The Power of Renewable Energy
Transforming the World
Renewable energy is the energy that comes from natural sources that are constantly replenished, such as sunlight, wind, water, geothermal heat, and biomass. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and emit greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, renewable energy is clean, abundant, and sustainable. Renewable energy has the potential to transform the world by providing affordable, reliable, and secure energy for all.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewable energy accounted for 26.4% of the global electricity generation in 2019, and is expected to reach 50% by 2030. Renewable energy also plays a key role in reducing carbon emissions and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change. IRENA estimates that renewable energy could reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by 70% by 2050, and create more than 40 million jobs in the sector.
Renewable energy offers many benefits for individuals, communities, businesses, and governments. Some of these benefits are:
- Renewable energy can lower energy bills and increase energy independence by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
- Renewable energy can create new economic opportunities and stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in various sectors, such as manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and research and development.
- Renewable energy can improve public health and environmental quality by reducing air pollution, water pollution, and land degradation caused by fossil fuel extraction and combustion.
- Renewable energy can enhance social equity and inclusion by providing access to modern energy services for millions of people who lack electricity or rely on traditional biomass for cooking and heating.
- Renewable energy can foster global cooperation and solidarity by promoting a shared vision of a low-carbon future and supporting the development of renewable energy markets and policies in different regions.
Renewable energy is not a distant dream, but a present reality. Around the world, many countries, cities, communities, and businesses are already harnessing the power of renewable energy to transform their lives and livelihoods. For example:
- In China, the world's largest renewable energy market, solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity increased by 26% in 2019, reaching 204 gigawatts (GW), while wind power capacity reached 210 GW. China also leads the world in electric vehicle sales and battery production.
- In Germany, renewable energy sources met 46% of the country's electricity demand in 2020, up from 42.3% in 2019. Germany aims to achieve 65% of renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
- In Kenya, geothermal power accounts for about 40% of the country's electricity generation, making it one of the world leaders in geothermal utilization. Kenya also has abundant potential for solar, wind, hydro, and biomass energy.
- In Costa Rica, renewable energy sources supplied 99.8% of the country's electricity in 2019, mainly from hydropower, wind, geothermal, biomass, and solar. Costa Rica plans to become carbon-neutral by 2021.
- In Denmark, wind power generated more than half of the country's electricity in 2019, setting a new world record. Denmark aims to phase out coal by 2030 and achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050.
These examples show that renewable energy is not only feasible but also desirable for achieving a more prosperous, resilient, and sustainable world. Renewable energy is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a diverse and adaptable portfolio of technologies that can meet different needs and preferences. Renewable energy is not a luxury but a necessity for addressing the urgent challenges of climate change, energy security, poverty alleviation, and social justice. Renewable energy is not a choice but a responsibility for all of us to take action and make a difference.
Renewable energy is the power of transformation. Let us embrace it and shape our future together.
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Ameer Muavia
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As the war in Ukraine grinds on with no clear end in sight, the debate over what comes after the fighting has taken a sharper turn. The United States has signalled reluctance about committing troops to Ukraine once the war ends, even as the United Kingdom and France openly pledge to consider deploying forces in a postwar security role. The divergence has exposed differing strategic priorities among Western allies and raised new questions about how Ukraine’s future security will be guaranteed. While all three nations remain united in their support for Kyiv during the war, the emerging split over postwar troop commitments highlights the complexity of planning for peace in a conflict that continues to reshape Europe’s security landscape. What the UK and France Are Proposing British and French leaders have increasingly spoken about the need for long-term security arrangements for Ukraine once active hostilities end. 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