Renewable Energy Is Way Too Expensive, Right?
Provided by: PBS|Published on: May 23, 2023
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Physics, Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering
Authors: PBS
Region: Global
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video refutes common arguments against and misconceptions about renewable energy resources and argues that renewable energy can be cheaper, more accessible, and efficient as economies grow and develop.
- Other concerns such as wildlife mortality from wind turbines and renewable energy storage are addressed as well.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The video strikes a nice balance of using scientific, social, and economic arguments for promoting the use of renewable energy resources.
- The narrator's tone is playful and inviting, allowing learners to approach this complicated topic in a relaxed manor.
- The video demonstrates an effective way of addressing arguments against climate action.
Additional Prerequisites
- Learners should have a basic understanding of the most common renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar power.
- Learners should know the negative effects of fossil fuel usage.
Differentiation
- Consider having students dig into the availability of fossil fuel resources by country (from the video) and use this evidence to discuss the need for renewable energy around the world.
- Find additional resources related to renewable energy investment in the developing world to help students understand the current state of this industry.
- Ask students if they thought the narrator effectively argued her position on the benefits of renewable energy sources.
- As an extension, students could create posters or infographics demonstrating the benefits of using renewable energy sources compared to fossil fuels.
This video resource from PBS debunks the argument that renewable energy is too expensive to be implemented in developing countries. The video makes it clear that adopting clean energy technologies is a moral necessity and that claiming developing countries should be dependent on fossil fuels is patronizing. The narrator stresses that many renewable energy sources are more economical than fossil fuels today and that with increased adoption and economies of scale, this should increase in the future. Multiple common objections to renewable energy are addressed, such as bird strikes and energy storage. The only issue with this video is that data cited is not sourced so that it can be fact checked. Overall, this resource presents a clear and compelling argument for renewable energy adoption worldwide and is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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