Solar panels at The Rocks.
The International Energy Agency recently released an update of its 2021 report that outlined the actions necessary to keep global temperatures to 1.5°C (2.7°F) above preindustrial levels. The report is sobering. It notes that the path to hitting that target has narrowed. Yet, it also sounds a hopeful tone by emphasizing the international community has the tools to reduce emissions by 80% by 2030 through the increased use of renewables, improved energy efficiency, reductions in methane emissions and increased electrification.
The report does present a major public challenge. The IEA says that in order to reach a Net Zero future, electricity transmission and distribution grids need to expand by around 2 million kilometres each year. The agency states that all stakeholders need to find a way to expedite decision making while at the same time ensuring public engagement in siting decisions and the protection of environmental resources.