1.5-degree target: Agency calls for more energy efficiency
Shortly before the start of the climate conference in Dubai, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that the target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees is unattainable without greater commitment to energy efficiency.
Global progress in efficiency had slowed in 2023, even though it had improved by 1.3 percent, the IEA announced. However, an increase in annual efficiency gains to four percent by 2030 is necessary in order to reduce emissions from the energy sector to zero by 2050, which in turn is a prerequisite for achieving the 1.5 degree target.
"The world's climate targets depend on our ability to make the global energy system much more efficient," said IEA Director Fatih Birol. If governments want to keep the 1.5 degree target within reach and ensure energy security, doubling energy efficiency in this decade is crucial. The analysis is a clear warning to the politicians meeting in Dubai that they must all commit to and implement stronger efficiency measures.
Climate target barely achievable
According to climate researchers, the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees compared to pre-industrial times is hanging by a thread. Although it is still theoretically possible, this can only be achieved through a radical change in climate policy.
The international community is striving to achieve the 1.5 degree target in order to avoid exceeding dangerous tipping points with irreversible consequences and to avert the worst consequences of climate change. However, the measures planned by countries to date are not ambitious enough. According to the United Nations, the earth is currently heading towards more than 2.5 degrees of warming.
According to the IEA, the slower pace of global efficiency improvements masks some strong gains at national level. Following an eight percent improvement in energy efficiency in 2022, the EU will achieve a five percent improvement this year. The USA is on track for a four percent improvement in 2023.
According to the IEA, the reasons for the slowdown in efficiency improvements include an upturn in energy-intensive sectors such as petrochemicals and aviation, as well as booming demand for air conditioning in a year of exceptionally high temperatures.
- To achieve the 1.5-degree target, the International Energy Agency (IEA) emphasizes the necessity of reducing energy consumption in the energy sector, which requires an annual efficiency gain of 4% by 2030.
- The high prices of electricity and gas are exacerbating climate conflicts, increasing the likelihood of wars over energy resources.
- The climate conference in Dubai is a critical opportunity for global leaders to commit to and implement stronger efficiency measures to stay within the 1.5-degree target.
- In order to meet the 1.5-degree target, drastic changes in climate policy are required, with a focus on transitioning away from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy sources.
- The price increase of 5 degrees Celsius in global temperatures due to global warming could have catastrophic effects on the environment and human society, leading to serious consequences such as sea-level rise, frequent extreme weather events, and mass extinction of species.
Source: www.dpa.com
