The energy transition to renewables is possible and already happening.
Around the world, governments, policy makers, businesses, civil society and communities are leading the charge to create a reimagined future with sustainable affordable energy. Achieving this unlocks a just and equitable future for people and the planet.
Reimagining the world with renewables
Our current energy systems are designed around fossil fuels. But transitioning to renewables offers considerable benefits in health, jobs and stable and affordable access to energy, while also providing significant resilience in the face of global geopolitical and energy shocks and crises.
Shifting to renewables is about far more than switching one fuel source for another. We need to transform our fossil fuel-based system to achieve just and equitable economies and societies with renewables at their core.
Find out how countries around the world have fostered the democratisation of energy and entire economic systems by decentralising power production, enabling local ownership, creating jobs, improving access, and enhancing community engagement and resilience.
Renewable energy is a powerful driver of economic development, ensuring reliable and affordable energy that strengthens local economies and improves infrastructure. By 2050, the energy transition is projected to boost global GDP by 2.5%, creating new economic and industrial opportunities, and showing that renewables based economies are essential for prosperous societies.
Explore stories from our renewable
energy community
Replacing fossil fuels
with renewable energy
Akintunde Akinleye / Climate Visuals Countdown
Our reliance on fossil fuels is worsening climate change, exacerbating poverty and widening inequality. Fossil fuels are bad for people and the planet. As one of the leading causes of air pollution, fossil fuels are responsible for 82% of pollution-related deaths globally. In 2023 alone carbon emissions increased 1.1%, while the growing frequency and severity of climate disasters like droughts, wildfires and floods continues to devastate communities worldwide.
Raphael Pouget / Climate Visuals Countdown
The evidence is clear:
we need a renewable energy transition.
At COP28, world leaders agreed to phase out fossil fuels, triple renewable energy capacity, and double energy efficiency by 2030.
Despite these commitments, renewables are not replacing coal, oil and gas at the necessary speed. Instead the world is burning more fossil fuels than ever as energy demand continues to rise, and fossil fuels continue to be subsidised at an astounding rate of $11 million USD every minute.
Renewables aren’t competing on a level playing field. Although investments in renewables reached a record $622.5 billion in 2023, this is nowhere near what’s needed to meet climate and sustainable development goals.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. With increased funding and support for renewables, we can accelerate the transition and realise the full benefits of a green energy future.
Discover the benefits of renewable energy and learn how your community can make the switch.