The United States currently uses a wide variety of energy sources to power itself. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that energy consumption in 2016 looked like this: Natural gas – 33% Oil – 28% Coal – 17% Renewable energy – 12% Nuclear electric power – 10% In the latest century, our energy consumption has increased primarily focused on the three main fossil fuels: oil, natural gas and coal. Fossil fuels have enabled enormous growth; : It is no exaggeration to say that the 20th century was built on them. Never before in human history has there been such a sharp acceleration in technology, science and medicine thanks to the seemingly limitless power of oil. But this rapid and unprecedented growth has come at a high price. Carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels have a disastrous impact on our atmosphere and environment. In the last twenty years alone, nearly 75% of human emissions came from the burning of fossil fuels, most of which were used for transportation. If we want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, America must develop a practical, large-scale remedy for its dependence on fossil fuels. And this remedy is renewable energy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Potential of Renewable Energy Renewable energy, also called alternative energy, is usable energy derived from natural supply sources including solar, wind, rivers, hot water springs, tides, and biomass. Its implications on health and the environment are compelling: reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner air, preservation of nature and the possibility of halting the advance of climate change. But for all its myriad benefits, renewable energy has proven expensive to produce and an inefficient and unattractive alternative to natural gas. Until now. Over the past year, the renewable energy sector has broken major records in nearly every category, citing the technology's increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. In a very short time, renewable energy has become a major contender to replace fossil fuels in the coming decades. A recent study by the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) gives us a fairly optimistic picture. According to their calculations, by 2050 the United States will be able to generate the majority of its electricity – almost 80% – from renewable energy. Most of this energy comes from wind turbines and solar (photovoltaic) sources. And this using existing technology, not to mention the innovations that will undoubtedly arrive in the coming years. But many American cities are eager to shift their energy consumption from fossil fuels to green alternatives. Major metropolitan areas, including San Diego, San Francisco, and Rochester, Minnesota, are already on track to achieve 100% renewable energy status by 2030. This should come as no surprise. Tackling urgent and seemingly impossible challenges with ingenuity and grit is inherent to the American character. From a purely economic point of view, the renewable energy sector also offers enormous potential for job creation. According to a Department of Energy report, employment in the solar industry alone grew nearly 25 percent in 2016 over the previous year, reaching a total workforce of 374,000 people. Seeing this potential, American businesses are finally following suit..