LNAT Practice Test Essay – Should nations prioritize investing in renewable energy over maintaining fossil fuel industries? Explain your answer.

In the LawMint LNAT Practice Test Series for 2024 and 2025, there are 30 full length tests, with 360 passages – 1260 MCQs and 90 essay prompts or essay questions.

The essay below is a sample that can be written for the prompt:

Should nations prioritize investing in renewable energy over maintaining fossil fuel industries? Explain your answer.

This LNAT essay question is included in LawMint LNAT Practice Test series.

While the model essays may include both sides of an argument, the question may require you to state your stance - either for or against; and support it with arguments.

Read our articles and watch the videos on our YouTube channel for guidance on how to structure and write the LNAT Essay.

Introduction

As global energy demands continue to grow, the pressing question for governments is whether to prioritize investing in renewable energy over maintaining fossil fuel industries. This essay argues that, due to the environmental, economic, and societal benefits, nations should indeed focus their efforts on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power.

Environmental Benefits

One of the primary reasons for prioritizing renewable energy investment is the considerable environmental benefits it brings. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute significantly to climate change. Climate change, in turn, has dire consequences for the planet, causing more frequent and severe natural disasters, changes in precipitation patterns, and a rise in global temperatures.

In contrast, renewable energy sources produce little to no GHGs. Solar, wind, and hydro power are clean alternatives that do not contribute to climate change. Moreover, they help reduce air pollution, which is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular problems. By investing in renewable energy, nations can mitigate the environmental impact of their energy consumption and protect public health.

Economic Benefits

Investing in renewable energy can also create numerous economic benefits for nations. Firstly, renewable energy is becoming increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels. The costs of producing solar and wind power have fallen dramatically in recent years, making them more accessible and affordable for consumers. As technology continues to advance, these costs are expected to decrease further, making renewable energy sources even more economically viable.

Secondly, investing in renewable energy creates new jobs and stimulates economic growth. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy sector employed 11.5 million people globally in 2019, and that number is projected to grow as more nations commit to clean energy targets. By prioritizing renewable energy, countries can tap into a growing industry, create employment opportunities, and foster innovation.

Energy Security

Another compelling reason for investing in renewable energy is enhanced energy security. Fossil fuel resources are finite and often subject to geopolitical tensions, leading to fluctuations in supply and prices. By diversifying their energy mix and investing in renewable energy sources, nations can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and become more self-reliant.

Additionally, renewable energy sources are decentralized, meaning they can be harnessed and distributed locally. This reduces the risk of supply disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, or infrastructure failures. Investing in renewable energy thus bolsters a nation’s energy security, ensuring a stable and sustainable supply for future generations.

Societal Benefits

Lastly, prioritizing renewable energy investment can yield significant societal benefits. The transition to renewable energy can improve public health by reducing air pollution, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, investing in renewable energy infrastructure can lead to improved access to electricity, particularly in remote or rural areas where grid extension is challenging.

Furthermore, the renewable energy sector offers opportunities for local community involvement, as individuals and communities can participate in energy production through initiatives like community-owned solar or wind farms. This encourages public engagement and fosters a sense of ownership in the energy transition.

Counterarguments

Despite these benefits, some argue that maintaining fossil fuel industries is essential for meeting growing energy demands and preserving jobs in these sectors. However, the long-term environmental and economic costs of continuing to rely on fossil fuels outweigh these concerns. Moreover, with targeted retraining and investment in renewable energy, workers in the fossil fuel industry can transition to new, sustainable jobs in the growing renewable energy sector.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nations should prioritize investing in renewable energy over maintaining fossil fuel industries due to the numerous environmental, economic, and societal benefits it offers. By committing to a sustainable and clean energy future, countries can mitigate the impacts of climate change, create new economic opportunities, enhance energy security, and improve the overall well-being of their citizens. As the costs of renewable energy technologies continue to decrease and the urgency to address climate change intensifies, it is crucial for nations to seize the opportunity and make renewable energy their primary focus.

Governments must adopt comprehensive policies and strategies to facilitate the energy transition. This includes setting ambitious renewable energy targets, implementing favorable regulations, providing financial incentives, and investing in research and development to drive innovation. Furthermore, collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as international cooperation, can help accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Ultimately, prioritizing renewable energy investment is not only an environmentally responsible choice but also a forward-thinking economic and social decision. The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is vital for the long-term prosperity, stability, and health of nations and their citizens. By embracing renewable energy, countries can foster a sustainable future and secure a better quality of life for generations to come.