There has been a rapid increase in renewable energy over the last year, putting triple global capacity by 2030 within reach! But there is still much to be done on global, community and individual levels.
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Hello everyone!
This is Amy’s Hot Topic of the week.
Last week we talked about the recent flooding. There has been less rain in the past week, but the rivers are still very full!
This week we will talk about China’s surge in renewable energy. China’s capacity of solar energy has doubled in 2023. There has been a rapid increase in renewable energy last year, putting triple global capacity by 2030 within reach! This is the fastest growth rate in two decades, says the International Energy Agency (IEA). This is because China has driven a 50% increase: they installed as much solar photovoltaics last year as the whole world did in 2022.
Even though this is very positive, the UN-agreed target to limit global warming to 1.5ºC from pre-industrial times, has been breached by many land regions. Development of renewable energy is accelerating across the world, with efforts to replace fossil fuels. However, progress is uneven and emerging economies are struggling to finance clean-energy projects. Therefore, international support is needed.
Even though there are positives, we still have to work hard together to heal our planet. The positive things are a sign that we can make a difference and we can do it, but it means we cannot stop working together.
Good News For Renewable Energy
Let’s look at more positives! Almost 200 countries have agreed to triple their renewable energy capacity by 2030. And double the average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements to 4% until 2030. And reduce methane emissions. Now THAT is very positive!
This global scale development can seem daunting and like individuals don’t need to worry, but that is not the case. Community action is extremely important. The University of Reading has many sustainability initiatives, such as the refurbishment of the library, saving 13% energy consumption and the commitment to becoming a Net Zero Carbon university by 2030. Projects like this have given the university its reputation for sustainability and climate science research and courses.
At an individual level, many things can be done too. Such as reducing our energy consumption by using alternative methods like solar panels. Take control by measuring and managing your individual energy creation and consumption. With this knowledge, the next step is to reduce this energy creation and consumption. The aim is to live under 2 kWh a day. To get there, simple things such as using a laptop instead of a desktop and air-drying laundry instead of using a tumble dryer will significantly reduce your kWh a day. Working together to do these things will create a greener future!
I hope everyone is having a lovely year so far, and I will see you next week for another Amy’s Hot Topic.
Bye!
#2kWh #undertwok
Article Sources:
Education for Sustainable Development, University of Reading – 12th January 2024.
Gov.uk – University of Reading’s Sustainability Strategy Statement – 12th January 2024.
Climateanalytics.org – 13th January 2024.