1. A Sustainable Energy Solution
Oriana Koshyk, Cassandra Masschelein, Aarani Mathialagan & Bridget McGlynn

2. Climate change is a problem affecting everyone - the entirely of the global population
consequently, actions need to be taken by everyone to keep moving forward
that is not to say that that the responsibility will be shared equally
but rather, that is is to include everyone

3. Energy consumption distribution by source for 2014
Our world runs off of fossil fuels -- the 2014 estimate by the renewable energy policy network suggested 78.3 % of our energy is derived from fossil fuels
8.9% of energy was from "traditional biomass" which is not 'non polluting'
Our use of renewable energy is still overshadowed by our over whelming use of fossil fuels
(REN21, 2014)

4. Change in total renewable energy production in GWh for global regions from 2000 to 2014
Adapted from International Renewable Energy Agency

5. Global renewable energy generation by technology
(US Department of Energy, 2016)

6. Convert electricity production to 100% renewable by 2050
4% from 2014 to $329 billion.
4 million 5 MW wind turbines
Currently 29.5% of total electricity capacity
Convert electricity production to 100% renewable by 2050
340 TW of energy using photovoltaics
$100 trillion over the course of 20 years
850 TW of wind energy available
In order for us to stop accelerating the rate of climate change, we need drastic changes
Our solution is to promote the complete conversion of electricity to renewable energy sources by 2050
These sources will primarily be exploiting wind, water, and sunlight
Physically and technologically this goal could be achieved by 2030; however, both national and international policies create nearly overwhelming barriers for this to occur

7. Global New Investment in Renewable Power 2005-2015
In 2015, global investments into renewable rose to $285.9 billion, and investments have been over $200 billion for six consecutive years now. If you look at total investments over the past 12 years, total investments have exceeded $2.3 trillion.
A complete switch over to renewable including updates to the grid is projected to cost an estimated $100 trillion over the course of 20 years
For the first time in history, total investment in renewable (excluding large hydro) in developing countries exceeded that in developed economies.
The developing world, including China, India and Brazil, committed a total of USD 156 billion, up 19% compared to 2014.
China played a dominant role in this turnaround, increasing investment by 17% to USD billion, or 36% of the global total.
Solar and wind power research and implementation received the majority of funding in In 2015, solar saw a 12% increase to $161 billion, while wind a 4% increase to $109.6 billion
(REN21, 2014)

8. Methods of mitigating challenges
Energy diversity
Electricity storage
Implementation of a robust national/international electric grid
Variable electricity pricing
Feed-in tariffs (FITs), carbon taxing, and elimination of fossil-fuel subsidies.
With the considerable benefits of renewable energy systems also come many challenges. Despite the extensive scientific knowledge and engineering solutions we currently have, major challenges exist. One of these challenges is that most renewable energy supplies cannot be matched to global demand, given their intermittent nature. Unlike non-renewable energy sources, most renewable energy output simply cannot be increased on demand. To confront energy-source intermittency, we have the following approaches:
First, using a diverse source of renewable energy systems will help effectively generate energy in a given region. For example, the city of Whitehorse in the Yukon relies on wind and water energy systems. Other approaches include electricity storage occurs through an on-premise battery storage sufficient to supply electricity during nights and periods of high electricity use. An important approach is the implementation of a national or international electric grid, in which energy can be moved from where it is produced to where it is needed.
Charge consumers a higher price for electricity during high-use times, thus creating incentive for consumers to limit electricity use.
Given the growing market, renewable energy subsidies are implemented in various forms. Subsidies aim to support goods and services that generate positive externalities, though current government subsidies heavily favour non-renewable energy sources. This is aimed to lower energy prices for consumers.

9. The social and environmental benefits outweigh the consequences
83% of the world has access to electricity, while 17% does not. The 17% is made up of the following areas, 80% of which are rural and 20% of which are urban. The growth of the renewable energy sector can provide economic development and employment opportunities, thus reducing poverty in rural areas and reducing pressures for urban migration.
Social acceptance of renewable energy systems remains to be one of the greatest barriers to their implementation.
The willingness of citizens to pay for RES is based primarily on education, as well as knowledge of and interest in renewable energy.
Thus, increasing public awareness regarding the benefits of RES and shortcomings of fossil fuels is essential.
From an environmental perspective, RES are extremely favourable in the long run despite the short-term effects to the local environment.