Just last week, 175 parties signed the Paris Agreement, keeping the momentum going after the #COP21 climate summit in Paris in December 2015, when the world witnessed a milestone in global efforts to change climate change :) The Paris Agreement is the world’s first universal climate deal marking a firm commitment toward protecting our planet and signaling a new wave of much needed climate action.
As the world enters this new era of climate efforts, here’s part 2 of our shout out to some countries that are attempting to make the shift toward renewable energy, to encourage them to ramp up their actions and inspire others to do the same.
6. Costa Rica
(© Wikimedia Commons)
Costa Rica is well ahead in the game when it comes to the use of renewables. Last year, the country achieved the incredible feat of generating 99 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy. This was largely made possible by the smart use of its abundant river system and heavy tropical rainfalls. And it is not stopping there; It aims to add more hydro, wind and geothermal power plants in the coming years to achieve their target of becoming carbon-neutral by 2085.
Fun fact: Costa Rica managed to power itself fully using only renewables for 285 days in 2015 :o !
7. Sweden
(© Chris Martin Bahr / WWF)
Known world over for its meatballs and IKEA furniture, Sweden is also leading the efforts to shift to renewables to help change climate change. Aiming to be the first fossil-fuel-free nation by 2050, it currently has the largest share of renewable energy in the European Union. Eager to help edge the world toward a climate-safe future, the country has also announced an increase in financial support in renewables for developing countries at the COP21 summit in Paris.
Fun fact: Sweden achieved its 2020 goal of a 50 per cent renewable energy share in 2012 – a whopping 8 years ahead of schedule!
8. Morocco
(© Global Warming Images / WWF)
Morocco has made a splash in global headlines recently with the launch of the first phase of the world’s largest concentrated solar plant. Together with wind and hydro plants, the entire development is expected to supply half of Morocco’s electricity by 2020, helping it edge closer towards its goal of reducing emissions by 32 per cent (below business-as-usual levels) by 2030.
Fun fact: Morocco currently has the most developed wind energy supply in Africa.
9. China
(© Wikimedia Commons)
China is aggressively powering toward its goal of having 20 per cent of its energy share come from clean energy by 2030. Its spending in clean power equals that of the US and Europe combined. It also surged ahead of the European Union to become the global wind power leader and is now the largest market for solar power.
Fun fact: China installed half of all new wind capacity in the world in 2015 – a record high.
10. United States
(© Kevin Schafer / WWF)
Last but not least, a renewables revolution is also taking place in the United States. Since 2008, solar power installations have grown seventeen-fold and total wind energy capacity has more than quadrupled! The U.S. also added more renewable energy than any other source of energy to its electricity grids last year. To continue the momentum, it has announced partnerships with China and Canada to lead the world towards a low-carbon economy.
Fun fact: Record breaking solar capacity was installed last year – enough capacity to power 5.4 million American homes.
As countries across the world take climate action to #ChangeClimateChange, remember that it all begins with individuals like you :) With your help, we can build a better tomorrow so join the movement today - visit www.earthhour.org/join-the-movement now.
Revisit Part 1 here ;)
renewable, energy, climate change, changeclimatechange, countries, Paris Agreement, #COP21