By 2030 renewable energy sources such as solar and wind will cost a similar amount to fossils fuels such as coal and gas, thanks to falling technology costs
Ben Parr, The University of Melbourne and Don Henry, The University of Melbourne
Much of India’s huge population is still without electricity, perhaps making climate action a tough sell. But India’s vision for green development chimes well with the world’s climate agenda.
Wilfred Fritz, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Deon Kallis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Africa is blessed with an abundance of sunshine.Given the heavy demand for energy, alternatives, such as solar, could provide solutions and help stimulate economic growth.
The massive Ivanpah solar power plant uses natural gas – even more than it expected last year. It’s not ideal, but solar power and natural gas are a powerful, and relatively ‘green,’ combination.
Anti-nuclear advocates may cheer the closing of nuclear power plants in the US, but thanks to cheap natural gas, less nuclear power means higher emissions.
The University of California intends to be carbon-neutral by 2025 by implementing existing technologies and focusing on public education. Is this a model for decarbonizing at large scale?
Australia’s failure to reassess its commitment to coal will have serious negative consequences, not only for Australia’s economy, but for the health and well being of millions of people and the global environment.
India has pledged to ramp up renewable energy and make its economy more carbon-efficient. And while that will help cut emissions, the main motivation is to give power to the many who still lack access to electricity.
Energy storage is often considered the holy grail of the electricity sector. Great for households, it could be as important in the wider electricity network.
China is pouring money into clean energy - not just to tackle climate change but because these are economically fruitful industries. And as China develops them, the technologies will get cheaper for everyone.