By: Kaylie Lopez

A carbon footprint represents how much carbon dioxide that has been emitted into the atmosphere due to high usages of fossil fuels. Renewable energy is a different and more ecological way of receiving energy. Some examples of renewable energy are solar or wind energy by using either solar panels or wind turbines. Changing the way the U.S gains energy would mean that the use of fossil fuels would decrease. Overall this would mean that this new energy source could dominate over fossil fuels equaling a smaller carbon footprint.

This sounds like the perfect trade, although there are a few downsides or flaws that are seen with this option. For example there is a difficulty to having a steady source of solar or wind energy due to weather changes in the environment, meaning solar panels or wind turbines would not be able to work at 100 percent all of the time. It is also very expensive to make the change from fossil fuels to renewable energy. There are different energy options than fossil fuels and renewable energy, but the benefits for Americans health and the safety of the energy source make it standout. The use of other energy sources cause a huge impact on the health of many American, as well as people around the world. The use of renewable energy instead will decrease  the amount of pollution produced from energy sources like fossil fuels. Other locations that have implemented renewable energy have shown great progress and their carbon footprints have also decreased.

Overall the U.S should implement renewable energy because it will reduce the carbon footprint, but the issue is can they? It is very safe and it does not cause massive amounts of pollution like other energy sources do, which makes it is a great goal for the United States. It is a very safe alternative to fossil fuels and several other energy sources. There has been great progress for other locations that have implemented renewable energy, showing a decrease in their carbon footprint. A huge issue with switching over is the cost, as well as how solar and wind energy require specific weather conditions to function properly. Hopefully the U.S can overcome the issues stopping them from using renewable energy so we can ensure a better life for future Americans.