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.

The state house in Columbus, Ohio

Pro-AI data center group spending at least $2.54M on TV ads to influence Ohio election

Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz, and Greg Brockman are among the Silicon Valley megadonors reportedly linked to a campaign to influence voters in a state at the heart of the data center boom.
Grain silo complex in an agricultural setting

Ethanol plant pollution costs lives and billions each year. States can fix this

As Congress moves to expand year-round ethanol sales, a federal loophole is allowing ethanol plants to release large amounts of air pollution with limited oversight, shifting the health costs onto communities far beyond the facilities themselves.
Computer generated 3D illustration with oil pumps, solar panels and wind turbines
Credit: MIRO3D/BigStock Photo ID: 147195269

5 ballot proposals that could drive or derail clean energy

A constitutional right to natural gas, a permitting revamp, and more are on the ballot in states and cities this Election Day.
A small family with an illustration of a home behind them

The American dream wasn’t built for climate change

Owning a home has long been billed as a way to build wealth. For many, it's turning into a trap.
A tilted home off its foundation on the beach on January 13, 2013 in Mantoloking, New Jersey, 75 days after Hurricane Sandy struck in October 2012
Credit: Glynnis Jones/BigStock Photo ID: 41233135

Climate change and inflation drive up Georgia home insurance rates

Georgia home insurance rates have increased by 25% since 2023, which experts say is driven by cimate-worsened disasters and inflation.
Mabul Island, Malaysia. Islands like this are endangered by climate change and rising sea levels
Credit: Rich Carey/BigStock Photo ID: 241358743

Five ways that sea-level rise affects your daily life, even if you live inland

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving coastal adaptation will help determine how severely sea level rise affects everyone.
Glaciologists standing near colorful blue meltwater (aka moulin) on a glacier in Alaska
Credit: Dene Miles/BigStock Photo ID: 293627086

Being an adventure scientist can be epic, surreal ... and perilous

Scientists are conducting vital research at the Earth's poles and they're pushing the boundaries of exploration in the process.

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.