Sometimes, reality hits us with brutal force, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths. As much as we wish for a rapid and radical energy transition, the reality is that we will continue to depend on oil and other fossil fuels for longer than we would like to admit.
The ambitious goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement are increasingly moving away, and the possibility of an emissions-free future in the short term seems like a utopia. The recent change of course in the environmental policies of some governments, such as the American one, adds fuel to the fire, making the fight against Climate Change even more difficult.
Does this mean that we should give up? Absolutely not. Giving in to adversity is not an option. Although the road is long and tortuous, the fight against Climate Change must continue with more strength than ever. Despite the setbacks, there are reasons for hope and reasons to persevere in the search for a sustainable future.
The global movement for Climate Change does not stop. Organizations, activists, scientists and, increasingly, ordinary citizens, come together to demand concrete actions. Social pressure is a powerful force that is driving significant changes in industry and politics. We have reached important milestones that demonstrate that the energy transition is possible.
Solar energy, for example, is already cheaper than that generated from fossil fuels in many regions of the world. Electric vehicles, although still somewhat higher in price than combustion vehicles, are experiencing rapid technological evolution, with more efficient batteries and greater autonomy, making them an increasingly attractive alternative.
You can see a graph from the International Energy Agency on the forecast for electricity generation
The economy, that relentless engine that governs our societies, is also beginning to play in favor of sustainability. Sustainable development is no longer a marginal option, but an economic necessity. Companies, aware of new market demands and growing concern for the environment, are investing in clean technologies and optimizing their processes to reduce their carbon footprint.
Consumers, increasingly informed and aware, are also opting for environmentally friendly products and services. This paradigm shift is essential to accelerate the energy transition.
However, individual and business action is not enough. We need governments committed to the fight against Climate Change that promote ambitious and concrete policies. It is crucial that governments promote and encourage the energy transition through subsidies, investments in research and development, and the implementation of regulations that limit greenhouse gas emissions. Some countries are already leading this change, but we need many more to join the effort.
A study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany projects emissions scenarios up to after 2100, showing that most regions of the world could reach net zero emissions, although at different rates depending on their economic capacity. This research, although long-term, offers us a hopeful perspective for the future, demonstrating that decarbonisation of the global economy is possible.
We cannot ignore the risks that threaten our future. Along with possible wars and conflicts, Climate Change is one of the greatest challenges we face. Its consequences are already palpable: rising temperatures, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, scarcity of resources… These impacts will deeply affect our way of life and will have a high economic and social cost.
The magnitude of this cost will depend on our actions. The longer we delay in acting, the more expensive it will be. The transition to a sustainable economy requires a collective effort, a profound transformation of our production and consumption systems, and a firm commitment from all the actors involved: governments, companies, citizens. Reality, however harsh, should not discourage us.
On the contrary, it should encourage us to redouble our efforts to build a sustainable future for present and future generations. The alternative is simply not an option.
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