Final answer:
Wave energy can generate greenhouse gases, require lots of water for cleaning, and is only available on coastlines.
Step-by-step explanation:
One future consequence of wave energy on the environment is the generation of greenhouse gases. While it is true that wave energy is a renewable source, the construction and operation of wave energy facilities can lead to the release of greenhouse gases, particularly during the manufacturing and transportation of equipment. This can contribute to climate change and its associated environmental impacts.
Additionally, wave energy facilities require lots of water for cleaning. The equipment used in wave energy generation, such as buoys and turbines, can accumulate marine growth over time, which needs to be regularly cleaned to maintain efficiency. This can result in significant water usage, which may put strain on local water resources.
Furthermore, wave energy is generally only available on coastlines. This means that wave energy cannot be accessed in landlocked areas, limiting its potential to contribute to the overall energy mix. This can also result in localized impacts on coastal ecosystems due to the construction of wave energy infrastructure.