IEA Report: Small Energy Changes Now Could Have Big Climate Impact by 2030

Humanity is at a turning point for energy production and consumption according to the International Energy Agency. Small changes now can have big impacts by 2030.

Government policies are struggling to keep up with the rapidly changing energy landscape. The IEA forecasts we'll have double the solar capacity needed to meet current policy goals by 2030.

Two scenarios model different outcomes. STEPS has emissions peaking in the mid-2020s but still reaching 2.4°C of warming. NZE reaches net-zero emissions by 2050 to limit warming to 2°C.

Policy changes like the US Inflation Reduction Act and falling renewable prices have dramatically shifted expectations. IEA solar and wind forecasts for China have tripled since 2021.

This year alone, $1 billion will be invested in solar daily. Half a terawatt of renewable capacity will be added, with fossil fuel use expected to peak before the decade ends.