The Rise of Renewable Energy

Lexile: 980 | Grade: 7

Passage

For over a century, most of the world’s energy has come from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. These sources are powerful and easy to transport—but they have a major downside. When burned, fossil fuels release gases that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.

To reduce these effects, scientists, engineers, and governments around the world have been turning toward renewable energy. **Renewable energy** comes from natural sources that can be used again and again—like sunlight, wind, water, and even the heat inside the Earth.

Solar panels, for example, capture sunlight and convert it into electricity without polluting the air. Wind turbines do the same using air movement. In some places, flowing rivers or ocean tides power machines that generate clean electricity. These energy sources don’t run out the way fossil fuels do, and they produce far less pollution.

Still, renewable energy faces challenges. Solar panels don’t work well on cloudy days or at night. Wind turbines need strong, steady winds. Building the infrastructure—like solar farms or wind parks—takes time and money. And some communities resist having large towers or panels near their homes.

Despite these hurdles, many countries are investing heavily in renewables. In fact, the fastest-growing sources of new electricity worldwide now come from solar and wind. Some cities even aim to run entirely on renewable energy within the next two decades.

Switching to renewables isn’t just about protecting the planet. It also creates jobs in engineering, construction, and energy management. By using cleaner sources of power, the world takes an important step toward a healthier, more sustainable future.