Final answer:
Alternative energy sources like wind and solar power are important because they help reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, signifying a global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy for long-term sustainability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pursuing alternative sources of energy such as wind and solar power is important primarily because they reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. These sources are considered renewable energy because they can be replenished naturally and are available over long timescales. They significantly reduce dependency on fossil fuels, which are the primary contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and consequently to global warming. While alternative energy sources are not geographically limited, their effectiveness can vary by region. Moreover, the transition to these sources is driven by both market forces recognizing their long-term sustainability and political actions aiming to mitigate climate change through regulations and financial disincentives on fossil fuels. However, the cost and adoption of renewable energy can be political issues, and their environmental impacts, although significantly less than fossil fuels, need to be considered in the broader context of sustainability.
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