Question

Despite the appeal of renewable energy sources, they currently comprise less than 14% of our global energy supply and generate less than 19% of our electricity. Moreover, the "new renewables" account for only a very small fraction of these numbers. The fact that renewables provide little of our energy is a dilemma with multiple causes and consequences. However, most renewable sources are now expanding quickly, and there are many ways in which we can encourage their development and spread.
Which of the following statements would you classify as solutions to the relatively low utilization of renewables in our energy mix? Select all that are true.

Which of the following statements would you classify as causes of the relatively low utilization of renewables in our energy mix? Select all that are true.

Which of the following statements would you classify as consequences of the relatively low utilization of renewables in our energy mix? Select all that are true.

1. inclusion of the environmental costs of fossil fuels in their price
2. fossil fuel combustion creates smog and acid precipitation
3. a shift of federal subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables
4. fossil fuels are far cheaper than renewables
5. fossil fuel industry receives government subsidies
6. fossil fuels are rich in energy
7. greenhouse emissions spur climate change
8. fossil fuel extraction alters and fragments habitat
9. increased research and development funding for renewables

Answer 1

Answer:

Which of the following statements would you classify as solutions to the relatively low utilization of renewables in our energy mix? Select all that are true.

1. inclusion of the environmental costs of fossil fuels in their price

3. a shift of federal subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables

5. fossil fuel industry receives government subsidies

9. increased research and development funding for renewables

Which of the following statements would you classify as causes of the relatively low utilization of renewables in our energy mix? Select all that are true.

4. fossil fuels are far cheaper than renewables

6. fossil fuels are rich in energy

Which of the following statements would you classify as consequences of the relatively low utilization of renewables in our energy mix? Select all that are true.

2. fossil fuel combustion creates smog and acid precipitation

7. greenhouse emissions spur climate change

8. fossil fuel extraction alters and fragments habitat

Explanation:

The relatively low utilization of renewables in our energy mix can be solved by effectively increasing the cost of fossil fuels and reducing the cost of renewables. This can be achieved through one or a combination of the following factors :

Inclusion of the environmental costs of fossil fuels in their price.

A shift of federal subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables .

Fossil fuel industry receives government subsidies .

Increased research and development funding for renewables .

Some of the causes of the relatively low utilization of renewables in our energy mix include the cheaper costs of fossil fuels compared to renewables  and the richness in energy  content of fossil fuels. Other reasons include consumers' unwillingness to adapt to the new technological requirements of renewable energy.  

The consequences of the relatively low utilization of renewable energy in our energy mix include smog and acid precipitation, an increase in greenhouse emissions, and habitat alteration and fragmentation during extraction.