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At the recent COP28 conference, nations across the globe committed to significantly increasing their renewable energy capacity, aiming to reach over 11 terawatts (TW) by 2030 as part of the efforts to remain aligned with the 1.5°C climate target. This ambitious goal goes beyond mere environmental considerations and holds the potential to bring about substantial improvements in people’s daily lives.
Here are five compelling reasons to expedite the energy transition beyond the climate agenda:
1. Job Creation
The creation of jobs is vital for the health of any economy, as they provide individuals with the necessary means to support themselves and their families.
The renewable energy sector is witnessing a surge in job opportunities across a spectrum of skill levels. Data from IRENA indicates that the sector added approximately 2.5 million jobs in 2023, with over 16.2 million people currently employed in renewable energy roles. This sector also boasts a higher proportion of female employees compared to traditional oil and gas industries, presenting an opportunity to enhance gender equality in the workplace.
2. Community Empowerment and Social Equity
Renewable energy can significantly contribute to sustainable development, promoting social equity and empowering communities.
Projects like community-owned solar or wind farms enable local ownership of energy resources, allowing residents to retain economic benefits, participate in decision-making, and enhance local wealth and resilience. For instance, solar-powered irrigation systems provide farmers with reliable energy, resulting in increased agricultural productivity and improved crop quality, ultimately helping to alleviate poverty and enhance community welfare.
3. Cleaner Air and Improved Health
The burning of fossil fuels is a primary source of air pollution, which adversely affects agricultural production and damages natural ecosystems, while its most critical impact is on human health.
It is estimated that approximately 8 million individuals die prematurely each year due to air pollution, with around 3.2 million deaths linked specifically to indoor air pollution from traditional cooking methods, predominantly in low- and middle-income nations. Left unchecked, around 1.8 billion people could still face the dangers of such pollution by 2030. Transitioning to renewable energy sources can significantly reduce air pollutants, thereby promoting cleaner air and healthier populations.
4. Improved Energy Access and Reduced Energy Costs
Around 685 million people globally continue to live without electricity.
Renewable energy solutions, especially decentralized systems, have the potential to provide reliable and cost-effective power to remote and underserved communities. This access is crucial for essential services, including schools, hospitals, and agricultural operations, as well as ensuring clean water supply for local populations.
Additionally, the costs of renewable technologies, particularly solar and offshore wind, have plummeted in recent years. As such technologies become more economically viable, consumers stand to benefit from reduced energy expenses.
5. Climate Resilience and Energy Security
While fossil fuels have powered economic and industrial development throughout history, their environmental impact, coupled with geopolitical risks and concentrated supply sources, highlights an urgent need for transitioning to alternative energy sources.
Renewable energy offers a pathway to greater energy security and stability due to its abundant and widely available nature, thus reducing susceptibility to supply disruptions. Increasing our renewable capacity is not only an ecological imperative but also essential for fostering a more equitable, prosperous, and resilient global community, enhancing sustainable development, economic opportunities, social equity, and public health.
IRENA’s “3xRenewables for the Planet and Its People” initiative sheds light on these socio-economic benefits, particularly emphasizing their significance for the Global South, and provides illustrative examples of how renewable energy can yield diverse advantages in pursuit of this objective.
Transitioning to renewable energy is a crucial step for individuals, communities, and countries. The potential for positive change is vast, but so are the challenges that lie ahead, requiring dedicated cooperation, global collaboration, and impactful actions.
For further insights into IRENA’s “3xRenewables for the Planet and Its People” series, click here.
Source
www.irena.org