Challenges in Energy Transition from Fossil Fuel to Clean Energy

Abstract

The use of fossil fuels has led to global warming and air pollution, the transition from fossil fuel to clean energy is necessary for human society to achieve sustainable development. But there are challenges in the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy: 1) Fossil fuels remain the primary energy for most countries, more than 80% of primary energy consumption come from the use of fossil fuels; 2) Upfront cost and intermittence are shortcomings that influence the large-scale application of renewable energy, hydrogen is not yet fully mature in terms of technology and economy; 3) Continuous deforestation reduces the capability of the environment to turn CO 2 into wood and leads to the rise of atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases; and 4) Overpopulation and continuous growth of human population in developing countries cause the continuous increase of fossil fuel use and deforestation. If people do not take effective policies to get out of this predicament, global warming and air pollution will continue and become worse.