Both renewable energy and improving energy efficiency have major impacts on our energy future. However, I would say that improving energy efficiency has a greater impact in the short term.

Here are some reasons why:

It is more cost-effective. The cost of energy efficiency measures has been declining for years, and they are now often cheaper than the cost of building new power plants. For example, the cost of installing energy-efficient light bulbs has fallen by 80% in the past decade.

It can be implemented more quickly. It takes time to build new renewable energy projects, but energy efficiency measures can be implemented much more quickly. For example, a new energy-efficient building can be built in a few years, while a new wind farm can take several years to construct.

It can have a larger impact on reducing emissions. Even though renewable energy is becoming more affordable, it still produces some emissions during construction and operation. Energy efficiency measures, on the other hand, can reduce emissions without producing any new emissions.

In the long term, both renewable energy and improving energy efficiency will be essential for a sustainable energy future. However, in the short term, improving energy efficiency is the faster and more cost-effective way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

Here are some specific examples of how energy efficiency can have a major impact:

In the United States, energy efficiency measures saved households and businesses an estimated $120 billion in 2019. This money could have been spent on other things, such as education, healthcare, or investments.

Energy efficiency measures can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%. This is a significant amount, and it can help to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Energy efficiency can improve air quality. This is especially important in urban areas, where air pollution can be a major problem.

Overall, improving energy efficiency is a win-win for everyone. It is more cost-effective, it can be implemented more quickly, and it has a larger impact on reducing emissions. If we want to transition to a clean energy future, we need to focus on improving energy efficiency as well as developing renewable energy sources.