Renewable Energy – Powering a safer future for all
Derived from natural resources that are abundant and continuously replenished, renewable energy is key to a safer, cleaner, and sustainable world.
Energy is at the heart of the climate crisis
Energy is at the heart of the climate crisis – and key to the solution. Generating electricity and heat by burning coal, oil, or gas causes greenhouse gases that blanket the Earth and trap the sun’s heat.
Wind power in Belarus (2017) by UNDP Belarus/Sergei Gaponthe United Nations
Emissions need to be cut in half to avoid the worst impacts
To avoid the worst climate impacts, we need to cut greenhouse gas emissions nearly in half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. Ending our dependence on fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy, such as wind and solar, is key.
Nearly 30% of the world’s electricity comes from renewable sources of energy today, compared to 20% in 2011. By 2050, 90% of the world’s electricity can and should come from renewable energy, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates.
Roof solar (2019) by UNDP Cambodiathe United Nations
Renewable energy offers a way out of import dependency
80% of the global population is dependent on fossil fuels from other countries. Shifting to renewable energy, which is available in all countries, allows for diversify economies, protected from the unpredictable price swings of fossil fuels. All while driving inclusive economic growth.
Renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuels
Renewable energy is the cheapest power option in most parts of the world. Costs of solar electricity fell by 85% between 2010 and 2020, while the onshore and offshore wind energy costs fell by 56% and 48% respectively.
Switching to renewable energy sources improves public health
About 99% of people in the world breathe air that exceeds air quality limits and threatens their health, and over 13 million deaths each year are due to avoidable environmental causes, including air pollution.
wood fire oven (2018) by UNDPthe United Nations
Women and children, typically responsible for household chores, such as cooking and collecting firewood, bear the greatest health burden from the use of polluting fuels. Expanding the use of clean energy is essential for reducing household air pollution and protecting human health.
$1.00 invested in renewables = 3x more jobs than fossil fuel
Estimates show that the transition to clean energy will lead to an overall increase in energy sector jobs. While about 5 million jobs in fossil fuel production could be lost by 2030, an estimated 14 million new jobs would be created in clean energy.
Climate Action Accelerated by Women Engineers (2022) by UNDP Timor-Leste/Ayumi Kimurathe United Nations
Plus, 16 million workers added in energy-related industries
In total, this means over 30 million jobs could be created in clean energy, efficiency, and low-emissions technologies by 2030.
Fossil-fuel subsidies hinder the transition to renewables
About $7 trillion was spent subsidizing the fossil fuel industry in 2022. By comparison, $4.5 trillion needs to be invested in renewable energy annually until 2030 to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The funding is there - what is needed is political will and accountability.
Renewable energy is an investment that will pay off globally
Reducing pollution and climate impacts alone could save the world up to $4.2 trillion per year by 2030. Moreover, efficient, reliable renewable technologies can create a system less prone to market shocks and improve resilience and energy security by diversifying power options.
Ethiopian farmers in Hosana (2020) by CGIAR WLE/Mulugeta Ayene/the United Nations
Shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy not only cuts emissions, it also contributes to sustainable economic growth, job creation, better public health and more equality, particularly for the poor and most vulnerable communities around the world.
Clean energy transition can improve gender equality
Access to sufficient renewable energy is proven to benefit women by creating jobs and reducing the burden of unpaid domestic work, the risk of gender-based violence and exposure to harmful air pollution.
Despite making up nearly 40% of the global workforce, only 16% of energy sector employees are women.
Woman engineer in Mauritius (2020) by Stephane Bellerose/UNDP Mauritius and Seychellesthe United Nations
Despite progress, significant gender gaps persist in energy
In addition to being underrepresented in the energy sector workforce overall, women's wages are nearly 20% lower than men's in the sector. Also women make up only 17.4% of senior management and just 6% of ministerial positions responsible for national energy policies and programs.
It must be a fair and just energy transition for all
For the energy transition to be truly just, significant progress towards gender equity must be made in three areas: women in the energy workforce, women in decision-making, and women as entrepreneurs in the energy supply chain.
Solar home systems (2018) by World Bank/Ignite Rwandathe United Nations
Placing people at the heart of the energy transition
A just transition that places the needs and rights of people at the heart of the energy transition is paramount to ensuring no one is left behind. From improving public health to creating jobs to promoting equality, clean energy can help create a more equitable and sustainable world.
#ActNow to power up with renewable energy
From our home energy sources to how we travel to speaking up with our voices and votes to push for credible climate action from government and corporate leaders, our choices can have a profound impact on our planet. The possibilities for action are many – and add up fast.
Mother Nature
Learn more about the different ways climate change impacts the lives of women around the world in Mother Nature - an experiment created by Google Arts & Culture in collaboration with Earthrise and photojournalist Lynsey Addario, in support of the UN's ActNow campaign. Explore the data and the stories here.
To learn more about how renewable energy can power a safer future for all, visit the UN Climate Action website; to take action to help accelerate change that adds up to better lives on a healthier planet visit the UN #ActNow Campaign.
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