“So many people don’t understand.”

It’s a good time to be in the renewable energy industry – its production capacity has increased by 50% in 2023. But for some politicians – especially those whose campaigns are linked to big oil and gas – renewable energy sources pose a threat to their lifestyle and something in this kind of get discouraged.

That’s why the Ph.D. the TikTok student set out to debunk the false myths spread by these politicians. Rosh (@all_about_climate) recently posted one such video in response to Canada’s famously anti-environmental Prime Minister, Danielle Smith, who made a misleading argument about renewable energy sources.

@all_about_climate We debunk another myth about #renewableenergy #climate #sustainable #wind #solar #climateaction #savetheplanet #climatecrisis #science #explained #fyp #oil #coal #gas #netzero #logic #factcheck #globalwarming #planetearth #environment #politicaltiktok ♬ original sound – Rosz

In his video, he argues that fossil fuels are necessary to produce renewable energy sources such as wind turbines.

“Right now, we still need fossil fuels to produce renewable technology,” Rosh agreed. “But assuming that this will always be the case is obviously problematic.”

Instead, he explains: “It would be like a Victorian candlemaker arguing that the light bulb will never replace the candle because it takes a candle flame to make light bulbs. … It will be several decades before we can completely replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, and of course there are problems and challenges that we have to overcome to get there, but whether you like it or not, fossil fuels will replace the candle, and renewable energy, like the light bulb, will replace it.”

Commentators quickly saw Rosh’s logic.

“Many people don’t understand that technology gets better over time,” one wrote.

“Shifting or changing the paradigm has always been a challenge, especially for those who benefit from the status quo,” agreed another.

Renewable energy sources are already experiencing rapid growth, sending fossil fuels “to the candle.” More than 20% of the energy generated in the US in 2023 came from renewable sources, and globally this number is closer to 35%.

Not only is renewable energy generally more affordable for consumers in the long run, but it also helps reduce harmful pollutants produced by fossil fuels, which contribute to rising average temperatures around the world. However, despite these advantages, many people – like this politician – still oppose making the change.

“Transition seems to be a difficult concept for some,” one commentator noted ironically.

But for those who are ready to take the step, there are many ways to start migrating away from fossil fuels, from installing solar panels on your home to turning your next car into an electric vehicle.

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