Coming down heavily upon huge investments that are pitched in, in oil and gas wells and coal mines, in the recent report, International Energy Agency pinpoints the need to restructure the energy sector from grassroot level and that such should be immediate as on war footing and which should be in tandem with other countries around the world.
In other words, lofty ideals and earnest goals are perceived to be met by 2050, in terms of clean and green climate, but for accessing these goalposts, IEA makes some recommendations in its report, aims towards world countries.
Effectively operational as an autonomous intergovernmental organization based in Paris, International Energy Agency furnishes updated data records, analysis and also makes recommendations about the possible steps and actions needed in the way of achieving climate goals and also with the overall objective of strengthening global energy security and supporting sustainability.
The report released on May 18th, exudes bright possibility and hope for nurturing a global energy sector replete with the promise of net zero greenhouse gas emissions and that the goal is viable by 2050 though the pathway may have hurdles.
From United States to European Union member states to numerous other countries, such have already affirmed their pledge to work closely towards achieving net zero emissions, underlining the fact that only a limited quantity of gas that warms the planet, should be allowed into the atmosphere that is bearable and can be absorbed easily- by the time we step into mid century.
There are, in fact, 400 steps outlined in the IEA report that centre around energy production, its transportation and usage.
Among the steps, fossil fuel supply projects have been put pressure upon as zero investment is recommended to such business ventures with vested motives and then a ban is also on paper upon cars fitted with internal combustion engine, in its entirety by 2035. Besides, more number of solar and wind power frameworks are put under the promotion list.
Commenting upon the roadmap, IEA’s executive director Fatih Birol, in fact basked under the possibility that such a tectonic shift would actually create millions of new jobs and would also strengthen economic growth across the world.
But he also deplored the fact deeply that emissions graph is on the rise despite the evidence that companies and countries promise to uphold resolute targets related to carbon emissions.
Regarding the current year, IEA fears biggest annual increase in emissions, actually second largest since 2010 as countries struggle to bring their economies on track after the deadly pandemic.
In her words, “There is a growing gap between the rhetoric we hear from governments and industry leaders, and what is happening in real life”.
Power Sector Is Engine Towards The Goal:
The agency brings together scores of members who mostly hail from North America, Europe and East Asia and puts ballast upon power sector, emphasizing the achieving net zero for generating electricity, by 2035 in developed economies as well as everywhere on the planet by 2040.
It clarified, “Beyond projects already committed as of 2021, there are no new oil and gas fields approved for development in our pathway, and no new coal mines or mine extensions are required”.
Dave Jones who works as an analyst at Ember, i.e. the energy consultation group, punctuated that the endorsements enshrined in the agency report, marks a great shift from its earlier soft stance and is like “truly a knife into the fossil fuel industry.”
The report suggests countries to shut down power plants that run on coal fire and cause a lot great amount of pollution by 2030, but in doing so, large developing economies would require assistance.
Laura Cozzi, who is in the group that prepares the reports’ draft at IEA, accentuated upon the aspect that energy efficiency must be relegated in the upcoming decade, other than achieving renewable power sources popularity and widening sales of electric cars.
She also opined that alongside, there is a need for expanding power grids and charging points for electric vehicles to facilitate swift transfer from fossil fuel to green energy based electricity.
Joining in, her colleague Mr. Timur Gul confirmed about the presence of certain decarbonizing technologies useful for energy sector but also expressed angst over aviation sector and heavy industries being spared from its reach.
In his words, “We need to bring them into the market”.
He also emphasized the need for innovation which would capture carbon dioxide from atmosphere and that such measures should be effective and scalable.
Biofuel Role Is Under Scrutiny:
Unrecognized tech frameworks have been in the line of fire from environmental groups who advocate the approach of massive reduction, as more fruitful than any other.
In such a league, ActionAid, which is a charity group laments the use of biofuels which is produced from crops and that is played up, in the report. Although, such fuels fall under the category of renewable energy, but food crops are made scapegoat for these and a wide stretch also becomes a need for it to cultivate.
Well readers, it is essential that net zero emissions goal should be achieved at every portion of planet which is the very goal of Paris Climate agreement too, in order keep global warming below 1.5 degree celsius. Our planet is already hotter by 1.2 degree Celsius since the ending decades of 19th century.
