The world risks falling short on renewable energy goals without massive investment

Reaching COP28's renewable energy targets by 2030 will require more than $30 trillion in global investments, according to a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency.

Zia Weise reports for POLITICO.


In short:

  • IRENA warns the world is on track for only half the renewable power growth needed to meet COP28 goals.
  • Investment in energy-saving measures must rise seven-fold to meet targets, with $31.5 trillion needed by 2030.
  • Developing countries are seeking increased financial support, but developed nations argue for private sector contributions.

Why this matters:

Failure to meet renewable energy goals undermines efforts to combat climate change and limit global warming. The gap between targets and actual investment highlights the financial challenges, especially for developing nations.

Related:

 Solar panels, wind turbines and nuclear power plant cooling towers
Credit: jaroslavav/BigStock Photo ID: 83377346

Solar is winning the energy race

The world’s cheapest power source is scaling at warp speed, pushing coal, gas and nuclear aside.
Snow-covered fossil fuel pipeline leading to a refinery.

How to build a pipeline in Canada’s frozen, shifting North

An oil crisis and shifting permafrost: they’re challenges now, and they were challenges in 1947, when the first pipeline was built across the North.

City of Murmansk

Worries grow in Norway as Murmansk becomes Russia's main oil export hub

Massive drone attacks this week on the major Baltic terminals of Primorsk and Ust-Luga have left Russia with few remaining routes for exporting oil, increasing reliance on the Kola Peninsula. In Norway, concerns are growing over the ecological risks posed by ageing “shadow fleet” tankers operating along the coast.
Solar panels juxtaposed against transmission lines and wind turbines
Credit: kckate16/ BigStock Photo ID: 478351339

Clean energy companies are trying to survive the Trump era

Offshore wind is out. Geothermal power is in. And many climate technology start-ups are looking for ways to carry on without federal backing.
Hazy, smoggy, smoky, urban cityscape

He helped write the Clean Air Act. He fears for its future

Thomas Jorling, adviser to Republicans who cosponsored the 1970 law, disputes the Trump administration’s claim that it shouldn’t apply to planet-warming greenhouse gases.
Mexican fishermen in Gulf of Mexico

Gulf of Mexico oil spill deals blow to fishermen

A major oil spill off the Gulf of Mexico has spread more than 373 miles or 600 kilometers across the ocean and seeped into seven nature reserves.
Barrier islands beach homes illustrative of coastal erosion

Study of past erosion-control lessons key to ongoing review

Analyzing lessons learned over decades of fighting back the ocean is critical as the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission’s Science Panel wraps up its ongoing study of the effects of permanent beach erosion control structures such as seawalls and jetties.
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.