Investment in clean energy to overtake fossil fuel spending in 2024

The International Energy Agency reports that global investment in clean energy will hit $2 trillion in 2024, with solar power receiving the most funding.

Nina Chestney reports for Reuters.


In short:

  • The IEA projects $2 trillion in clean energy investments for 2024, outpacing fossil fuels two-to-one.
  • Solar power investment is expected to reach $500 billion, largely driven by reduced costs.
  • Despite strong investments, regions outside China, like emerging markets, face significant energy funding gaps.

Key quote:

“For every dollar going to fossil fuels today, almost two dollars are invested in clean energy.”

— Fatih Birol, Executive Director of IEA

Why this matters:

This financial commitment is part of a broader strategy to meet international climate targets and foster economic growth through the creation of green jobs and new technologies. The massive influx of capital into clean energy sectors, such as wind, geothermal, and hydropower, alongside solar, underscores the growing recognition of the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy.

A view of multiple white wind turbines with dry mountains in the background

Does the clean energy transition need forever chemicals?

As nations globally move to ban forever chemicals, should renewable energy technologies be exempt for the sake of saving the climate?
A view from below of a brick apartment building

Heat waves cost some Toronto residents more

Climate change is bringing more frequent heat waves to cities, but not all residents have equal access to space to cool down.

A view of a street with lots of flowering vines growing on the houses

Urban heat islands have solutions; many tropical cities can’t afford them

Urban heat islands pose a growing global health threat, but in tropical cities, the peril is surging.

A Black woman putting her voting record into a box at a polling station

In Arizona, the thermostat is driving voters to the polls

Record heat, two rate hikes and a data center boom have turned utility bills — not climate — into the state’s most volatile issue.
A closeup of a brown insect on a green leaf

Tick populations surge as the climate warms, and farmers bear the brunt

Farmers are at an elevated risk for tick-borne illnesses, which can have devastating health and economic consequences.
White government building with large decorative pillars

What to know about the Supreme Court’s major climate case this fall

The decision could set a significant precedent for states and cities trying to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for climate impacts.
A group of runners with numbered tags running on a city street

Hot weather forces marathons to consider changes to help runners

Marathon organizers are adjusting to warmer race conditions caused by climate change. Many races are shifting dates, starting earlier or offering shorter runs.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.