Mmastodon EnvironmentClimate first seen 5 h ago, last 1 h ago, peak #8
Clean energy displaces fossil fuels rather than adding to supply
Original: Clean energy does not simply “add to” global energy use; it displaces fossil sources that would otherwise get built. Twe
Climate commentators are highlighting that renewable energy actively displaces fossil fuel generation instead of simply increasing total supply. Wind, solar and other non-hydro renewables supplied just 2.0 percent of the world's electricity in 2005, and their growth since then has crowded out fossil plants that would otherwise have been built. Supporters say the point counters a common argument used to downplay the impact of clean energy investment.
Why now: The claim counters a recurring sceptical argument that renewables merely add to energy use, resonating amid ongoing climate policy debates.
Skeptical Sciencewind powersolar power
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Evidence
- Clean energy does not simply “add to” global energy use; it displaces fossil sources that would otherwise get built. Twenty years ago, wind, solar and other non-hydro renewables were close to a rounding error. In 2005 they supplied a mere 2.0 percent of the world’s electricity… · SkepticalScience@scicomm.xyz · 5
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