Renewable revolution: low-carbon energy by 2030
This Worldwatch report focuses on transformation of the global energy system and advocates "unleashing the full potential of energy efficiency in concert with renewable energy resources" for tackling the climate change challenge.
Recent advances in technology and policy will allow renewable energy and energy efficiency to play major roles in meeting global energy service demand while reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the next two decades, displacing fossil fuels with only modest incremental costs. Powerful synergies between renewable energy and energy efficiency are waiting to be tapped. Acting in concert, both can achieve far more than either could
independently. Together, they have enormous potential to provide needed energy services for all societies while lowering heat-trapping emissions of greenhouse gases. Around the world, there is increasing evidence that a rapid energy transformation
is possible.Many communities, cities, and nations are already avoiding carbon dioxide emissions through the use of renewables and efficiency improvements, and some are well on their way to a 100-percent renewable future. This report explores two possible scenarios for 2030 for building on these experiences and accelerating a global transition to low-carbon energy.