A Path to a clean and sustainable future

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the transition to clean energy has become not just a necessity but a global priority. Clean energy refers to energy sources that produce little to no greenhouse gases when generated. These include solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass, which offer sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. The burning of fossil fuels accounts for around 73% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This heavy reliance on non-renewable energy is driving climate change, leading to rising temperatures, extreme weather patterns, and devastating environmental impacts. The need for clean energy has never been more urgent. The United Nations highlights that switching to renewable energy sources is one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions. By 2050, the global energy sector can cut 75% of its CO2 emissions by transitioning to renewable energy.

In recent years, the global adoption of clean energy has accelerated. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy sources contributed 29% of global electricity generation in 2022, with the majority coming from wind and solar. Solar power, in particular, has seen exponential growth, with installed capacity increasing by 22% annually over the last decade. Wind power has also played a significant role in the clean energy transition. As of 2023, wind energy accounts for 9% of global electricity generation, with countries like the United States, China, and Germany leading the charge in wind energy development. Hydropower remains the largest source of renewable electricity, contributing around 16% of global energy. While it is a more established form of clean energy, new innovations in small-scale hydropower systems are emerging to provide electricity to remote areas without access to national grids.

The transition to clean energy is not only vital for the environment but also for economic growth. The renewable energy sector is rapidly creating job opportunities. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy industry employed over 12 million people globally in 2022, with the potential to create 42 million jobs by 2050 if global renewable energy targets are met. For regions like Africa, clean energy represents a major opportunity for growth and development. Despite having 60% of the world’s best solar resources, Africa currently accounts for just 1% of installed solar capacity. However, with investments in solar and wind infrastructure, Africa can bridge its energy access gap while contributing to global emissions reduction efforts. In Uganda, the government has prioritized expanding access to electricity through renewable energy sources. The Uganda Vision 2040 aims to ensure that 100% of Uganda’s energy mix comes from renewable energy sources by 2040, with solar and small-scale hydropower at the center of its plans.

Clean energy is a critical solution to the pressing environmental challenges we face today. As technology advances and costs continue to fall, clean energy becomes more accessible to communities across the globe. With the global commitment to clean energy, we are paving the way for a sustainable future where economic growth is aligned with environmental preservation. Governments must play a pivotal role in this transition by prioritizing investments in renewable energy infrastructure, offering incentives for clean energy projects, and implementing policies that phase out fossil fuels. By promoting research and development in clean technologies and ensuring that regulations encourage renewable energy adoption, governments can accelerate the shift towards a sustainable energy future, creating jobs, protecting the environment, and ensuring energy security .The fight against climate change can only be won by transitioning to a clean energy economy, ensuring a safer, greener, and more prosperous planet for future generations.

The author Ms. Sarah KIhembo is an Advocacy Officer  at Women on Environment Mission (Wem) Email: [email protected]