Joan Mutinda

 CLEAN ENERGY: THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL NUMBER 7 Author: Joan Munini Mutinda Age: 24 Email:- Introduction Today, most individuals in societies want to have good cars, electricity, gas cylinders even in the countryside to make food in a short time without acquiring dirt or injuries that come along with fetching firewood. Nearly everyone views development as affording these things. The use of natural resources by the present generations without jeopardizing the capability of future generations to utilize the same assets defines the term sustainable development (Davey, 2019). A community that cares for its future sets up shops nearer to acquire goods and services faster with less involvement of vehicles (to reduce emissions); this is right for the environment. Such people also implement cooking methods that utilize energy effectively. Thus, this essay analyzes the concept of clean energy, ways to attain it in East African communities, and how its attainment is vital in promoting sustainability. Clean and sustainable energy: There are forms of energy that can be reused or recycled without releasing contaminants in the form of greenhouse gases, as fossil fuels do. They include, firstly, bio-fuel, which uses biological products. Secondly, solar power; it utilizes the sun with the help of solar panels. Thirdly wind utilizes windmills, and the fourth one being hydropower, which uses water from dams to generate power. All these sources are replenishable, and they define clean energy. Climate change is a real issue today, and human beings have contributed to this: Consequently, reversing its effects is essential (Gough, 2017). It is possible with the use of power such as solar or wind as they can be replenished naturally without running out, and this explains sustainable energy, one that can meet the rising demand of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to utilize it. Forms of clean energy which East Africa can explore: Wind power: Air comprises small elements moving at high speed. Their quick movement produces kinetic energy, which is then captured into an eco-friendly form to generate electricity using windmills, pumps, or turbines. Hydropower: A dam is constructed as the means of water storage. The water is then converted to power, whose levels can be increased through opening the entries to allow the release of water at a high force, after which it can be utilized again. Solar: Sun energy is almost everywhere in East Africa. Sun’s rays produce power, and solar panels build up the strength then transform it into one that can be utilized to light the houses plus provide fuel for locomotives. Biomass: Photosynthesis process provides living plants with energy stored as carbohydrates. A living substance that stores up power for several uses from photosynthesis are referred to as biomass (Ashter, 2018). For instance, most chefs in rural areas use firewood sticks to produce fire; this is biomass. Nowadays, it can be used not only for cooking but also to provide electricity and power. Opportunities to generate clean energy in the community: Firstly, the presence of sunshine every day is a chance to utilize solar energy to produce electricity in homes and businesses within the community. Secondly, the wind is available at high speed (Oubibi & Nouri, 2016). There are meteorological stations to monitor wind levels: All this can be utilized too. Thirdly, agriculture is practiced on a large scale, a prospect to acquire hydroelectric power from the high production of waste, which can be converted to biogas or biomass. Ordinary people can be educated on low energy generation practices. For instance, the use of firewood instead of electric cookers. Moreover, utilizing solar to light alongside heating water (this will also cut the cost of the tokens). They can be educated to switch off electronic appliances when not in use and also to take advantage of the power that is naturally generated by nature (this is a way of saving). A good scheme is to issue them with a good idea, for instance, combining two or more natural energy sources; an example is a solar panel with a wind turbine to generate more electricity at a low cost for their homes. Positive impacts of clean energy in the community: Reliability and Affordability: People will cease to depend on the electric companies to supply power since it will be acquired naturally from the sun or wind. Also, this is a way to save money spent to purchase tokens or electricity bills. Solar panels or LED bulbs are the only requirements to start, and then there will be unlimited power plus zero monthly bills. Eco-friendly: Unlike fossil fuels, clean energy does not damage the environment: A requisite to a healthier life (no respiratory diseases like asthma or heart attacks caused by air pollution). Additionally, factories and power plants release greenhouse gases responsible for global warming (Howard, 2018). A clean one reduces and subsequently eliminates the release of these gases in the long term. Adverse effects of prolonged use of non-renewable energy: Over the years, East Africa has experienced a rise in global warming. This is evident through floods, droughts, dried rivers, and change in rainfall patterns. The origin of fossil fuels can be dated many years ago as buried organisms that have decomposed to form today’s products. They are the leading cause of greenhouses responsible for global warming when they release these gases into the atmosphere during extraction, which end up trapping heat into the atmosphere. Their continued use means continuous melting of ice glaciers, rising sea levels, increased displacements, moreover increased deaths from famine and drought effects. Also, their constant utilization means that the future generations will have nothing left to make use of, bearing in mind that they cannot be replenished, yet they take longer to form. Conclusion: Technological advancement in clean energy acquisition is increasing. To begin with, East Africa should not only tap but also make good use of its renewable sources. Secondly, its governments should showcase its ability to offer clean energy towards opening local companies to international markets. Thirdly, investing in research and development to discover other replenishable energy potentials and mechanisms to produce additional amounts of reusable energy without compromising the environment. Lastly, education and training in learning institutions should be implemented to develop expertise among the youth who can, in return, offer incentives to generate more. According to Arshad (2017), clean energy is a component of the achievement of a sustainable future. Furthermore, it saves money, plus protects the environment. Achieving a renewable energy infrastructure will not only advance economic development but also guarantee a safe as well as secure future; hence it is one objective if sustainable development is to be achieved. References Davey, P. (2019). 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