By Grace Ademulegun
Every January 26, the United Nations marked its inaugural International Day of Clean Energy, a historic moment in the global pursuit of a sustainable future.
Adopted by the UN General Assembly through resolution A/77/327, this day underscores the critical role clean energy plays in achieving a just and inclusive transition to sustainable energy systems.
The event serves as a rallying point for governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide to accelerate the adoption of renewable and efficient energy sources.
The date also commemorates the founding of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on January 26, underscoring the agency’s mission to provide actionable data and analysis on clean energy trends and policies.
The declaration aims to raise awareness and inspire global action to transition away from fossil fuels, which currently dominate the energy sector and contribute significantly to climate change.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), fossil fuels account for 34% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, releasing a staggering 20 gigatons (Gt) of greenhouse gases annually.
The Case for Clean Energy
Transitioning to clean energy is central to combating climate change. Energy production—primarily through the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas—is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, trapping heat and contributing to global warming.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy, offer a viable solution. These alternatives are abundant, sustainable, and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants.
The science is unequivocal: to limit global warming, humanity must end its dependence on fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy.
For the 750 million people worldwide who still lack access to electricity, clean energy could revolutionize daily life, improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
However, progress remains uneven; 2.6 billion people continue to rely on polluting biomass fuels for cooking and heating, perpetuating poverty and health risks.
Addressing Energy Inequality
Global energy consumption highlights stark disparities. While Africa, South Asia, and South America collectively accounted for less than 10 percent of the world’s energy demand in 2023. Regions like North America and the Middle East consumed energy at rates up to six times higher.
Per capita energy consumption in North America, for instance, averaged 180 gigajoules (GJ), compared to a global average of 77 GJ and just 30 GJ in Africa.
This imbalance extends to greenhouse gas emissions. Africa, South Asia, and South America emitted an average of 2 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per person in 2023, far below the global average of 6.7 metric tons. In contrast, North America, the CIS, and the Middle East averaged 11.5 metric tons per capita, underscoring the urgent need for equitable energy solutions.
Global Energy Trends and Challenges
The International Energy Agency (IEA)’s 2024 World Energy Outlook highlighted key energy security issues as nations transition to cleaner energy systems.
Global electricity generation reached a record 29,925 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2023, driven by a 2.5 percent increase in demand. While renewables contributed 30 percent of global power, fossil fuels still dominated, accounting for 60 percent of electricity generation.
Despite advancements, geopolitical tensions and economic challenges threaten progress. In 2023, global oil production reached a historic high of over 96 million barrels per day, with consumption surpassing 100 million barrels daily.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve hit a 40-year low after record sales to stabilize gasoline prices. These dynamics highlight the tension between short-term energy security and long-term sustainability goals.
Paving the Way Forward
The UN’s International Day of Clean Energy emphasizes the need for collective action. Investments in renewable energy technologies, such as grid-scale battery storage, wind farms, and solar arrays, are crucial to achieving global climate goals. Southern and Central America lead the way, with renewables accounting for 72 percent of their power generation.
To meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement, global CO2 emissions must be halved by 2030. This requires urgent policy measures, international cooperation, and robust investment in clean energy infrastructure.
Equally important is addressing energy poverty, ensuring that the transition to renewable energy is inclusive and leaves no one behind.
As the world marks this historic day, the message is clear: a sustainable future depends on our commitment to clean energy. By embracing renewable resources and addressing energy inequalities, humanity can build a resilient, equitable, and climate-friendly energy system for generations to come.
In his comprehensive plan to increase oil and gas production, President Donald Trump announced on Monday, January 20, 2025, that the United States would withdraw from an international climate change deal, roll back environmental regulations, and declare a national energy emergency to expedite licensing.
This move challenges global energy transition efforts, as it prioritizes fossil fuels over renewables. By rolling back environmental protections and incentivizing oil and gas production, the plan risks increasing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing investments in clean energy technologies.
Such policies could undermine international cooperation on climate goals, creating a stark contrast between short-term energy security strategies and long-term sustainability imperatives.
