Among renewable energy sources, wind and solar energy generally have the lowest carbon footprint. Both wind and solar power systems produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases during their operation. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of moving air into electricity, while solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic cells.

In terms of the lowest long-term environmental impact, it's important to consider various factors beyond just carbon emissions. Each renewable energy source has its own set of advantages and potential environmental challenges:

Determining the lowest long-term environmental impact involves considering a range of factors such as resource availability, land use, water use, materials, ecosystem impacts, and societal considerations. A holistic assessment should be conducted on a case-by-case basis, taking into account regional and local conditions.

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

Wind energy has the lowest carbon footprint of all energy types. On a life-cycle basis, onshore wind emits 11 and offshore wind emits 12 grams of CO2 equivalent per kWh of electricity produced.Wind, nuclear, tidal, hydropower, geothermal, solar, and wave energy have the lowest carbon footprint. Per kWh produced, the energy sources emit between 11 and 48 gCO2 on a life-cycle basis. These energy types combat climate change and have various environmental benefits. There are four main types of low-carbon energy: wind, solar, hydro or nuclear power. The first three are renewable, which means these are good for the environment as natural resources are used to produce electricity. Reducing your carbon footprint means changing how you approach and participate in activities that produce greenhouse gasses. Fossil fuels coal, oil and gas on the other hand, are non-renewable resources that take hundreds of millions of years to form. Fossil fuels, when burned to produce energy, cause harmful greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide.No, due to its relatively high lifecycle emissions, Coal is considered to be a high-carbon energy source. The median estimate of lifecycle emissions from Coal is 820 gCO2eq / kWh. 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. Per kWh produced, renewable energy emits between 11 and 740 gCO2 on a life-cycle basis. Depending on the type (solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, tidal, wave, biomass), it can combat climate change and have various environmental benefits, but may still produce significant greenhouse gas emissions. Reduce energy consumption by installing only LED lights in your house and choosing energy-efficient appliances and heating and cooling solutions. Renewable and energy efficiency, boosted by substantial electrification, can provide over 90% of the necessary reductions in energy-related carbon emissions.