overpopulation, poor
infrastructure, unexplored renewable energy options, delay in commissioning of
power plants, wastage of energy and more. In contrast, there are also multiple
ways of coping with energy problems such as investing in lighting controls for
commercial purposes, easier grid access, and conducting energy simulation.
However, rest assured that there are only few of the best ways to solve such crisis
upon consideration of different contributing factors.

1. Gradual conversion towards renewable resources.

One of them is the gradual conversion towards renewable resources. This is a

long-term solution to an impending global energy crisis. The use of renewable
energy has many potential benefits, including a reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions, the diversification of energy supplies and a reduced dependency on
fossil fuel markets. The growth of renewable energy sources may also have the
potential to generate employment on various countries, through the creation of
jobs in new green technologies. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists
in the U.S., electricity production constitutes more than one-third of U.S. global
warming emissions, with the majority generated by coal-fired power plants, which
produce approximately 25 percent of total U.S. global warming emissions; natural
gas-fired power plants produce 6 percent of total emissions. In contrast, most
renewable energy sources produce little to no global warming emissions.
According to data accumulated by the International Panel on Climate Change, life-
cycle global warming emissions associated with renewable energy, including
manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance, and dismantling and
decommissioning, are minimal.

Gradually increasing the supply of renewable energy by replacing the non-

renewable one, would allow us to replace carbon-intensive energy sources and
significantly reduce global warming emissions. Moreover, a study by the U.S.
Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory explored the
feasibility and environmental impacts connected with generating 80 percent of
the countrys electricity from renewable sources by 2050 and concluded that
global warming emissions from electricity production could be reduced by
approximately 81 percent.

2. Purchasing energy-efficient products.

In a society with a capitalist system, consumerism is inevitable. Being said,

responsible consumption or purchase of energy-efficient products is encouraged.
If millions of people across the globe use energy-efficient products for various
purposes, the demand for energy can go down and an energy crisis can be
averted. According to Alliance to Save Energy, buying ENERGY STAR-rated
appliances saves up to 30% on electricity bills. Replacing incandescent light bulbs
with energy-efficient halogens, CFLs or LEDs saves 30-80% on energy bills.
Furthermore, usage of energy-efficient products is good for the environment as it
requires the use of less energy hence avoiding pollution and helps to maintain
stable supply of energy.

3. Common stand on climate change.

It is indisputable that the energy crisis brings with it climate change due to
pollution. To alleviate the global energy crisis, a holistic and international
approach must be adhered unto. There is little to no effect if only few countries
will implement a stance to improve climate change by mitigating various sources
of energy problems. We may be divided as separate countries, but in the eyes of
the universe we are one. Moreover, to have a common stand is another means to
assure a long-term solution to tackle the problem.

The triad includes solutions addressing the energy crisis in relation to various
factors. It includes long-term solutions, national and international approaches, as
well as local and domestic means. This provides mechanisms for every family in a
home, for every government of a country, and for the global community.
Everyone may and must contribute if possible to assure the well-being of our
future generation.