From record solar installations to rising electric vehicle sales, the world is in many ways ramping up the fight against global warming.
Yet there are coal-black swans waiting to disrupt the green transition this year. From the US to Japan, power demand is expected to significantly increase as data centers demand more electricity for artificial intelligence. This is forcing some utilities to rethink the phase-out dates of their fossil-fuel power stations. (It's also causing nuclear energy to have a revival too.)
All of this is happening as president-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Trump has already promised to end what he calls Washington's "green new scam." On day one he's pledged to scrap offshore wind projects, which would be another blow to an industry plagued by bottlenecks. He's also vowed to abandon the Paris Agreement, which calls for nations to limit global warming to ideally 1.5°C before the end of the century.
Even before Trump enters the White House, the planet is showing worrying vital signs with scientists virtually certain 2024 was the warmest year on record and the first in which global temperature rise exceeded 1.5°C.
What more can we expect in 2025? Along with BloombergNEF analysts, we have selected 15 trends that will shape the future of the planet this year.
Solar installation rate slows
The solar market grew by 35% in 2024, but BloombergNEF expects global installations to only increase by 11% this year. As solar makes up a bigger proportion of countries' electricity mix, networks will struggle to integrate surplus daytime power into their grids. Still, solar will remain the largest source of new generation added to grids around the world in 2025.
Coal gets a life extension
Denne historien er fra January 03, 2025-utgaven av The Citizen.
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Denne historien er fra January 03, 2025-utgaven av The Citizen.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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What to consider when drawing up your will
A will is not all about divvying up your estate - there are some other important considerations that you need to think about.
Proteas are cruising
RICKELTON: IN MASSIVE STAND WITH BAVUMA AFTER A FEW EARLY JITTERS
Pirates out to slay Abidjan
Orlando Pirates will be looking to keep up their unbeaten run in the CAF Champions League group stage when they come up against Stade d'Abidjan at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto this afternoon (kick-off 6pm).
An 'emotional' Test for Pant
Rohit Sharma's omission from the fifth Australia Test yesterday was \"emotional\", wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant (above) said, as former India coach Ravi Shastri predicted the skipper will \"pull the plug\" on his red-ball career.
Bavuma hits back at WTC critics
Having secured their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final to be battled out at Lord's in London in June, the Proteas have come in for some stinging criticism from fans and pundits around the world of cricket.
Lategan Makes Early Statement
DAKAR: South African Driver Captures Prologue
Kaizer Chiefs more than a 'project' Mr Nabi
I couldn't help but shake my head listening to Nasred-dine Nabi ranting about Kaizer Chiefs being a \"project\".
Ertugral takes charge of CT City's relegation fight
Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to add more misery to Cape Town City when the sides meet in a DStv Premiership clash at the Cape Town Stadium tomorrow (kick-off 5.45pm).
Sundowns Have 'Big Ambitions'
WILLIAMS: MASANDAWANA KEEP PUSHING BOUNDARIES
Greaterix to prove his ability
TALENT: HE IS BETTER THAN HIS DINGAANS RUN AND WILL ENJOY THE DROP TO 1400M
