Clean Energy, Alternative Energy, Renewable Energy, 100% Renewable, Sustainable Development, Net-zero, Carbon Neutral... what the what?
Elected officials, business figures, and the media use these terms but rarely, if ever, define them. Contrary to what we hear in the media, these terms are not interchangeable.
Whether companies do this on purpose or not, it’s important for us to understand what is meant by these terms so that we can make informed decisions about what products, companies, and legislation to support.
QUICK FACTS
Clean, alternative, and renewable energy are not interchangeable terms. However, there is some overlap in which types of energy fall under these terms (e.g. nuclear energy is considered both clean and alternative energy, but not renewable energy).
Net-zero and carbon neutral are interchangeable terms that refer to the process of offsetting carbon dioxide emissions with processes that do not produce emissions, creating a balance.
Sustainable development refers to a society that is organized to survive the long term. It takes into account the needs of the present and future, as well as social and economic equity. In order to develop a sustainable society, humans need to meet their needs without causing detriment to future generations. (continue reading)