Transforming the energy system – and holding the line on rising global temperatures

In response to the threat of climate change, countries around the world have pledged to invest in low-carbon energy. National plans and investment patterns, however, show a stark mismatch with the pathway to meet the commitments set out in the Paris Agreement, which would keep the rise in global temperatures well below 2 degrees (^oC) and ideally hold the line at 1.5^oC.

At least USD 95 trillion worth of energy investments are planned worldwide until mid-century. But those plans and related investments are not always channelled toward climate proof systems.

This report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) explores two broad future paths: Current Plans (meaning the course set by current and planned policies); and the path for a clean, climate-resilient Energy Transformation.

IRENA’s analysis shows that planned fossil-fuel investments must be substantially redirected, with annual investments in renewables more than doubled for the coming decade. A comprehensive energy transformation can create a better energy system – one capable of ensuring that average global temperatures at the end of the century are no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. But to make this happen, the pace and depth of investments in renewables must be accelerated without delay, the report urges.

Among other findings:

• Creating a climate-safe system calls for USD 110 trillion worth of investments in the energy sector by 2050, compared to USD 95 trillion currently planned.
• Much of the USD 95 trillion currently planned for investments by 2050 must be redirected from fossil fuel investments to clean technologies.
• Renewables – including power generation, end-use applications and biofuels – would account for USD 27 trillion worth of energy transformation investments by 2050.
• Compared to current plans, the transformation would create 7 million more jobs and boost global GDP by 2.5%.

See also the digital story: Holding the line on rising global temperatures