Does saving energy affect the environment?

Question

I want to know if saving electricity helps the environment in any way.

Answer 1

YES, a lot.

Electricity is commonly produced by coal. This leads to the release of:
- CO2 (a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming)
- SOx (leading to acid rains)
- NOx (acid rains and morbidity o living beings)
- ozone (morbidity)
- mercury (poisoning of living organism, especially dangerous for pregnant bodies)
- radioactive heavy metals
- dust

Nuclear power also has its large environmental problems, especially with nuclear wastes and heavily polluted sites around uranium mines.

Hydro power can be very disruptive for specific species in rivers which too often can´t migrate anymore

So far, the best is the combined generation through wind power and natural gas as a back-up (for when no wind power is generated)

The cooling of power plans commonly increases the temperature of the water in rivers. This leads to the development of parasites and an increase mortality of the aquatic fauna and flora.

Answer 2

Usually, yes. If the energy you save comes from combustion (coal), you're reducing the amount of soot and carbon dioxide that we're putting into the atmosphere. If the energy comes from a nuclear plant, you're reducing the amount of nuclear waste that is generated (and needs to be disposed of). If the energy comes from hydroelectric sources, you're allowing fewer plants to be built, allowing more spawning (by fish). There's probably some advantage to reducing the amount of energy you use, regardless of where that energy comes from.

Answer 3

that is not a yes or no question
it depends on where your energy comes from some power plants use windmills = no
nuclear=yes
coal=yes
decomposition gas = no
solar=no
water (dams turbine )= no
etc. etc. etc.

no = will not help
yes = will help

Answer 4

I imagine so but stopping walmart from burning all it's boxes would save more trees and make more money for walmart.

Answer 5

No ,God put the plants here to take care of the CO2.