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 close up of a bidet bowl with water in it

An answer to US drought conditions may be in the toilet

With climate change intensifying drought in several regions, cities are exploring ways to turn sewage into drinking water.

A digital image of a red gas can pouring fuel on matchsticks

'Climate gaslighting': How fossil fuel giants have quietly abandoned their net zero pledges

A new analysis warns that some of the world’s biggest fossil fuel companies have entered a ‘gaslighting’ phase to bolster their profits.
A farm vehicle harvesting wheat

Higher yields and lower emissions can go hand in hand

A 60-year dataset reveals that the biggest driver of declining agricultural emissions is in fact more productivity on farms.
A view from inside an ice cave

The growing allure — and danger — of glacier tourism

As climate change reshapes Iceland’s glaciers, the booming business of ice cave tourism is pushing deeper into unstable terrain.

A view out of a car at a mountain road with snowy hillsides

Record heat melts California's snowpack early

Record temperatures are melting the Sierra Nevada snowpack two months ahead of schedule, putting California's summer water supply at serious risk.
An image of the earth sitting on top of a gas stove burner

How climate change is redrawing the world’s political map

Climate change is altering geopolitical relationships, as nations compete for resources, redraw strategic priorities, and face new risks tied to energy, food, and water.

China renewable energy, wind and solar energy concept. Chinese flag superimposed with wind turbines and solar panels
Credit: Anton_Medvedev/BigStock Photo ID: 431444246

China has been preparing for a global energy crisis for years. It is paying off now

As other Asian economies race to conserve energy, China has huge reserves of oil and gas as well as alternative energy sources like wind and solar.

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.