Renewable Energy: Key to a Reliable, Safer, Progressive Future

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to our planet, our health, and our development. At its core, the challenge is about how we produce and use energy. Most of the greenhouse gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere come from burning fossil fuels to produce energy for electricity and heat, making the power sector the largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions. This also means that investing in alternative clean energy sources is essential for reducing GHG emissions in the long term.

Accessibility

Renewable energy is not only clean but also affordable, accessible, sustainable, and reliable—and available in every country. As such, it is a key driver of inclusive development, empowering nations to reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, diversify their economies, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Affordability

In most regions of the world, renewable energy has become the most affordable source of power. Prices of renewable technologies continue to fall rapidly, with over 90 per cent of new renewable projects being cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives, especially solar and offshore. This makes it an attractive alternative worldwide, including low- and middle-income countries where most of the future demand for electricity will arise.

Safety

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the air that 99 per cent of people breathe exceeds air quality limits, with its pollutants mainly coming from the burning of fossil fuels. Renewable energy will not only tackle climate change, but also its associated health risks such as air pollution.

Job Creation

The clean energy sector already employs more people than fossil fuels, with nearly 35 million workers worldwide. In 2023, jobs in renewable energy rose to 16.2 million, up from 13.7 million in 2022.

Renewables create three times more jobs per dollar invested than fossil fuels. The IEA projects that by 2030, the transition to net zero could mean a net gain of 9 million jobs: 5 million lost in fossil fuels offset by 14 million created in clean energy.

Related industries will also expand, adding up to 16 million jobs in areas like electric vehicles, efficient appliances, and hydrogen. Altogether, over 30 million new jobs could emerge by 2030.

Ensuring a just transition, with people and their rights at the centre, will be crucial to make sure no one is left behind.

Economic opportunities

Renewable energy is not only good for the planet but also a smart financial decision. In 2024, global clean energy investment reached $2 trillion, $800 billion more than fossil fuels, and helped drive 10 per cent of global GDP growth.

Yet fossil fuels still received $7 trillion in subsidies and unpriced costs in 2022. Achieving net zero will require about $4.5 trillion in renewable investments annually through 2030, but the savings are clear: reduced pollution and climate impacts could save the world up to $4.2 trillion each year.

Ultimately, renewable energy is more than a climate solution. It is a pathway to inclusive progress. It is accessible to all countries, it brings greater economic benefits, energy autonomy, and opportunities for sustainable growth. It creates jobs, strengthens resilience, and fosters safer, healthier environments, while freeing up resources for other dimensions of social progress. As the world prepares for the Second World Summit for Social Development, these intersecting challenges of climate, health, employment, and equity must be addressed together to deliver the systemic change needed for a more sustainable and just future.

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