In the last decade, we’ve seen an increase in alternative energy sources. By the end of 2018, global renewable energy capacity had reached 2,351 gigawatts, accounting for one-third of global power capacity. But our demand for energy also grew by 2.3 percent in 2018, the “fastest pace this decade.”
Will renewable energy keep pace with our growing energy demands? The International Energy Agency’s predictions are grim, despite the growth in alternative energy sources. To limit the global temperature rise, developing clean energy solutions is just one of many actions we need to take, along with “curbing emissions, improving efficiency, and spurring investments and innovation, including in carbon capture, utilization, and storage,” according to IEA Executive Secretary Fatih Briol.
The good news: Global capacity for renewable energy is projected to grow by 50 percent from 2019 to 2024. And to support that growth, society needs to invest in modernizing energy infrastructures and the increased use of new technologies as we switch from our dependence on dirty fossil fuels.
The following infographic from GreenMatch lists 14 alternative energy sources that can help us drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions as we continue to mitigate climate change and build resilience to its impacts.
Infographic courtesy of Ramona Gosheva from Greenmatch