What is the role of renewable energy in climate change mitigation?

Renewable energy plays a significant role in mitigating climate change primarily because it produces less or no greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. When renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal are used, they help reduce the overall carbon footprint of energy consumption. This transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources is essential in combatting climate change as greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane are significant contributors to global warming. By utilizing renewables, countries and individuals can significantly decrease their emissions, thereby helping to slow down or even reverse the impacts of climate change.

The other choices highlight negative outcomes associated with energy production, such as increased reliance on fossil fuels, generation of air pollutants, and contributions to deforestation, which do not align with the benefits of renewable energy in the context of climate change mitigation.