With the new decade should come a renewed sense of concern for the environment. Scientists predict that we will be out of time to undo the damage done (by using fossil fuels) and will experience an environmental collapse by 2050. So with only 30 years to go before the world sees environmental ruin, we need to buck up and do something about the issue.
Douglas Healy is trying to aid in the fight by encouraging young ones to get into the field of renewable energy. So if you are thinking about a career in sustainable energy or are just an enthusiast, then Doug recommends that you visit these six countries in order to get a better idea of the ways America can join the rest of the world in sustainable energy practices.
Norway
Norway is one of the leaders in the field of sustainable energy and has put several sustainable energy practices to task. In Norway electric cars are common and they have taken other steps to secure sustainable energy through wind farming and hydro-power. Norway has also signed a pledge to become sustainable and energy neutral by 2030. Norway is a wonderful example of how through adoption of new ideas and a pledge to keep the world in shape you can achieve sustainable energy. It is important to note that even though Norway is an oil-rich country; they have managed to find an equilibrium with proponents of oil production -which would be harder in other nations such as our own.
Portugal
Portugal wouldn’t be my first place to think of when thinking about renewable energy but the Portuguese have it down in 2017 the sources of sustainable energy in Portugal were made up of wind power, hydro-power, bio-energy, solar power and geothermal energy. This tiny nation in Europe has made substantial changes to their grid and are constantly researching new and innovative ways to harness more natural forms of energy.
Uruguay
Due in part to its geographical location, Uruguay has favorable climates for wind energy. Moreover, the country has long survived on hydro-power and thermal power plants. With a great investment in sustainable energy, the country is covering almost 100% of its energy use from solar and wind power alone. Uruguay is a wonderful example of how in even the harshest of climates, innovation can blossom and be utilized to shape a better environment.
Kenya
Kenya’s claim to fame on the environmental stage was being the first African nation to produce geothermal power. As with other countries on the list, Kenya embraces wind and solar power and aims for the country to be powered entirely with green energy by the end of 2020. Over the past 10 years, Kenya has spent $1.3 billion dollars to achieve their clean energy goals.
New Zealand
New Zealand has famously been known as nuclear free for years. After the incident with a rainbow warrior bombing, New Zealand ramped up its anti-nuclear stance and is so conscious about the environment that it will not let any nuclear-powered boats in its waters. The country relies heavily on hydro-electric dams, encourages people to bike ride, and even has solar and electric powered buses. 40% of the country’s energy comes from renewable resources, but coal and wood (which are cheaper on the heating bill) are still used on a regular basis for heating homes across the nation.
Denmark
Denmark was the pioneer of wind farms. In fact, the first wind farms in Denmark go back to the 1800s. Through innovation as well as trial & error, Denmark has created a massive wind farm which dots the shores of the country. There are few who embrace offshore wind farming, but it is a healthy compromise for those who see wind farms as an eyesore. The figures for energy production stand at around 60% but the goal is to increase that to 90% by the end of 2020.
Douglas Healy believes in the move to sustainable energy and with a trip to another country he is sure you will recognize the benefits of sustainable energy and perhaps even make a rewarding and lucrative career out of doing your part to save the world
