Introduction—What, Why, and How of Sustainable Energy

Sustainable energy is essential for meeting the world's energy needs while protecting the environment and promoting social and economic development. This chapter introduces the concept and importance of sustainable energy, especially renewable sources such as solar and wind, and the main drivers and motivations for pursuing it, such as climate change mitigation and economic opportunities. It also sets the stage for the book's main objective: to critically examine and debunk the common myths and misconceptions about sustainable energy, particularly solar and wind, and to provide evidence-based insights for informed decision-making and public discourse. The chapter also provides some background information on the current state and trends of global energy demand and supply, and the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The chapter concludes by highlighting the need to understand the factors influencing global energy demand and to devise effective strategies to address the increasing energy needs in a sustainable way.