Sustainability can be defined as “the development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Yet today, modern society is consuming more resources than the Earth can replenish. Over the last 50 years, total global extraction has tripled and is projected to increase by another 60% in the next 25 years. In short, we are taking more than the planet can give.
Among these resources is energy. Currently, 66% of global energy consumption comes from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. The burning of fossil fuels is responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, the primary driver of global warming. At our current trajectory, scientists warn we have less than eight years before we surpass the 1.5°C threshold, at which point, damage to Earth becomes irreversible.
What is the Solution?
One of the solutions is simple in theory: transition to 100% renewable energy as soon as possible. Renewable energy—such as wind, solar, and hydropower—is our lifeline. However, at present, renewables make up only 30% of our global energy production.
While the answer may be simple, getting there is not an easy feat. There are many barriers to this energy transition, such as:
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High up-front costs for wind and solar infrastructure.
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A decentralised model means smaller generation stations are spread across a large area, raising the challenges of siting and transmission.
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Misconceptions about the reliability of renewables, despite evidence to the contrary.
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The limited availability of finite resources and rare earth elements (REE) is required to manufacture renewable technologies.
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The environmental (water and air pollution) cost of the production and use of renewables.
Despite these challenges, scientists and researchers alike have concluded that a 100% renewable energy system by or before 2050 is achievable.
Earth Day 2025
This year’s Earth Day theme is Our Power, Our Planet. It is a global call to action for everyone to unite in the mission to triple renewable energy by 2030.
Earth Day is a powerful reminder that while we face complex environmental challenges, we also have the tenacity to address them.
Copyright (and/or) © 2025 Earthday.org. This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Here is how we can each use our power to protect our planet:
- Advocate: Write to your political leaders, support divestment from fossil fuels, and sign climate action petitions.
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Reevaluate: From what we consume to how we travel, it is time to rethink our culture of overconsumption and practice responsible consumption.
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Mobilise: Join or organise a climate rally, register to vote, and participate in clean-up projects.
Sustainability at Component Sense
At Component Sense, sustainability is a responsibility that we proudly carry. It is not just a ‘once-a-year’ focus for us, but is embedded in every aspect of our operations.
As a business within the electronics industry, we acknowledge the impact our industry has on the environment. As societal and technological innovation accelerates, the global demand for electronics grows, and with that comes the rise of production, increased energy use, and higher volumes of electronic waste (e-waste).
Our business model is built on circularity—the concept that materials should be kept in use for as long as possible. We specialise in distributing excess and obsolete electronic components (E&O) sourced from tier-one OEMs and EMSs that would otherwise be discarded.
Not only does this reduce waste, but it also conserves resources, meaning fewer components need to be manufactured (and less production means less pollution!).
Additionally, we plant two trees for every order placed to offset our carbon footprint. Our partnership with DSV, a global logistics company, often allows us to store E&O parts local to our customers to reduce CO₂ emissions from transportation.
We know the road to 100% renewable energy is long and difficult, but every step, no matter how small, matters. Component Sense is proud to be part of the solution and to prove that electronics and sustainability can go hand in hand without compromising one another.
Together, our power can protect our planet.