‘It’s sick’: Trump administration uses mascot called ‘Coalie’ to push dirtiest fossil fuel … On the same day Wright spoke, however, Ember released a report showing that renewable energy overtook coal as the world’s largest source of electricity last year. More recently, solar panel exports from China have hit a new record high while sales of electric cars around the world are booming.
Ah, clean energy—the superhero of the modern age. While some might want to throw a wrench in its gears, it seems like clean energy is pulling a classic move: it’s just going to keep on rising, like that one friend who insists on going out for karaoke even when everyone else is ready to call it a night. According to S&P Global Energy, we’re looking at a record increase of 45 gigawatts (GW) in clean energy capacity this year alone. That’s right, 45 gigawatts! It’s not just a number; it’s like enough energy to power your dreams of a sustainable future (and maybe your Netflix binge-watching sessions, too).
Now, let’s take a trip down memory lane to when former President Trump was in office and decided that clean energy was not the way to go. It was like watching someone try to stop a tidal wave with a beach umbrella—admirable in a way, but ultimately futile. He attempted to roll back environmental regulations and promote fossil fuels, which, let’s be honest, is like trying to sell floppy disks in a cloud storage world.
But here’s the kicker: despite those attempts to curb clean energy initiatives, the sector has been booming. It’s almost as if the universe is saying, “Nice try, but we’re going to keep moving forward with or without you.” Solar and wind energy are leading the charge, providing clean alternatives that are not only better for the environment but also becoming more economically viable. Who knew that going green could actually save some green?
The 45GW increase we’re seeing isn’t just a mere blip on the radar; it’s a testament to how resilient and adaptable the clean energy sector has become. It’s like the little engine that could, chugging along and proving that the future is bright (and solar-powered). This surge is attributed to a combination of technological advancements, falling costs, and a growing public demand for sustainable practices. People are waking up and realizing that clean energy isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity.
And let’s not forget about the jobs! Transitioning to clean energy is creating thousands of jobs in installation, maintenance, and technology development. So while some may have tried to dim the lights on clean energy, the industry is throwing a rave instead. You can almost hear the bass thumping as wind turbines spin and solar panels soak up the sun, all while creating employment opportunities and driving innovation.
In conclusion, while there may have been attempts to slow down the clean energy movement, it looks like it’s on a trajectory that is simply unstoppable. So, here’s to clean energy—a sector that’s not just surviving but thriving, regardless of the political climate. Let’s raise a glass (preferably made from recycled materials) to the future, where we can all bask in the glow of renewable energy and hopefully leave behind the fossil fuel fiasco. Cheers to that!
Inspired by: “Trump tried to curb clean energy. It’s booming anyway: Capacity will rise by a record 45GW this yea…” (r/climatechange)