The energy It is the basis of the problem of climate change and also something fundamental for its solution.

A large amount of the greenhouse gases that cover the Earth and trap the Sun's heat are generated due to energy production, through the burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity and heat.

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, are by far the biggest causes of global climate change, as they are responsible for more than 75 % of total global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 % of all carbon dioxide emissions.

The science is clear: to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, emissions need to be cut by almost half by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

To achieve this, we need to move away from fossil fuels and invest in alternative energy sources that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable and reliable.

Renewable energy sources, which are abundant in our environment, whether provided by the Sun, wind, water, waste or the Earth's own heat, are renewed by nature itself and emit few (or no) pollutants or greenhouse gases into the air.

Fossil fuels still account for more than 80% of the world's total energy production worldwide, although cleaner energy sources are gaining more and more strength. Nearly 29 % of electricity currently comes from renewable energy sources.

Next, Five reasons are outlined for why accelerating the pace of a clean energy transition paves the way for a healthier, more habitable planet, both today and for generations to come.

1. Renewable energies are all around us

Near the 80 % of the world's population lives in countries that are net importers of fossil fuels, which means approximately 6 billion people dependent on fossil fuels from other countries, making them vulnerable to both crises and geopolitical impacts.

However, in all countries there are renewable energy sources whose potential has not yet been fully exploited. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that 90 % of the world's electricity can, and must, come from renewable energy by 2050.

Renewables offer a solution to import dependency, allowing countries to diversify their economies and protect themselves from unexpected fluctuations in fossil fuel prices, while driving inclusive economic growth, creating new jobs and alleviating the rigors of poverty.

2. Renewable energies are cheaper

Currently, renewable energies actually represent, the most affordable option in most parts of the world. Prices for renewable energy technology are falling rapidly. The cost of electricity from solar energy fell by around 85% TP3T between 2010 and 2020. Costs associated with wind energy from onshore and offshore locations fell by around 56% TP3T and 48% TP3T, respectively.

These falling prices make renewables more attractive everywhere, including in low- and middle-income countries, where the additional demand for this new electricity will mainly come from. With costs falling, there is a real opportunity for the majority of energy supply to come from low-carbon sources in the coming years.

By 2030, cheaper electricity from renewable sources could provide the 65 % of the entire global electricity supply. And by 2050, 90% of the energy sector could be decarbonised, which would mean a massive cut in carbon emissions and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Although solar and wind energy represent expenditures that are projected to remain higher in 2022 and 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels due to a general rise in costs in transportation and consumer goods, Your competitiveness is undoubtedly improving thanks to more defined increases in gas and coal prices, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

3. Renewable energies are healthier

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 99 % of the people of the The world's inhabitants breathe air that does not meet the appropriate quality limits, which endangers their health. In addition, more than 13 million people around the world die each year from avoidable environmental factors, such as air pollution.

Harmful levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide originate primarily from the burning of fossil fuels. In 2018, pollution from fossil fuels caused economic and health costs amounting to 2.9 trillion USD, around USD 8 billion daily.

Switching to clean energy sources, such as solar or wind, undoubtedly helps not only to combat climate change, but also to prevent air pollution for the benefit of health.

4. Renewable energies create new jobs

Every US dollar invested in renewables is able to create three times more jobs than the fossil fuel sector. The IEA predicts that the transition to net zero emissions will lead to a General increase in demand for labour in the energy sector: On the one hand, around 5 million jobs related to fossil fuel production could be lost by 2030, but on the other hand, around 14 million new jobs would be created in the production of clean energy, which would amount to a net increase of 9 million jobs.

In addition, energy-related sectors could need 16 million more workers, for example to cover new jobs in the manufacture of electric vehicles and hyper-efficient appliances or even in innovative technologies such as the use of hydrogen. This means that a total of more than 30 million jobs could be created thanks to clean energy, efficiency and low-emission technologies by 2030.

Guarantee a fair transition, which takes into account the needs and rights of people as the foundation of this energy transition, will be essential to ensure that no one is left behind.

5. Renewable energies make economic sense

In 2020, nearly 100 million euros were spent 5.9 trillion USD in subsidies to the fossil fuel sector, including explicit aid, tax breaks and environmental and health damage, which were not priced in the cost caused by these fossil fuels.

In comparison, around 100,000 euros are needed to invest 4 trillion USD every year in renewable energy by 2030, including investments in technology and infrastructure, to achieve the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

This initial cost may be daunting for many countries lacking sufficient resources, and many will need financial and technical support to make the transition. However, investments in renewable energy will pay off. The reduction in pollution and negative impact on the climate alone could save the world up to 100 million euros. 4.2 trillion USD every year by 2030.

Furthermore, more efficient and reliable renewable energy technologies can create a system that is less prone to market shocks and can improve energy resilience and security by diversifying energy supply options.