Article 3: Green energy can’t yet bend climate curve
Why in news: The Indicators of Global Climate Change (IGCC) Report 2025 warned that global warming reached 1.37°C, while the remaining carbon budget to limit warming to 1.5°C may be exhausted within three years.
Key Details
- Renewables surpassed fossil fuels in global power additions.
- India and China led clean energy capacity expansion.
- Global warming reached 1.37°C in 2025.
- Remaining 1.5°C carbon budget may last only three years.
- Industrial dependence on fossil fuels remains a major challenge.
Record Growth in Renewable Energy
- Global renewable energy installations reached a historic milestone, with solar, wind, and hydropower surpassing fossil fuels as the dominant sources of electricity generation.
- India and China emerged as the leading contributors to new clean energy capacity additions.
- The expansion reflects growing global commitment towards a low-carbon energy transition.
Global Warming Continues to Rise
- Despite record investments in clean energy, global warming reached 1.37°C in 2025, according to the Indicators of Global Climate Change (IGCC) Report.
- Rising temperatures indicate that renewable energy growth alone is insufficient to curb climate change.
- Continued increases in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remain a major concern.
Industrial Sector Remains a Challenge
- Unlike the power and transport sectors, many industries continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels.
- Transitioning to cleaner alternatives such as green hydrogen requires substantial investments and technological advancements.
- Industrial decarbonisation remains one of the most difficult aspects of climate action.
Need for Policy Support and Innovation
- Governments can encourage industries to adopt energy-efficient technologies, recyclable materials, and waste-reduction practices.
- Sustainable manufacturing often involves high upfront costs and significant research requirements.
- Effective climate action depends on collaboration among governments, industries, and academic institutions.
- Limited technology transfer between countries continues to hinder global mitigation efforts.
Shrinking Carbon Budget and Urgent Action
- The IGCC report warns that the remaining carbon budget for limiting warming to 1.5°C could be exhausted within about three years at current emission levels.
- The findings coincide with international climate negotiations at Bonn.
- Ongoing heatwaves across Europe and other regions highlight the urgency of stronger climate action.
- Policymakers must accelerate emission reductions to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Conclusion
The IGCC report highlights that while renewable energy deployment is accelerating, it remains insufficient to offset rising greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving climate goals requires faster industrial decarbonisation, greater technology transfer, stronger international cooperation, and sustained investments in green innovation. Immediate action is essential to preserve the remaining carbon budget and meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
Descriptive question:
Q. “Rapid expansion of renewable energy alone cannot ensure climate security.” Discuss in the context of the shrinking global carbon budget and the challenges of industrial decarbonisation. (150 words, 10 marks)
Source: The Indian Express