Climate change is a daunting topic. The reality that it poses an existential threat makes it challenging to find any uplifting news.
Things have become even more difficult since the start of the second Trump Administration, which has been dismantling the United States’ commitments to combat climate change.
Support for clean technology industries in the US is diminishing. The administration has withdrawn the nation’s participation from the Paris climate agreement, marking the largest climate polluter’s exit in history.
“Drill-baby-drill” has become the new national mantra regarding fossil fuels.
The global clean technology supply chain is likely to experience a setback.
For climate activists, it is indeed a disheartening time.
However, this week brought some uplifting news—very significant news, in fact.
The global renewable energy revolution is advancing at an impressive pace, and the Trump administration cannot halt its momentum.
Recent data indicates that the momentum behind the global transition to renewable energy is remarkably strong and continually growing.
In light of this new information, the drill-baby-drill agenda could ultimately lead to the US lagging behind.
The figures originate from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
IRENA is the global intergovernmental agency dedicated to energy transformation, comprising 169 member countries.
Its latest report, the Renewable Capacity Statistics 2025, was published on Wednesday, confirming unprecedented growth levels in renewable energy capacity last year.
The report revealed that 92.5% of all new electricity-generating capacity added globally came from renewable sources.
This includes solar, hydro, wind, bioenergy, geothermal, and wave energy.
The record-setting figures build on 2023, when renewables constituted 85.8% of all new electricity capacity added.
Europe’s renewable capacity increased by 9%, with Germany accounting for over a quarter of that growth. Meanwhile, Africa’s capacity rose nearly 7%.
These statistics are remarkable.
They strongly indicate that global investors have made a decisive choice.
The fossil fuel era is declining, and the actions of the Trump administration will not alter this trend.
Despite heavy investments in the fossil fuel sector by the Trump administration,
Wind energy costs have dropped by 60% since 2010, while solar energy is now 90% less expensive.
Renewable energy currently comprises nearly half of the total installed global power capacity.
The exact figure, as reported by IRENA, is 46.4% and is increasing rapidly.
The report highlights a significant amount of decommissioning of old fossil fuel generating capacity that has been ongoing for years in certain regions.
As in prior years, last year’s increase in renewable energy capacity was predominantly driven by Asia, with China contributing almost 64% of the global added capacity.
With growing concerns about economic competitiveness and energy security, rapidly expanding renewable energy capacity translates to business opportunities and a swift, sustainable approach to energy security.
Governments have until September this year to deliver new and enhanced climate action commitments and plans.
These commitments are referred to as “Nationally Determined Contributions.”
They serve as a concrete roadmap for how nations intend to achieve the targets established in the Paris Climate Agreement.
The focus is on actions required to limit the increase in global temperatures to 1.5°C.
Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s Director-General, urged global governments to seize this opportunity to present a clear vision for their renewable energy ambitions.
Eighteen months ago, at the COP28 global climate summit in Dubai, when governments committed to tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, it seemed like an insurmountable challenge.
Yet, it no longer feels as impossible as it once did.
The IRENA report indicates that to achieve the global tripling target, renewable energy must expand at an annual rate of 16.6% between now and 2030.
Last year’s achieved growth rate was over 15%.
So, while we haven’t reached our goal yet, it is within reach.
This suggests that climate action is not a lost cause.
Just because Donald Trump and his administration occupy the White House does not mean we have to regress.
In fact, we are still making progress, which is a source of optimism.
Referring to the IRENA report this week, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need to accelerate the shift to clean energy.
He underscored the new job opportunities, reduced energy costs, and improved air quality resulting from the renewable energy revolution.
However, he stressed that this transition must be equitable, ensuring all nations have the chance to fully benefit from accessible, clean renewable energy.
UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell also highlighted the positive narrative surrounding renewable energy.
He transformed it into a rallying cry for countries to renew their climate action efforts and not be sidetracked by the Trump administration’s climate policies.
UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell
“As one government withdraws from climate leadership, it creates an opportunity for others to step up and capitalize on the significant benefits available,” he stated.
Last year, global clean energy investments reached $2 trillion.
Mr. Stiell noted that the potential benefits are enormous.
“The clean energy transition has the potential to become Europe’s economic engine in the present and for decades to come, especially when new sources of growth are essential to support living standards.”
By enhancing their national climate action commitments this year, EU governments could send a powerful signal to markets and consumers, he added.
“When done effectively, they can attract significant capital investment, stimulate growth, and support living standards, particularly as populations age.”
Overall, the outlook is very positive.
Many are hopeful that governments in Europe, including our own, are paying attention.
