(Commonwealth Union)_Within the next eight years, the amount of power produced from sustainable energy sources must double in order to prevent a rise in global temperatures. According to a recent multi-agency analysis from the World Meteorological Organization, if we don’t act, there’s a chance that climate change, more severe weather, and water stress may threaten our energy security and even threaten renewable energy sources (WMO).
This year, the annual State of Climate Services report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which incorporates contributions from 26 different organizations, is focused on energy because it is essential to the success of global agreements on sustainable development, climate change, and even the health of the planet. For the energy infrastructure to be more resilient and to keep up with the demand, which has increased by 30% over the previous 10 years, access to trustworthy weather, water, and climate information and services will become more and more crucial.
The 2022 State of Climate Services: Energy report has a lot of encouraging information. It draws attention to the enormous potential of green-powered grids to combat climate change, enhance air quality, save water resources, protect the environment, foster employment growth, and ensure a better future for all of us. By 2050, solar energy will account for the majority of the world’s power demands, which will continue to rise as electrification becomes a critical tool for achieving Net Zero goals. African nations have the chance to tap into untapped potential and become dominant participants in the market. Despite having only 1% of the world’s installed photovoltaic capacity, 60% of the finest solar resources are found in Africa.
If we want to retain energy security while speeding the transition to net-zero, we urgently need to adapt to the rising impact of climate change on energy systems. To encourage investment, this calls for long-term planning and audacious policy measures, which must be supported by thorough and dependable weather and climatic data. In a similar vein, using predictions to control hydropower operations in Ethiopia results in cumulative decadal gains of between US$ 1 and US$ 6.5 billion, as opposed to a climatological (no forecast) strategy. Through the Global Framework for Climate Services, specialized climate goods and services may be developed and put to use to aid in both adaptation and mitigation.
