Renewable energies are, without a doubt, the best weapon in the fight against climate change and the transition to a world with almost zero greenhouse gas emissions. These clean sources of energy are not only necessary, but are also essential to improve economic competitiveness in a global context that demands sustainable solutions.
In this regard, Héctor de Prado, responsible for Climate and Energy at Friends of the Earth, has highlighted the urgency of accelerating the processes related to the energy transition, since the planet "demands" that we act fastThe big question is, will it be possible to live in a world free of fossil fuels?
Our planet demands action
Climate change is not a future threat, but a reality we already live in. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil has led to an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, which has led to an increase in global temperature.
Renewable energies, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal, have proven to be viable alternatives to reduce emissions and slow global warming. Although the initial investment in these technologies may be high, the long-term impact is positive, not only from an environmental aspect, but also from an economic point of view.
Renewable energy not only mitigates climate change, but also contributes to job creation and to the economic development of the regions that support its implementation.
The role of citizens and cities
The 'Clean energy for Europe: the role of citizens and cities' conference brought together European experts and representatives of Spanish municipalities to discuss how we can all contribute to the transition. One of the main topics was how cities and citizens should be key players in the energy transition.
El Winter Package The European Union's energy policy sets ambitious targets for renewables to become an integral part of the energy mix of European cities. Many of these cities have already made great strides in adopting clean energy, with significant reductions in their greenhouse gas emissions.
It is worth noting that, although European legislation is not as rigorous as it could be, some cities have taken the lead and are far ahead in terms of innovation and adoption of renewable technologies. Examples such as Barcelona, Pamplona and Córdoba demonstrate that it is possible to establish municipal corporations that promote clean energy at local levels.
Change in the European energy model
Transforming the energy matrix and migrating to renewable energy is vital to mitigating climate change. The most optimistic scenario projects that by 2050, nearly 90% of the world's electricity will be renewable, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This change is not only necessary from a climate perspective, but also to ensure the energy independence of many countries, reducing their dependence on fossil fuel imports.
However, in some places, such as Spain, the process has been slower due to the lack of more aggressive incentive policies, and the interests of the big oil industries have slowed this progress. Despite this, more and more cities and companies are investing in technologies that allow the generation and storage of energy from renewable sources.
In Europe, major cities are making great strides. Local policies are key to achieving sustainability and decarbonisation goals. Renewable infrastructure, such as wind and solar parks, as well as initiatives to promote electric mobility, are pioneering in many urban areas.
More renewable energy for our future
The future of energy depends on the choices we make now. The second part of the aforementioned conference highlighted the decisive role that citizens have in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The report by Greenpeace and other climate organisations, such as Rescoop and Eref, states that more than 50% of the EU population could generate their own electricity by 2050 thanks to the advancement of technologies such as solar panels and small wind turbines.
In this area, it is crucial to ensure that energy systems are decentralised, allowing citizens to become more involved in generating clean energy and reducing their own carbon footprint.
Cities such as Pamplona are already implementing self-consumption policies that allow citizens to produce their own renewable energy. These policies should be replicated to a greater extent, as they allow communities to be self-sufficient and reduce dependence on polluting sources.
Citizen participation in energy generation is one of the keys to accelerating the transition towards a more environmentally friendly world. The adoption of efficient and sustainable technologies will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but will also improve air quality in cities.
Local governments and citizens need to be aligned on this goal, promoting not only the adoption of renewable energy, but also the improvement of energy efficiency in homes, buildings and public transport.
The new energy model is already underway, and more and more governments are taking steps to accelerate this transition.
A greener world, free of fossil fuels, is within reach, but only if we all work together to achieve it. Renewable energy has the potential to transform our economies, improve our infrastructure and ensure a more sustainable future for future generations.