While renewable energy sources are generally cleaner and more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels, they are not entirely without environmental impacts. The extent of these impacts can vary depending on the specific technology and its implementation.

Some of the key environmental impacts of renewable energy sources include:

Despite these environmental considerations, renewable energy sources are still among the best options for keeping the environment clean when compared to fossil fuels. Solar, wind, and hydropower have relatively low greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution compared to coal, oil, and natural gas. Moreover, with ongoing research and development, the environmental impacts of renewable technologies are continually being reduced. The "best" renewable energy source for environmental cleanliness can vary depending on the local context and specific environmental goals, but a diversified mix of renewables, along with improved energy efficiency and responsible resource management, offers a promising path towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Dr Gaurav H Tandon thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Renewable energy is no exception, and each source has its own trade-offs. However, the advantages over the devastating impacts of fossil fuels are undeniable: from the reduction of water and land use, less air and water pollution, less wildlife and habitat loss, to no or lower greenhouse gas emissions. Harnessing power from the wind is one of the cleanest and most sustainable ways to generate electricity as it produces no toxic pollution or global warming emissions. Wind is also abundant, inexhaustible, and affordable, which makes it a viable and large-scale alternative to fossil fuels. Clean energy technologies improve human health by reducing air pollution and water and soil contamination. A clean energy economy will lower rates of asthma, heart conditions, and other health issues related to climate change across the nation. It is generally believed that wind is the most efficient way to harness renewable energy. Because windmills can be placed in open areas also used for farming, they offer flexibility. Generally, rows of wind turbines are constructed along coastal areas where nothing can hinder the flow of wind.It is generally accepted that wind and solar energy are the ideal options when it comes to clean and sustainable sources of energy. They are the fastest-growing, the cheapest and do much less damage to nature and wildlife surrounding their sites as opposed to fossil fuels. Using renewable energy can lead to several social impacts, including poverty elimination, climate change mitigation, and improving health by reducing pollution associated with gas emissions. Thermal power is the "largest" source of power in India. There are different types of thermal power plants based on the fuel used to generate the steam such as coal, gas, and Diesel, natural gas. About 71% of electricity consumed in India is generated by thermal power plants.They differ from fossil fuels principally in their diversity, abundance and potential for use anywhere on the planet, but above all in that they produce neither greenhouse gases which cause climate change nor polluting emissions. Hydropower is the most widely-used renewable power source, with the global hydroelectric installed capacity exceeding 1,295GW, accounting for more than 18% of the world's total installed power generation capacity and more than 54% of the global renewable power generation capacity.