Achieving answers to environmental issues that we confront now needs long-term prospective activities for sustainable development. In this respect, renewable energy resources seem to be the one of the most efficient and practical alternatives. That is why there is an intimate link between renewable energy and sustainable development. Anticipated patterns of future energy consumption and associated environmental effects (particularly on acid precipitation, stratospheric ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect) are extensively addressed in this article. Also, possible answers to existing environmental issues are highlighted along with renewable energy technology. The connections between renewable energy and sustainable development are explained using practical examples, and an exemplary example is given. Throughout the article various problems related to renewable energy, environment and sustainable development are addressed from both present and future perspectives. It is anticipated that the findings and suggestions made in the current research will be helpful to energy scientists and engineers and policy makers.