How do renewable energy sources benefit air quality?

How do renewable energy sources benefit air quality?

• A. They increase greenhouse gas emissions
• B. They reduce reliance on fossil fuels
• C. They promote the use of coal
• D. They generate more waste products

Answer: (B)

Renewable energy sources benefit air quality primarily by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The combustion of fossil fuels—such as coal, oil, and natural gas—releases a significant amount of pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These emissions contribute to poor air quality, climate change, and health problems. In contrast, renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy, produce little to no air pollutants during their operation. By transitioning to these cleaner energy sources, we can significantly decrease the emissions associated with electricity generation and other energy-related activities. This shift leads to an overall improvement in air quality, reducing respiratory and cardiovascular issues among populations and promoting a healthier environment. The alternatives do not support this outcome, as increasing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting the use of coal, or generating more waste products would exacerbate air quality issues rather than mitigate them.

Renewable energy sources benefit air quality primarily by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The combustion of fossil fuels—such as coal, oil, and natural gas—releases a significant amount of pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These emissions contribute to poor air quality, climate change, and health problems.

In contrast, renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy, produce little to no air pollutants during their operation. By transitioning to these cleaner energy sources, we can significantly decrease the emissions associated with electricity generation and other energy-related activities. This shift leads to an overall improvement in air quality, reducing respiratory and cardiovascular issues among populations and promoting a healthier environment.

The alternatives do not support this outcome, as increasing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting the use of coal, or generating more waste products would exacerbate air quality issues rather than mitigate them.