The present efforts in clean energy and sustainability aren’t meeting the required levels of investment and deployment to achieve international climate goals, according to a latest report.
The report, a joint effort by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champions emphasises the need for robust international collaboration in sectors like power, transport, industry, buildings, and agriculture to accelerate transitions to clean technologies and sustainable solutions. It points out that the lack of significant progress in the past year highlights the urgency for stronger collaboration in high-emission sectors.
It calls on governments to intensify collaboration in areas such as standards, regulation, financial and technical assistance, and market development to accelerate the transition.
BREAKTHROUGH AGENDA REPORT
The report is part of the annual Breakthrough Agenda initiative, signed by 48 countries representing nearly 80% of global economic output, aiming to make clean technologies and sustainable solutions the most accessible, affordable, and attractive option in five key sectors: power, road transport, steel, hydrogen, and agriculture. This year’s report expands its scope to include buildings and cement.
FOCUS ON SEVEN KEY SECTORS ACCOUNTING FOR OVER 60% OF GHG EMISSIONS
These seven sectors collectively contribute to more than 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing climate adaptation, nature, and food security in the Agriculture Breakthrough. It evaluates progress made since 2022 and offers recommendations for coordinated actions in each sector to reduce emissions in the next decade.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STRONGER INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
The report’s recommendations span financial assistance, research and development, demand creation, infrastructure, standards, and trade to accelerate the transition in each sector. It highlights the need for political commitment to move from softer forms of collaboration to alignment of standards and policies.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol: “The energy transition is moving quicker than many people think, but it needs to move faster still. Our analysis shows that while some sectors are seeing stronger international collaboration, others are falling behind. No country can tackle the climate and energy challenges we face in isolation.”
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera: “We must urgently overcome the systemic barriers across infrastructure, policy, and institutional capabilities. A well-targeted international cooperation can determine whether we meet our collective promise to secure a climate-safe existence for current and future generations.”
UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP27 Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin: “The Breakthrough Agenda has made significant progress since its inception last year, but much more is needed. This report demonstrates that international action can lead to accelerated implementation of climate solutions.”
