
A new Greenpeace report shows how the world can move to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. The bad news? It needs political will. The good news? It's already happening!
Gemasolar, a 15 MW solar power tower plant. Photo credit: Markel Redondo / Greenpeace
Climate change deniers and investors take note. Renewable energy is here and it's growing. From large corporations to village Eisenstein's, the growing interest, investments and inventions into clean energy is this century's "goldrush."
Don't believe the hype? Here are 7 signs that give us hope the Energy [R]evolution is already on its way.
1. 2014 was the biggest year for solar in the U.S.—an increase of 30 percent from the previous year.
The Alamosa Solar Generating Plant in Colorado. Photo credit: Robert Meyers / Greenpeace
2. Renewable energy in the UK took over coal for the first time during this last quarter.
Construction of new wind turbines in the United Kingdom. Photo credit: Steve Morgan / Greenpeace
3. And in his recent U.S. visit, President Xi Jinping made a landmark commitment to put a price on carbon.
Dafeng Power Station in China. Photo credit: Zhiyong Fu / Greenpeace
According to the report, if we continue in an upwards trend we could reach 42 percent renewables by 2030, 72 percent by 2040 and 100 percent in 2050. What's more, the renewable energy sector will produce more jobs and because of all the fuel cost savings it can all be done at no extra expense.
But why wait till 2050 or for political will to kick in? The energy revolution is already happening.
4. Greenpeace India's Dharnai village project has provided electricity to more than 2,400 people.
Children in Dharnai Village in India. Photo credit: Vivek M. / Greenpeace
This includes 450 households and 50 commercial establishments, including two schools, a training center and a primary healthcare center.
5. Renewable energy farms are appearing on land and water.
6. South Africa's biggest solar plant is powering 80,000 homes and helping to beat blackouts.
Installation of solar panels in South Africa. Photo credit: Nicolas Fojtu / Greenpeace
7. And activists are giving the finger to coal plants in Romania.
Installation of solar panels on school rooftop in Romania. Photo credit: Cristian Grecu / Greenpeace
It's clear that this is a type of power that's proving to be unstoppable. If you're smart about it, you'll already be jumping on that bandwagon.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Students Across America Demand Climate Action Oct. 2
Former WWII Bomb Shelter Now World’s First Underground Farm
This Country Is Already Carbon Neutral and Now Plans to Go 100% Organic and Zero-Waste
Shell Abandons Arctic Drilling Following ‘Disappointing’ Results
New EarthX Special 'Protecting the Amazon' Suggests Ways to Save the World’s Greatest Rainforest
To save the planet, we must save the Amazon rainforest. To save the rainforest, we must save its indigenous peoples. And to do that, we must demarcate their land.
A new EarthxTV film special calls for the protection of the Amazon rainforest and the indigenous people that call it home. EarthxTV.org
- Meet the 'Women Warriors' Protecting the Amazon Forest - EcoWatch ›
- Indigenous Tribes Are Using Drones to Protect the Amazon ... ›
- Amazon Rainforest Will Collapse by 2064, New Study Predicts ... ›
- Deforestation in Amazon Skyrockets to 12-Year High Under Bolsonaro ›
- Amazon Rainforest on the Brink of Turning Into a Net Carbon Emitter ... ›
EcoWatch Daily Newsletter
By Anke Rasper
"Today's interim report from the UNFCCC is a red alert for our planet," said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
The report, released Friday, looks at the national climate efforts of 75 states that have already submitted their updated "nationally determined contributions," or NDCs. The countries included in the report are responsible for about 30% of the world's global greenhouse gas emissions.
- World Leaders Fall Short of Meeting Paris Agreement Goal - EcoWatch ›
- UN Climate Change Conference COP26 Delayed to November ... ›
- 5 Years After Paris: How Countries' Climate Policies Match up to ... ›
- Biden Win Puts World 'Within Striking Distance' of 1.5 C Paris Goal ... ›
- Biden Reaffirms Commitment to Rejoining Paris Agreement ... ›
Trending
Plastic Burning Makes It Harder for New Delhi Residents to See, Study Suggests
India's New Delhi has been called the "world air pollution capital" for its high concentrations of particulate matter that make it harder for its residents to breathe and see. But one thing has puzzled scientists, according to The Guardian. Why does New Delhi see more blinding smogs than other polluted Asian cities, such as Beijing?
- This Indian Startup Turns Polluted Air Into Climate-Friendly Tiles ... ›
- How to Win the Fight Against Plastic - EcoWatch ›
In a historic move, the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) voted Thursday to ban hydraulic fracking in the region. The ban was supported by all four basin states — New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York — putting a permanent end to hydraulic fracking for natural gas along the 13,539-square-mile basin, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
- Appalachian Fracking Boom Was a Jobs Bust, Finds New Report ... ›
- Long-Awaited EPA Study Says Fracking Pollutes Drinking Water ... ›
- Pennsylvania Fracking Water Contamination Much Higher Than ... ›
Colombia is one of the world's largest producers of coffee, and yet also one of the most economically disadvantaged. According to research by the national statistic center DANE, 35% of the population in Columbia lives in monetary poverty, compared to an estimated 11% in the U.S., according to census data. This has led to a housing insecurity issue throughout the country, one which construction company Woodpecker is working hard to solve.
- Kenyan Engineer Recycles Plastic Into Bricks Stronger Than ... ›
- Could IKEA's New Tiny House Help Fight the Climate Crisis ... ›