Reading B2: The Renewable Energy Boom

As global temperatures smash records year after year, the shift to renewable energy has evolved from a distant goal to an urgent necessity. Solar and wind power now account for over 12% of global electricity, up from just 4% in 2015. Yet, experts warn that progress must accelerate to avoid catastrophic warming.

The decarbonization of energy systems is gaining momentum, driven by plummeting costs. Solar panel prices have dropped 82% since 2010, making it the cheapest electricity source in history. Countries like Portugal and Uruguay already generate over 90% of their power from renewables, proving that energy sovereignty is achievable.

However, challenges remain. The mining of critical minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt) for batteries and solar panels raises ethical and environmental concerns. In Chile’s Atacama Desert, lithium extraction consumes 65% of the region’s water, threatening Indigenous communities. Meanwhile, grid infrastructure struggles to keep up with renewable projects—Germany wasted 6% of its wind energy in 2022 due to storage shortages.

Innovation offers hope. Scientists are developing green hydrogen (produced using renewables) to replace fossil fuels in industries like steelmaking. Australia’s “Hydrogen Valley” aims to export clean hydrogen to Asia by 2030. Similarly, agrivoltaics—combining solar farms with agriculture—boosts land efficiency. In Japan, solar panels installed above crops reduce water use by 20% while generating power.

Grassroots efforts are equally vital. In Kenya, the community-owned Lake Turkana Wind Power project provides 17% of the nation’s electricity, displacing diesel generators. “Renewables aren’t just about technology—they’re about justice,” says activist Elizabeth Wathuti.

Why This Matters:
The renewable energy transition isn’t just technical—it’s a race against time. Every solar panel installed and every coal plant retired buys humanity a little more time to heal. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated: “The climate clock is ticking, but the tools to stop it are in our hands.”

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