In recent years, the United Nations weather agency, World Meteorological Organization, has reported record-breaking increases in greenhouse gas concentrations, ocean heat, sea-level rise, and ocean acidification. These alarming findings have underscored the urgent need for renewable energy and pollution control measures to mitigate climate crises.
UN’s Action Plan for Renewable Energy
In response to these dire statistics, the UN’s chief proposed a five-point plan to expand the usage of renewable energies. This plan involves technology transfer and lifting intellectual property rights restrictions on renewable technologies. It also encourages countries to restructure their energy supplies in favor of renewables, such as accelerating the development of solar and wind projects.
Fossil Fuels: The Culprit Behind Climate Change
Evidence implicates fossil fuels as the primary emitter of hazardous chemicals like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that contribute to air pollution, acid rain, global warming, and climate change. Fossil fuel extraction also destroys vast areas of land through the establishment of infrastructure. To counter these harmful effects, the UN urges states to curtail fossil fuel usage and switch to renewable energy sources.
A Closer Look at The State of the Climate Report 2021
The State of the Climate Report for 2021, published by the World Meteorological Organisation, depicts an unsettling picture of the current state of the earth’s climate. The global mean temperature, sea level, carbon dioxide concentration, and the frequency of extreme weather events have all escalated in recent years. These changes pose significant risks to food security, population displacement, and ecosystem health around the world.
Challenges in Shifting to Renewable Energy
As promising as the shift to renewable energy appears, it comes with its challenges. The cost of clean energy remains high for middle-income and poor countries, making it a less viable option for them. Furthermore, carbon-cutting commitments made at climate meetings are not being met by nations, except India. There is also an urgent need to identify suitable locations for setting up renewable energy resources like wind farms.
Moving Forward with Renewable Energy
While these obstacles are substantial, solutions are in view. An important step forward involves rectifying fossil fuel subsidies to reduce energy consumption. Investing more in renewable energy generation is of utmost priority. Continued efforts in identifying suitable sites for renewable resources and integrating them into the main grid will also help propel the shift towards renewable energy.
Examining Past UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
In relation to the subject, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) has been included in previous UPSC Civil Services Examination. IREDA is a public limited government company and a non-banking financial institution promoting new and renewable sources of energy projects. Solar power production in India is another frequent topic in past examination questions. Despite popular belief, India is not a top producer of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units and solar power tariffs are determined by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, not the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
