Greenhouse Gas Emissions to Be Cut to Almost Zero by 2050
Despite President Trump’s anti-renewable energy outlook, the US continues to strive for the bettering of its climate change policies. This month, Trump has backtracked on his promise to end the Clean Power Plan and has faced serious opposition from 17 states across the US. The Clean Power Plan is the Obama-era carbon-reduction plan that directed states to find ways to reduce greenhouse emissions from electricity plants by 32% from 2005 levels by 2030. In practice, this is likely to mean older coal-fired plants will be phased out because coal has about twice as much carbon as natural gas, and, of course, wind and solar plants don’t emit any harmful carbon.
In addition, large electricity providers in the US are announcing plans to contribute approximations of 800MW to the countries renewable capacity by 2030 by expanding their solar and wind capacities.
Jobs in The US
In the US, clean energy jobs outnumber fossil fuel jobs by more than 2.5 to 1, according to a new Sierra Club analysis of Department of Energy jobs data. According to the Sierra Club’s analysis, nearly every state in the country has more jobs in renewable energy than fossil fuels — just nine states have more jobs in fossil fuels than in renewable energy.
India and Saudi Arabia
Across the other side of the world, India and Saudi Arabia are increasing their search for renewable energies. India has displayed a very enthusiastic approach to change its policies, and the government has also announced that it is expected to install record wind capacity for a third consecutive year, according to turbine maker Suzlon Energy Ltd. The government is also working on a scheme to provide electric cars on zero down payment where drivers can pay out of their savings funds on expensive fossil fuels, for becoming 100% electric vehicle nation by as early as 2030.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia turns away from its usual OPEC-fuelled interest to become greener and eco-friendlier. Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy market is set for continued growth, supported by an abundance of solar resources, land availability, an A-rated sovereign credit, and strong economic and strategic logic. As government finances come under pressure in the low oil price environment, the Kingdom is seeking to reduce subsidies for oil consumption and encourage clean generation technologies, as per a report released by Moody’s Investors Service.
Related posts
