22 Lies Told About Renewables That Could Delay Climate Action

Why are we still fighting against renewable energy? Here are 22 lies that have been perpetuated to delay climate action, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Did you fall for any of these?

1. Renewables Are Too Expensive

Some say renewables are unaffordable, but the cost of solar and wind power has dropped by 89% and 70% respectively since 2010. Renewables are now often cheaper than fossil fuels per kilowatt-hour.

2. Renewables Can’t Meet Energy Demands

Critics argue that renewables can’t supply enough energy. Yet, studies show that renewable resources could meet global energy demands 100 times over.

3. Solar and Wind Are Unreliable

Ever heard that renewables are unreliable? Advances in energy storage and grid management have made it possible for renewables to provide consistent power. California, for example, has achieved over 30% renewable energy integration.

4. Renewable Energy Requires Too Much Land

Worried about land use? Solar panels can be installed on rooftops and wind farms coexist with agriculture. Research shows that less than 1% of U.S. land is needed to power the entire country with solar energy.

5. Renewables Are Bad for the Environment

Some claim that renewables harm the environment more than they help. However, studies reveal that the environmental benefits of renewables far outweigh the negatives, and strategies are in place to mitigate wildlife impacts.

6. Fossil Fuels Are More Reliable

Is fossil fuel energy really more reliable? Data shows that fossil fuel plants are prone to failures and require significant maintenance. In contrast, renewable energy systems have fewer points of failure and are more resilient.

7. Renewable Energy Jobs Are Low Quality

Think renewable energy jobs are low-paying? The renewable sector offers well-paying, long-term careers. In 2020, the median wage for renewable energy workers was $24 per hour, compared to $20 per hour for all U.S. workers.

8. Renewables Can’t Power Industry

Believing that renewables can’t support heavy industry? Many industrial processes are being powered by renewable energy. For example, Tesla’s Gigafactory runs entirely on renewables.

9. Energy Storage Is Too Expensive

Energy storage solutions are often labeled as too costly. However, the cost of battery storage has decreased by 87% since 2010, making it increasingly viable.

10. Renewables Can’t Work Without Government Subsidies

Think renewables depend solely on subsidies? In reality, fossil fuels receive $5.9 trillion in subsidies globally each year, far more than renewables.

11. Transitioning to Renewables Will Cost Jobs

Worried about job losses? The renewable energy sector is creating jobs at a faster rate than fossil fuels. The clean energy sector employed 3.3 million Americans in 2020.

12. Renewables Can’t Provide Baseload Power

Think only fossil fuels can provide baseload power? Renewables, combined with storage and grid management technologies, can and do provide stable baseload power.

13. The Technology Isn’t Ready

Believing that renewable technology isn’t ready? Continuous innovations and improvements have made renewables more efficient and viable than ever. For instance, solar panel efficiency has improved from 6% in the 1950s to over 22% today.

14. Solar Panels and Wind Turbines Are Not Recyclable

Worried about renewable waste? Most components of solar panels and wind turbines can be recycled, and recycling processes are improving. By 2050, 78 million tons of solar panels will be recycled globally.

15. Renewables Will Lead to Energy Insecurity

Afraid that renewables will cause energy insecurity? Diversifying energy sources with renewables actually enhances energy security. Countries like Denmark generate nearly 50% of their electricity from wind without compromising energy security.

16. Fossil Fuels Are Necessary for Economic Growth

Think fossil fuels are essential for economic growth? Renewable energy investments drive economic growth and create more jobs. The renewable energy market is expected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2025.

17. Renewables Harm Human Health

Some suggest that renewables have negative health impacts. In contrast, renewables reduce air pollution, which is linked to significant health benefits, potentially preventing up to 4 million premature deaths annually.

18. The Grid Can’t Handle Renewables

Believe the grid can’t support renewables? Modernizing the grid to accommodate renewables is both feasible and beneficial. Germany, for example, integrates over 40% of its electricity from renewables.

19. Nuclear Power Is a Better Alternative

Think nuclear is the best low-carbon option? While it plays a role, renewables are safer, cheaper, and faster to deploy. Renewables added more global capacity in 2020 than all other sources combined.

20. Renewables Are a Passing Fad

Believe renewables are a trend that will fade? The sustained growth and investment in renewable energy prove it’s here to stay. In 2020 alone, renewables accounted for 82% of new electricity capacity added worldwide.

21. Climate Change Isn’t Real

Still skeptical about climate change? The overwhelming consensus among scientists confirms that climate change is real and renewables are essential in combating it. Over 97% of climate scientists agree on human-caused global warming.

22. Switching to Renewables Is Too Disruptive

Think the transition to renewables will be too disruptive? Managed properly, the transition can be smooth and bring numerous benefits to society. Countries like Sweden aim to be fossil-fuel-free by 2045 with positive economic impacts.

The Truth About Renewables

The myths surrounding renewable energy are persistent but baseless. Are you ready to embrace the reality and push for a cleaner, sustainable future?

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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Es sarawuth.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.