In the midst of our devastating pandemic, the remarkable effects that the global Covid-19 shutdown has had on heavily polluted areas could become a catalyst for change in the energy sector. Breathtaking landscapes obscured by pollution for decades because of the dependence on fossil fuels came into clear view. The collateral benefit of this earth-friendly and healthful adjustment of reducing CO2 emissions is eye-opening, even from space.
When the Smog Cleared
Above many large cities, the skies incessantly polluted by emissions from bumper-to-bumper traffic suddenly became clear in places participating in a partial or full lockdown. Air pollution dropped precipitously as millions of people reduced their transportation in the U.S. and stayed inside their homes beginning in March of 2020. For various timelines, the same was true in places around the world. As a result, in one metropolis after another, the air was cleaner and the surrounding scenery previously veiled by smog was showcased in spectacular fashion.
As economic activity recovers and cars return to the roads, the use of fossil fuels will return to prior levels, but the evidence of what is possible in a world with less polluting greenhouse gasses is written in the record books.
- For the first time in a generation, countless city dwellers could see natural wonders by merely stepping outside and scanning the horizon. For instance, in India, the Himalayan mountain range could be seen from a distance of more than 100 miles away, and thrilled residents of the city of Jalandhar and surrounding areas posted online photographs of their new mountain view.
- As massive as Mt. Fuji is in Japan, the view of its peak is usually hidden, but not during the season of immobility designed to curb the spread of Covid-19.
- Los Angeles, California, free from choking smog, had greatly improved air quality. Gorgeous photos of the San Gabriel Mountains and other astonishingly vivid scenery were posted during the shutdown.
NASA Reported Slashes in Air Pollution Across the Globe
Satellite images published by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) show that air pollution was reduced significantly in China, where factories were shut down and residents stayed in their homes because of the pandemic. NASA also reported a sharp fall in the air pollution usually visible from outer space over northern Italy.
NASA air quality researchers reported that seeing a wide area experience such a dramatic drop in pollution due to one event is a first. Among the improvements in the air was the reduction of nitrogen dioxide. Cars, power plants, and construction equipment powered by fossil fuels are among the primary reasons this harmful chemical is in the air, causing various respiratory diseases, worsened allergy symptoms, and other health problems. Improvements in public health can be as dramatic as the changes in scenery when air pollutants are diminished.
Green Energy is a Clear Path to Cleaner Air
The pandemic is a horrible global event that has pulled the covers back on the possibilities of clean energy. If your home were to switch to a 100% renewable energy plan, for instance, it would have an effect equivalent to vehicles traveling 20,748 fewer miles or consuming 954 gallons of gasoline on our roadways annually. Switching to renewable energy is something you can do to help the planet and, at the same time, cut your utility costs.
Compare the cost of low-priced renewable energy plans to what you are currently paying. You can now buy green energy for less than fossil!
Below are 100% green energy plans from top electric companies in Texas.
Speak with a Gexa operator at 855-639-8212.
Speak with a Green Mountain operator at 833-339-0421.
Dominant Sources of Renewable Energy
Solar and wind are the dominant sources of clean energy for utility-scale green energy generation. When you enroll in a 100% renewable energy plan, you can pay less for electricity while helping reduce CO2 pollution. The top green energy providers in Texas are Gexa Energy, Green Mountain Energy and Chariot Energy.
Solar Energy
On solar panels in large solar farms, sunlight is absorbed using photovoltaic cells. Inverters are used to convert the sun’s energy to an alternating current. This usable form of solar energy is delivered to an electric grid before being distributed to homes and commercial businesses.
Wind Energy
Wind turbines with huge propellers set in motion by the wind are used to generate wind energy. Electricity is created through a connection between the blades’ rotor, a mechanical shaft, and a generator. Wind energy, in this way, enters the electricity grid and is then transmitted through utility lines to customers of green energy in Texas.
Green Energy Can Keep a Good Thing Going
In the light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the surprise peek it has provided into a future which can offer improvements to our health and scenery, we can determinedly look forward with optimism. We have gotten a rare glimpse of what happens when CO2 is not being pumped into our air in copious amounts. By switching to a 100% renewable energy plan on a mass scale, it’s possible to help keep it going, and Texas is the perfect place to start because residents have the ability to choose the source and provider of their electricity.
You Can Be Part of a Seismic Shift to Improve the Future
With a global shutdown in combination with a dramatic reduction in CO2, the world has been going through something unlike any other time in history. The silver lining is that we’ve learned that by dramatically reducing vehicular and industrial activities, we have experienced clean air in places that have been plagued with smog for over 50 years. Fascinatingly, the pandemic has revealed what Earth-friendly policies can really do.
Those of us with eyes opened to the possibility of making an impact on the effects of climate change can be part of the solution. In Texas, we can enroll in a green energy plan, quit using electricity generated strictly from fossil fuels, and save money in the process. Want to experience “green” adventures and use carbon offsets? Check out this British article on green travel and offsets.
Get Green Energy. The Time is Now.
Using its massive bargaining power with energy providers, Home Energy Club helps Texas homeowners and business owners cut their electricity rates, choose from vetted plans to reduce bill surprises, and reduce CO2 in the environment to safeguard our planet.
It is literally written in the skies that the time for depending on fossil fuels has passed. It’s a new day, and you will better enjoy your tomorrows knowing that you are helping to create healthier skies for future generations.
