Hindu Editorial Analysis : 15-September-2023

As the world anticipates the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, a significant proposal has emerged: the global target of tripling renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2030. While this proposal holds undeniable promise, a closer examination reveals a complex landscape that demands careful consideration.

The Proposal: Tripling RE Capacity by 2030

The presidency of COP28 has put forth an ambitious goal – tripling the global renewable energy capacity by 2030. This objective aims to combat climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and accelerating the adoption of clean energy sources.

The Current State of Renewable Energy

In 2021, the world’s installed capacity of renewable energy sources (RES) for electricity generation reached 3026 Giga Watts (GW), constituting 39% of total capacity from all sources. However, renewables only contributed 28% of total electricity generation. A closer look at the data reveals that over half of RE generation comes from hydropower, while solar and wind contribute significantly less, at 13% and 23%, respectively.

Challenges and Considerations

Tripling RE capacity by 2030 presents several challenges and considerations:

  1. Regional Variations in Electricity Demand
    • Global electricity demand varies among countries and regions.
    • Developing nations like China and India experience rapid growth in electricity consumption, while the European Union and the United States have stable or declining demand.
  2. Imbalance in Responsibility
    • Distributing responsibility for achieving this target is contentious.
    • Developed countries, with historical emissions, face a significant role.
    • Developing nations argue for a more equitable burden-sharing approach, with absolute domestic targets for developed nations.
  3. Lack of Transparency in Target Origin
    • The global RE target’s origin lacks transparency.
    • It draws inspiration from a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), raising questions about non-governmental organizations’ influence on global climate agendas.
  4. Resource and Infrastructure Challenges
    • Building the necessary infrastructure for the tripling target is daunting.
    • Expanding RE capacity, ensuring grid stability, and developing energy storage solutions require substantial financial resources.
  5. Gap between Rhetoric and Action
    • A contrast exists between international rhetoric and domestic action.
    • Developing countries like India commit to ambitious RE targets, while developed nations focus on relative targets and market signals over absolute commitments.
A Path Forward: Equitable Commitments

As COP28 approaches, addressing these challenges is imperative. A balanced solution should consider:

  • Equitable Commitments: Developing countries, especially India, should consider the global RE capacity target if developed nations commit to equitable absolute domestic targets aligned with their historical responsibility.

This approach would create a fair and balanced framework for achieving global climate goals, ensuring that the ambition to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 becomes a shared and achievable reality. The challenges are formidable, but with transparent cooperation and commitment from all nations, we can pave the way towards a greener and more sustainable future

Why In News

As the world prepares for the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, a groundbreaking proposal has emerged: a global commitment to tripling renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2030. While this vision holds undeniable promise, delving deeper into the proposal uncovers a multifaceted terrain that demands meticulous evaluation and a shared commitment to action. As nations converge in Dubai for COP28, the challenge lies in translating this ambitious goal into concrete, sustainable solutions that address the intricacies of our evolving energy landscape.

MCQs about Tripling Renewable Energy by 2030

  1. What is the primary goal of the global target ?
    A. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
    B. Increasing fossil fuel consumption
    C. Enhancing nuclear energy capacity
    D. Promoting coal-based power generation
    Correct Answer: A. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
    Explanation: The primary goal of the global target to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change by transitioning away from fossil fuel-based energy sources.
  2. Which renewable energy source currently contributes the most to global renewable energy generation?
    A. Solar
    B. Wind
    C. Hydropower
    D. Biomass
    Correct Answer: C. Hydropower
    Explanation: More than half of renewable energy generation comes from hydropower, making it the largest contributor among renewable energy sources.
  3. What is the primary objective of the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28)?
    A. Promoting fossil fuel consumption
    B. Tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030
    C. Increasing greenhouse gas emissions
    D. Advocating for nuclear energy expansion
    Correct Answer: B. Tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030
    Explanation: The primary goal of COP28, as discussed in the essay, is to advocate for the global target of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 to combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

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