In the Global Scholars Program at Berkeley, seniors enact individualized action projects to help spread awareness, educate on convoluted topics, serve those in need, and more. For this particular action project, the article serves to explicate the research done on the effectiveness of renewable and alternative energy sources in combating the usage of carbon-based energy sources. 

The impact of carbon-based energy sources on the environment and the consequences of continued dependence are drastic. As many know, fossil fuels are the least environmentally friendly energy source, with carbon dioxide as a significant by-product. Plus, the extraction methods of the primary forms—coal, crude oil, and natural gas—are typically very harmful. Coal mining, primarily through strip mining, is particularly destructive as it disrupts ecosystems and pollutes the environment. The extraction methods for crude oil, including drilling and strip mining of oil sands, also raise concerns about environmental degradation. Moreover, the process of fracking, used to extract natural gas, poses serious risks by introducing harmful chemicals into water supplies and contributing to air pollution. Nonetheless, fossil fuels account for about 80% of global energy needs as of 2023.

Comparatively, renewable energy sources have no significant risks associated with them and have garnered much public support. However, their reliability in application limits their effectiveness due to their dependence on atmospheric and weather conditions. The main types of renewable energy are: solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass or biofuel. Solar energy makes use of sunlight to produce electricity or heat. Wind power uses turbines driven by wind to produce electricity. However, it is significantly affected by weather conditions. Additionally, wind farms need consistent, strong winds and considerable land area, which may not be accessible in certain countries. Hydropower uses the power of flowing water, such as rivers and dams, to produce electricity. Geothermal energy uses the internal heat of the Earth to generate electricity. While it is handy, only countries near zones of higher tectonic activity can use it. Examples consist of Iceland, Indonesia, and Kenya. 

Biomass and biofuel are renewable energy sources as well. However, their overall effectiveness is limited due to the high costs associated with their production compared to other energy generation methods. While biofuels offer a cleaner alternative to traditional carbon-based energy sources, they still contribute to emissions. Renewables are typically intermittent energy sources, which means the energy generated from these sources is unreliable, and one cannot rely solely on renewables as an energy source. For example, one couldn’t generate solar energy during the night, so energy would have to be supplemented using other sources. The natural resources of a country also limit its accessibility. Production and building processes, of course, typically utilize fossil fuels. Nonetheless, they are still highly effective energy sources because of their abundant energy and low environmental impact. Currently, renewables make up less than 30% of the energy mix.

Nuclear energy is the most effective option for reducing reliance on carbon-based sources, as it offers significant potential for transitioning away from fossil fuels. Despite public concerns about safety that limit its support, nuclear power is characterized by the highest energy capacity factor at 92.5%. and reliability, being able to operate year-round, 24/7, without pause. Moreover, it has a much lower environmental impact due to a complete lack of carbon emissions. The main issue regarding using nuclear energy, as the management of nuclear facilities is very strictly managed, is the storage of nuclear waste; currently, many nuclear power plants sit on their waste and store it indefinitely. However, most radioactive material is low-level waste with a shorter half-life, meaning the radiation levels drop in a shorter time. High-level waste is held to a higher standard and is typically the spent reactor fuel. They are stored in specially designed pools of water, where the water acts as both a coolant and a shield from radiation. Overall, the capabilities of nuclear energy could play a crucial role in combating global dependence on carbon-based energy sources. Many countries like France, where around 70% of its energy comes from its 58 nuclear plants, are investing more in nuclear energy. There is the possibility of using nuclear fusion, the same kind of energy generation the sun uses, in the distant future.

The transition to energy sources with low to no carbon emissions is essential for addressing climate change and its effects on the global environment. Nuclear energy, with its capacity to produce large amounts of power while generating minimal carbon emissions, will play a crucial role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels in the short term. Its reliability and efficiency can help accelerate the shift away from carbon-based energy sources more rapidly than renewable energy sources. In contrast, renewable energy sources, while vital for sustainable long-term energy solutions, have a lower environmental impact as they do not produce harmful waste. Therefore, to effectively combat reliance on fossil fuels and achieve net-zero emissions, it is clear that a combination of nuclear energy and renewable sources is necessary. The initial strength of nuclear energy, paired with the sustainable benefits of renewables, creates a comprehensive approach to energy transition that addresses both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.