SOLAR AND CLEAN FUELS SECURING SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION HOW CAN WE SECURE A SUSTAINABLE CLIMATE FUTURE?
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7Ì iÜÌiV }V> advancements across all manner of sustainability sectors, renewables scaling up rapidly and whole industrial sectors decarbonising at pace, the reality of an emissions-neutral energy future >ÃiÛiÀviÌÃ>V iÛ>Li°ÓäÓ{ was, despite plenty of setbacks, a milestone year for building momentum for a global energy ÃÞÃÌiÃÌÀ>ÃvÀ>Ì° In line with the commentary and action plans outlined in this yearbook by our varied and highly respected contributors, we wanted to break down the constituent parts of what is needed to help bring this transformation to fruition, what tangible actions must be taken to support the broader targets, and Üvi>ÃLiÃÕV ÕÌViÃ>Ài°
Minimal time is left – 2024 data sounds the alarm
2023-2024 held another record-breaking series of months for global average temperatures. By June 2024, a full 11 months in a row saw this global average reach, breach, and rise beyond the 1.5°C threshold. Record-breaking monthly heat averages in specific regions and countries were a near-constant factor across much of the world. Overall, Jan-Sept 2024 global average temperature represented 1.54 (±0.13) °C above pre-industrial levels. As 2024 draws to a close, it is on track to be the hottest year since records began. 40+°C heatwaves in Europe, devastating wildfires in South America and a deluge of flooding disasters worldwide all reinforce the tangible and deadly impact of these sustained rises in global temperatures. What timeline should we be aiming for? While the global scientific community continues to debate the timeframes involved in either securing or failing to meet our targets of limiting global warming to 1.5°C =, there is broad consensus when it comes to the optimal outcomes on moving from a hydrocarbon-dependent energy industry to a fully clean energy future.
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THE FUTURE OF ENERGY
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