A comprehensive energy system can provide support for all industries, from business, healthcare, and education to agriculture, infrastructure, communication, and high technology.
The accessibility of electricity supply in poorer countries is accelerating, energy efficiency is constantly improving, and renewable energy has also achieved remarkable results. Nevertheless, we still need to focus more on improving the opportunities for 2.3 billion people to access clean and safe cooking fuels and technologies.
For decades, fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas have been the main sources of electricity production. However, burning carbon fuels generates a large amount of greenhouse gases, leading to climate change and causing harmful impacts on human well-being and the environment. This affects everyone, not just a few. In addition, global electricity consumption is rapidly increasing. In short, without a stable electricity supply, countries will not be able to provide impetus for their economic development.
Energy services are crucial for preventing diseases and combating pandemics, providing electricity to medical facilities, clean water for basic sanitation, and communication and information counting services, allowing people to stay connected while maintaining social distancing.
Without electricity, women and girls need to spend several hours fetching water, clinics cannot store vaccines for children, many students cannot do homework at night, and people cannot run competitive businesses. If we cannot achieve the goal before 2030, nearly one-third of the world's population - mainly women and children - will continue to live in harmful indoor air pollution.
By 2030, an annual investment of at least $4 trillion in renewable energy (including technology and infrastructure investment) is needed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Although not as expensive as annual fossil fuel subsidies, this investment will yield returns. By 2030, reducing pollution and climate impacts alone can save the world up to $4.2 trillion annually.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that in 2020 alone, approximately $5.9 trillion was allocated to subsidize the fossil fuel industry, including through clear subsidies, tax reductions, and health and environmental damage not included in fossil fuel costs, which amounted to approximately $11 billion per day. Shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy not only reduces emissions, but also contributes to sustainable economic growth, job creation, improving public health, and promoting equality, especially for impoverished and most vulnerable communities around the world.
UN Secretary General Ant ó nio Guterres once said, "The lifeline is right in front of us." He emphasized that renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar energy are now available, and in most cases, these renewable energy sources are cheaper than fossil fuels such as coal. We urgently need to make them work on a large scale and quickly.
Although global cooperation and coordination are crucial, domestic policy frameworks must also be reformed as soon as possible, streamlining and accelerating the promotion of renewable energy projects and promoting private sector investment.
Although the technology, capacity, and funding for the transformation of renewable energy are available, policies and procedures need to be in place to reduce market risks, promote and incentivize investment, including simplifying planning, licensing, and regulatory procedures, preventing congestion and red tape. This may include allocating space for large-scale expansion in special renewable energy areas.
National independent contribution is a separate climate action plan developed by countries to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts, which must set specific renewable energy targets consistent with the 1.5 degree Celsius target. By 2030, the proportion of renewable energy generation worldwide must increase from the current 29% to 60%.
