Renewable Energy 2019 Review and 2020 Predictions
Last year saw increased coverage in the press on the topic of Climate Change and concern over the negative impact human activity is having to the environment.
- Renewable Energy saw significant growth in 2019, but according to the International Energy Agency, this is still not enough to meet long-term goals to fight global warming.
- 2019 saw mass demonstrations from climate change activists, many led by younger people, held around the world. The most well-known of these activists, Greta Thunberg, was named as Time Magazine’s 2019 person of the year.
- The COP25 climate change talks held in Madrid in December resulted in an agreement being reached, but in general most environmental groups said that the outcome was disappointing, with governments not prepared to commit to cutting emissions sufficiently to keep the rise in global temperature below 1.5°C this century.
- Closer to home; earlier last year, Spain’s PSOE government updated the law to encourage increased adoption of solar PV energy for own consumption. However, the European Commission warned Spain that it is not doing enough to reduce air pollution in Madrid and Barcelona.
- After thousands of dead fish washed up on its banks last September and more than 50,000 people attended a demonstration in Cartagena to protest against the pollution that led to these deaths, the regional government of Murcia announced some measures to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Mar Menor.
- With this increased awareness on the topic of global warming and warnings from scientists that Climate Change is accelerating faster than expected, what will this year bring?
- Whilst the Renewable Energy industry is not expecting any ground-breaking technological developments this year, the adoption of solar, wind and storage is expected to continue to increase.
- We should also see more electric cars around as more charging stations are put in place and city centres implement bans on petrol and diesel vehicles.
- In the UK, planning changes may be introduced which require new buildings in areas vulnerable to coastal erosion such as the Suffolk and Norfolk coastlines to be portable.
- The COP26 Climate Talks will take place in Glasgow in December this year.
- Finally, as many people kick-off the New Year with a diet, more people are making the decision to become vegan out of concern for the environment. With animal agriculture said to be responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, investment in plant-based meat alternatives is predicted to continue to grow. Will you be trying the Rebel Whopper® this year?
If you are interested in learning more about how Renewable Energy can help you lower your bills and your carbon footprint, email Free-Sol Solar at info@free-sol.com