Sophia Morales is a freshman at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.

The tension between our traditional energy sources and a healthy environment has long been the center of much controversy. It’s a difficult problem as it involves balancing our growing energy needs with protection of the planet. Some argue that achieving a clean environment requires abandoning the abundant and reliable energy sources that have powered economies for over a century.

However, transitioning away from these resources is easier said than done. It presents significant economic and social challenges, particularly for industries and individuals in regions heavily dependent on natural energy. Additionally, phasing out these major energy sources could lead to economic downturns and the loss of jobs for many who rely on the production of natural resources.

One very visible example is the recent push for electric vehicles. EV advocates see the move away from internal combustion engines as essential to reduce carbon emissions and tackle air pollution. Many people accept EVs as a greener alternative to traditional vehicles. What’s less well understood is that the production of these vehicles, particularly their lithium batteries, is not without significant environmental problems. Although EVs are considered eco friendly, the reality of their production tells a more complicated story.

The retrieval of essential materials like lithium, which are critical components of EV batteries, leads to several environmental issues, such as habitat destruction, water depletion, and contamination of ecosystems. Furthermore, these mining processes often occur in developing regions, where harmful labor practices and unsafe working conditions can be common.

And while it’s true that EVs themselves emit significantly less carbon dioxide compared with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, the overall emissions from their production processes remain substantial. These emissions, including those from mining, manufacturing, and battery disposal, contribute to the environmental footprint of EVs, raising concerns about their net environmental benefit.

Beyond production realities, EVs are often marketed as luxury items, with many manufacturers placing a premium on these vehicles, making them financially inaccessible to a large segment of the population. The high cost of these vehicles, combined with the environmental damage from mining and production, calls into question how sustainable and inclusive the transition to electric vehicles really is.

Given these complexities, it’s clear that EVs are not the environmental solution many people expect them to be. And this is just one example of how the “energy transition” cannot be achieved by simply stopping our use of fossil fuels. The challenge isn’t just about switching energy sources to something that claims to be better. The reality is that no energy source is perfect.

Rather than force a premature transition, we must make the most of the reliable energy resources we have now and focus making them cleaner and more sustainable. By using all available energy sources wisely, we can work together to create a healthier environment while meeting our energy needs. We can start working together and achieve a brighter future if we all come together and make smarter choices for the energy we already have!