pt.euronews.com
Record Renewable Energy Growth in 2024, but Global Targets Remain Unmet
Global renewable energy installations reached a record high in 2024, with 92.5% of new electricity from clean sources; China led with 64% of new renewable energy, adding nearly 374 billion watts, significantly outpacing other nations, yet the world remains 28% short of its 2030 renewable energy target.
- How did China's contribution to renewable energy growth in 2024 compare to other major economies, and what factors explain this disparity?
- This surge, totaling 585 billion watts globally (a 15.1% increase from 2023), highlights China's dominance in renewable energy expansion. However, even with this record growth, the world remains 28% short of its goal to triple renewables by 2030, underscoring the need for accelerated global efforts.
- What is the global significance of the record-breaking renewable energy installations in 2024, and what are the immediate implications for climate change efforts?
- Global renewable energy installations hit a record high in 2024, with 92.5% of all new electricity generated from solar, wind, or other clean sources. China accounted for 64% of this new renewable energy, adding nearly 374 billion watts, over eight times more than the US and five times more than Europe.
- What are the potential long-term economic and geopolitical consequences of the uneven global distribution of renewable energy investments and technological advancements?
- The disparity in renewable energy deployment between China and other developed nations reveals a critical geopolitical and economic shift. While China's massive investment drives technological advancements and cost reductions, the slower adoption in the West could hinder the global transition to clean energy and impact climate goals.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story around China's significant advancements in renewable energy, presenting this as a dominant narrative. The headline and introduction emphasize China's role and achievements before providing a broader global context. This emphasis, while factually accurate regarding China's contributions, might inadvertently overshadow the efforts and progress of other countries. The use of quotes from UN officials further reinforces this framing, pushing a narrative of catching up to China rather than focusing on the collective global effort.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, focusing on data and statistics. However, phrases like "unstoppable boom" and "vast benefits" are slightly positive and might imply a more optimistic view of the transition's ease than is fully warranted. While not overtly biased, the use of such phrasing subtly shapes reader perception.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on China's contributions to renewable energy and mentions other countries only briefly in comparison. While acknowledging the global effort, it omits detailed data and analysis from other major contributors besides China, the US, and Europe, potentially underrepresenting the contributions of other nations and regions. The article also omits discussion of challenges and obstacles in transitioning to renewable energy, such as grid infrastructure limitations, intermittency of renewable sources, and the costs of large-scale deployment. This omission may present an overly optimistic view of the transition's ease and speed.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by emphasizing the growth of renewable energy while simultaneously highlighting the world's failure to meet targets. It doesn't adequately explore the complexities of the transition, such as the economic and political challenges involved in shifting away from fossil fuels. The narrative subtly implies that faster adoption is simply a matter of increased political will, overlooking other significant barriers.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a record-breaking year for renewable energy installations globally, exceeding expectations. This directly contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by increasing the use of clean energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The significant increase in renewable energy capacity (585 billion watts) and the considerable contributions from countries like China demonstrate progress towards ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.