'It can be done.' That's the take away from a new report that says our world can make the switch to 100% renewable energy by 2050.
That new analysis, called “World Energy Revolution: A Sustainable World Energy Outlook 2015”, was produced by Greenpeace, in collaboration with researchers from the German Aerospace Center.
The report states, “100% renewable energy for all is achievable by 2050, and [it] is the only way to ensure the world does not descend into catastrophic climate change.”
While the authors of that study admit that the initial costs of making the switch would be “huge”, they explain that “the savings will be even bigger.”
The fact is, it's already costing us way more to extract dirty energy like oil, gas, and coal, and the prices don't even reflect the clean up costs and environmental destruction that the fossil fuel industry dumps into the laps of taxpayers.
Meanwhile, the cost of clean energy like solar and wind is dropping, and oil and gas subsidies are the only reason that renewable energy sources aren't more affordable already. The report explains, “Dynamic change is taking place in the energy sector. Renewable energies have become mainstream in most countries, and prices have fallen dramatically.”
If we consider the real costs of fossil fuels, making the switch isn't only feasible, it's the only affordable option for the future.
The Executive Director of Greenpeace, Kumi Naidoo, said, “I urge all those who say 'it can't be done' to read this report and recognize that it can be done and must be done for the benefit of people around the world.”
Well said, Kumi. Now it's up to the rest of us get to work making it happen.
-Thom
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