Sustainability

The sustainable energy transition can bring disruptive changes, such as higher costs of living, job displacement and loss of income or increased energy insecurity. It is important that countries act to mitigate these unintended impacts, for example, in regions with concentrated industrialization and on vulnerable populations. A just and inclusive transition is a powerful catalyst for creating green jobs, adapting education systems, building inclusive and effective institutions, and advancing social, environmental and economic justice. Decarbonizing the energy sector by rapidly scaling up renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower is critical – not just for cutting emissions but also for expanding energy access in underserved communities. Currently, renewable energy is the cheapest option for new electricity in almost every country in the world. Projections show that renewables could account for over 90 percent of global electricity generation by 2050, accelerating the path to a net-zero energy system. Clean electricity is also the foundation for transforming other sectors, from industry to transportation.