The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, driven by climate change, pose significant challenges to societies worldwide. These events, ranging from devastating hurricanes and floods to prolonged droughts and heatwaves, not only cause immediate destruction and loss of life but also disrupt critical infrastructure, impacting energy production and distribution. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are often touted as crucial components of a sustainable and resilient future. Their intermittent nature, however, presents complexities. Solar panels become less efficient in extreme heat, and wind turbines may cease functioning during severe storms. This inherent variability poses challenges for grid stability and the reliable supply of electricity, particularly during natural disasters when energy demand often surges. Furthermore, the very infrastructure supporting renewable energy technologies can be vulnerable to natural disasters. Damage to solar farms from hailstorms, or the destruction of wind turbines by high winds, can severely impact energy generation capacity. The geographic distribution of renewable energy resources also presents limitations; concentrating solar power in arid regions, for example, increases vulnerability to water scarcity and extreme temperatures. Investing in robust, disaster-resistant infrastructure is therefore essential. Resilience, the capacity of a system to adapt and recover from shocks, is paramount in navigating these challenges. It encompasses not only technological resilience, such as building more robust power grids and developing advanced energy storage solutions, but also social resilience, which involves strengthening community preparedness and response mechanisms. Investing in early warning systems, improving disaster relief efforts, and fostering community engagement are crucial steps in building resilient communities capable of weathering the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. The interplay between climate change, renewable energy, and natural disasters necessitates a holistic approach. While transitioning to renewable energy is a vital step towards mitigating climate change, it must be coupled with strategies to enhance resilience, ensuring the reliable supply of energy even in the face of extreme weather events. Failing to do so could lead to widespread power outages, economic disruption, and further social instability.
1. According to the passage, what is a major challenge posed by renewable energy sources in the context of extreme weather events?
2. What is the primary meaning of "resilience" as used in the passage?
3. Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned in the passage as a measure to enhance resilience?
4. The passage suggests that a successful transition to renewable energy requires: