Climate change is a hot topic right now, both in politics and in general conversation. Many signs point to impending doom despite efforts in many areas, which can make you wonder if we are making any progress at all. The good news is that we are. Keep reading to hear about the good things we are doing and some of the challenges that we face.
Global progress on climate change
Expansion of renewable energy
One area where we are seeing a lot of progress is the expansion of renewable energy. At COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, the member countries committed to tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
More efficient renewable energy can dramatically reduce greenhouse gasses and slow down the speed of global warming. However, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), current national plans still fall short, with a projected gap of 3.8 terawatts in renewable capacity by 2030, meaning there are still some hurdles to overcome.
Progress in technology and policy
Many countries have also made significant advances in the development and deployment of clean technologies, including wind and solar power and electric vehicles.
Many countries have also strengthened their climate policies and updated their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are part of the Paris Agreement and require each party to communicate how they intend to reduce harmful emissions.
Examples of progress
- Global renewable energy capacity will likely triple by 2030, with investments expected to reach $1.5 trillion annually.
- Solar and wind energy installations are increasing worldwide, with countries like China, the U.S., and Germany leading the charge.
- Advancements in battery storage, hydrogen power, and carbon capture technologies are helping to reduce carbon emissions in energy-intensive industries.
- Over 140 countries have set net-zero emission targets for mid-century, covering around 90% of global GDP.
Challenges and shortcomings
Despite some progress, emissions reductions are not happening fast enough. According to recent reports, the world is on track for around 2.7°C of warming by the end of the century, which is far above the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement to prevent catastrophic impacts of climate change.
Significant financial and political obstacles also remain. The political landscape, particularly in major economies, is still divided on how much danger we are actually in due to climate change despite the scientific data, which can limit laws and funding to the cause.
While there has been undeniable progress in renewable energy development and some policy enhancements, the global community is still falling short in critical areas like emission reductions and investment in green technologies.
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