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Credit: Danist Soh/Unsplash
Global renewable energy goal falls short of 2030 target, says IEA
The world is not on track to triple renewable electricity generation by 2030, an important step in transitioning from fossil fuels, but progress is accelerating.
In short:
- The International Energy Agency (IEA) found that current policies would only roughly double global renewable generation by 2030.
- Solar power constitutes about half of the planned capacity, while wind accounts for a quarter.
- Governments must focus on upgrading electricity grids, which are currently hindering progress.
Key quote:
“The tripling target is ambitious but achievable – though only if governments quickly turn promises into plans of action.”
— Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA
Why this matters:
Meeting renewable energy targets is essential to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. Achieving these goals requires immediate government action and infrastructure improvements.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: Galen Crout/Unsplash
New oil and gas projects pose a threat to climate goals
Despite clear warnings from climate scientists, a surge in oil and gas projects led by the U.S. is setting the stage for a significant overshoot of the Paris Agreement's global warming limits, a new report warns.
In short:
- A recent report indicates a significant increase in oil and gas extraction projects, particularly led by the U.S., potentially undermining global climate objectives.
- Current and planned fossil fuel activities are projected to far exceed the extraction limits advised by climate scientists, risking surpassing the critical 1.5C global warming threshold.
- Major oil producers continue to prioritize new discoveries and expansions, despite clear scientific advice against further fossil fuel exploitation.
Key quote:
"Despite the constant and clear warnings that no new oil and gas fields are compatible with 1.5C, the industry continues to discover and sanction new projects."
— Scott Zimmerman, project manager of the global oil and gas extraction tracker at Global Energy Monitor
Why this matters:
Despite global commitments to reduce carbon emissions and transition toward renewable energy sources, the U.S. maintains a significant stake in fossil fuel development, both domestically and internationally. These projects, spanning from drilling in Alaska to offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico, signify a robust pursuit of energy independence and economic growth but also raise critical concerns regarding their compatibility with global climate goals.
Op-ed: Biden’s Arctic drilling go-ahead illustrates the limits of democratic problem solving.
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Photo by Ilse Orsel on Unsplash
Where the world warmed the most in Earth’s hottest year
A Washington Post analysis of climate data found one-fifth of the planet was 2 degrees Celsius warmer than in the late 1800s, before humans started burning fossil fuels on a large scale.
Pixabay
An Alabama coal plant once again nabs the dubious title of the nation’s worst greenhouse gas polluter
In West Jefferson, everything happens in the shadow of Alabama Power. Fewer than 500 people live in the town of under one square mile, located just a 20-minute drive northwest of Birmingham. There’s little in the way of excess. Modest homes dot the landscape, with residents waving as cars pass by. There’s a Dollar General, […]
Scientists: Time to treat the climate and nature crisis as one indivisible global health emergency
Over 200 health journals call on the United Nations, political leaders, and health professionals to recognize that climate change and biodiversity loss are one indivisible crisis and must be tackled together to preserve health and avoid catastrophe. This overall environmental crisis is now so severe as to be a global health emergency.
Global heat waves show climate change and El Niño are a bad combo
Scientists say worsening heat waves have a clear link to climate change. This year, a seasonal El Niño pattern will also be adding fuel to the fire.
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
King’s green energy firm was investigated after 38-day greenhouse gas leak
A green energy company set up by King Charles was investigated for numerous health and safety breaches after the unauthorised leak of more than 1,000 tonnes of global-heating gases.
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