At COP28, the world committed to tripling installed renewable power capacity to over 11 TW globally by 2030 to stay on track for a 1.5°C-aligned path. While this goal primarily focuses on combating climate change, achieving it will bring significant benefits to people’s lives.
Job creation is one of the most compelling reasons to accelerate the energy transition. Jobs are essential to any economy, empowering individuals to support themselves and their families. The renewable energy sector is rapidly growing, providing job opportunities across a range of skill levels. According to IRENA, the sector added 2.5 million jobs in 2023 alone, bringing total employment in renewables to more than 16.2 million people. Renewables also offer a higher representation of women compared to the oil and gas sector, presenting a valuable opportunity to improve gender equality in the workforce.
Renewable energy plays a key role in community empowerment and social equity. Locally driven renewable projects, such as community-owned solar or wind farms, allow residents to own their energy production, retain its economic value, and influence decision-making processes for fair distribution. These projects help boost community wealth and resilience. For example, solar-powered irrigation systems provide farmers with a reliable energy source, resulting in higher yields and better-quality crops. Year-round access to water reduces hardship and enhances the well-being of families and communities.
Cleaner air and improved health are significant benefits of transitioning to renewable energy. Fossil fuel combustion is a major source of local air pollution, which damages agricultural productivity, natural resources, and infrastructure. However, the most severe impact is on human health. Around 8 million people die prematurely each year due to air pollution, with 3.2 million of these deaths linked specifically to indoor air pollution from the use of polluting cookstoves and fuels, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. Without action, 1.8 billion people will continue to be exposed to these health risks in 2030. Shifting to renewable energy can drastically reduce pollution, leading to cleaner air and healthier populations.
Improved energy access and lower energy costs are additional advantages of renewables. Approximately 685 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity. Renewable energy, especially decentralized systems, can provide affordable and reliable power to remote and underserved areas. This access is crucial for powering essential services like schools, hospitals, agriculture, and clean water supply. Additionally, the costs of renewable technologies, such as solar and offshore wind, have decreased significantly, making energy more affordable and reducing household energy bills.
Renewable energy also strengthens climate resilience and energy security. For over 150 years, fossil fuels have fueled economic growth, but their environmental impacts and geopolitical vulnerabilities highlight the need to transition away from them. Renewables offer greater stability and resilience due to their widespread availability, reducing vulnerability to energy supply disruptions.
Tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 is both an environmental necessity and a step toward a more equitable, prosperous, and resilient world. The benefits extend beyond climate goals, promoting sustainable development, economic growth, social equity, and better health. IRENA’s “3xRenewables for the Planet and Its People” series illustrates these socio-economic advantages, particularly for the Global South, and emphasizes the positive impacts of renewable energy on communities.
Embracing renewable energy is crucial for individuals, communities, and nations alike. The opportunity is vast, but so is the challenge. Achieving this goal will require collective determination, international collaboration, and decisive action. The time to act is now.
댓글