A global group of over 200 climate and energy organizations has issued an open letter urging world leaders and Parties to the Paris Agreement to agree at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) to triple renewable energy by 2030. The letter, prepared by the Global Renewables Alliance, emphasizes the need for increased ambition and accelerated adoption of renewable energy.
The open letter, signed by companies like Amazon, Vestas, and Huawei, was published on the second day of Climate Week NYC, an annual event in partnership with the UN General Assembly. The organizations argue that the fastest and most cost-effective way to decarbonize the global economy is through the growth of renewable energy capacity and increased energy efficiency.
To limit global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius, the scale and speed of renewable energy technology deployment must be increased in the next seven years. The Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan from COP27 stressed the importance of inclusive and socially and economically impactful climate action. World leaders recognize this decade as one of climate action and are calling for an energy transition.
To achieve the goal of tripling renewable energy capacity to at least 11,000 GW by 2030, it is crucial to accelerate the construction of infrastructure for wind power, solar power, hydropower, and geothermal power. This will enable the utilization of long-duration energy storage and green hydrogen. The organizations highlight that tripling renewable energy capacity will not only reduce the loss and damage caused by climate change but also foster sustainable and inclusive growth.
Each country and region must modify their Nationally Determined Contributions to achieve the common target. Collaboration among the renewable energy industry, investors, stakeholders, and governments is essential in fulfilling this goal. Steps outlined in the open letter include committing to ambitious energy transition plans, streamlining permitting schemes for renewable energy projects, investing in grid action plans, promoting multilateral renewable energy partnerships and trade agreements, and strengthening commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 7.
In 2022, power sector emissions hit a record high, indicating the urgent need for a course correction in energy systems. The organizations emphasize that tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 requires international solidarity and a comprehensive approach to energy system transformation and large-scale electrification.
Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), supports the call for a global renewable target at COP28, emphasizing the need for immediate action for a 1.5°C climate pathway. Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance, highlights the readiness of the renewables industry to step up and urges policymakers to take urgent action to deliver on the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Sources:
– Global Renewables Alliance
– COP27 Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan
– Sustainable Development Goal 7
– International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)