IRENA: Renewables core to meet climate goals

Emission reductions from renewables, coupled with energy efficiency improvements, must be at the heart of any effort to limit global temperature rise to two degrees Celsius, according to a report released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The report ‘REthinking Energy 2015 – Renewable Energy and Climate‘ finds that achieving a 36% share of renewable energy by 2030 would result in half of all emission reductions needed to maintain a two degree pathway.

To achieve a 36% share of total energy, the uptake of renewable energy would need to increase six-fold from current levels. This would require that global annual investment nearly double, to exceed $500 billion in the period up to 2020, and more than triple to exceed $900 billion from 2021 to 2030, IRENA’s press release reads.

To help achieve this, the report outlines five actions for a sustainable energy future including: strengthening policy commitments, mobilising investments, building institutional capacity, linking renewables to Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing regional engagement.

Adnan Amin, IRENA’s General Director, said: “The energy sector accounts for more than two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore must be the focus of climate action. Transitioning rapidly to a future fueled by renewable energy, accompanied by increasing energy efficiency, is the most effective way to limit global temperature rise. This transition is underway but it must be accelerated if we are to limit global temperature rise to two degrees Celsius.”

According to the report, scaling up renewable energy to the level required to meet global climate objectives would contribute to at least 12 of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by increasing energy access, improving quality of life and reducing poverty.

IRENA is an intergovernmental organization made up from 144 members (143 states and the European Union) that promotes the adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy.

Image: IRENA