Solar power's unstoppable rise: a new dawn in global energy

In a groundbreaking study, scientists assert that solar energy has reached a pivotal tipping point, ensuring its rapid and irreversible global proliferation.

Simrin Sirur reports for Mongabay.


In short:

  • The study predicts that solar energy, alongside wind power, will become the predominant electricity sources within the next two decades, outpacing all other forms of energy.
  • Key factors driving this shift include technological advancements, cost reductions, and significant investment increases in solar energy deployment, especially in India and China.
  • However, challenges such as grid resilience, financial accessibility, unstable mineral supply chains, and resistance from traditional industries could impede solar energy's full potential.

Key quote:

"Our analysis establishes quantitative empirical evidence, from current and historical data trends, that a solar energy tipping point is likely to have passed."

— Study authors

Visit EHN's energy section for more top news about energy, climate and health.

closeup of mushrooms
Credit: Photo by Bill Burke on Unsplash

Are mushrooms the future of insulation?

Scientists in Alaska are working to develop a sustainable and affordable fungus-based solution for insulation.
An illustration of storage containers with the word Hydrogen on them, solar panels, and wind turbines

California continues hydrogen push after federal funding cuts

The federal government pulled $1.2 billion in hydrogen funding for California. Los Angeles is pressing ahead anyway — starting with the Scattergood power plant.
An aerial view of a tanker ship at a dock

In New York, a pipeline proposal that just won’t die

Why some think a “lurid political shakedown” by President Trump will get a pipeline built off Rockaway Beach.
a picture of the earth in a ring of fire

Climate plans don't limit dangerous warming, UN says ahead of COP

A new UN review finds that countries’ current carbon-cutting plans will reduce emissions by only 10% by 2035—far below the 57% drop needed to keep global temperature rise within the 1.5C target set by the Paris Agreement.

a factory with smoke coming out of its stacks
Credit: Felix/Unsplash

Trump moves to boost greenhouse, toxic emissions in Gulf states

Expansions at five petrochemical plants in Texas and Louisiana could add the equivalent of more than 1 million cars’ worth of pollution, advocates say.

A man of African descent wearing a tank top riding bicycle in front of white building near palm tree during daytime.

Climate factors make Jamaica especially vulnerable to Hurricane Melissa

More frequent and intense storms, sea-level rise and extensive rainfall fueled by climate change mean the island nation is likely to be hit especially hard by this week’s storm.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaking into microphone
Credit: palinchak/BigStock Photo ID: 194524414

‘Change course now’: Humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head

Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres in sole interview before Cop30
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.