Latest Advances in Climate Change Mitigation Efforts
In a concerted effort to combat climate change, countries around the world are pushing boundaries and innovating in renewable energy, turning the tides towards cleaner, sustainable energy sources. This article explores the significant commitments and strategic actions of Germany, India, and the United States in the renewable energy sector, contributing to global climate action goals.
Germany, a frontrunner in solar energy, is aggressively expanding its renewable energy capacity. The country has set ambitious targets, aiming for 115 GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030 and 160 GW by 2040. In 2025, Germany’s Federal Network Agency launched the third onshore wind tender of the year to support 3.44 GW of new capacity, with plans to tender 10 GW this year. The German government is also pushing forward with a draft law to accelerate the expansion of geothermal energy, large heat pumps, heat storage, and district heating networks to decarbonize the heating sector. However, debates persist about the pace and scale of the energy transition due to economic and grid challenges.[1][3][5]
India, on the other hand, is making remarkable progress in the renewable energy sector. The country recently surpassed Germany as the third-largest generator of wind and solar power. India's renewable energy sector is supported by policies that encourage science-based net-zero commitments and sustainable innovations. With policy uncertainties in Western countries, India is positioned to accelerate corporate climate action through regulatory policies, sustainability disclosures, incentives for low-carbon technologies, and fostering innovation hubs focused on climate technology. This approach not only drives India’s economic growth sustainably but also elevates its role in global climate leadership.[4]
The United States, while seeing some policy stagnation in clean energy development, is still making significant contributions to the global renewable energy landscape. The US has recently pledged to triple global renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency improvements by 2030, aiming for net-zero energy-related emissions by 2050. These commitments reflect a global push to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels while deploying emerging clean technologies such as low-emissions hydrogen and carbon capture. The US's participation in such global agreements and its technological innovations contribute significantly to the broader climate action framework.[2][4]
The effectiveness of climate agreements depends on translating high-level policies into local realities and aligning grassroots initiatives with these promises. Young people worldwide are actively mobilizing communities and demanding climate action. Greta Thunberg and school walkouts across the globe are examples of youth activism for climate change action. Youth activists are leveraging technology to unite and spread awareness, using platforms like social media.[6]
In the realm of smart agriculture, startups are deploying sensors and drones to optimise water usage and monitor crop health. Meanwhile, companies are developing materials that can capture sunlight more efficiently for solar energy. Consumers today demand accountability from brands and want them to align their operations with a healthier planet.[7]
Countries like the EU and China have pledged to hit net-zero emissions by 2050 and have committed to investing in renewable energy. China has set an ambitious goal to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030. Startups are innovating in carbon capture technology, aiming to trap carbon before it can heat up the planet.[8]
Together, these countries’ efforts—Germany’s large-scale wind and geothermal projects, India’s rapid renewable capacity growth and sustainability focus, and the US’s involvement in global renewable energy pledges—form a multifaceted contribution to international climate action, aiming to meet the Paris Agreement targets and limit global warming to 1.5 °C.[1][2][4][5]
References: [1] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/germany-plans-10-gigawatts-onshore-wind-capacity-by-2024-2022-08-03/ [2] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-pledges-triple-global-renewable-energy-capacity-double-energy-efficiency-2024-11-09/ [3] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-plans-to-increase-onshore-wind-capacity/a-61354172 [4] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/india-emerges-leader-clean-energy-mobility-agriculture-sustainability-2022-10-28/ [5] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-aims-to-increase-renewable-energy-share-to-80-by-2030/a-59264194 [6] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/22/greta-thunberg-school-strike-for-climate-campaign-celebrates-5th-anniversary [7] https://www.reuters.com/business/startups/startups-deploy-sensors-drones-smart-agriculture-2022-08-10/ [8] https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/startups-innovate-carbon-capture-technology-trap-emissions-2022-09-14/
- In its commitment to renewable energy, Germany is not only expanding its renewable energy capacity but also accelerating the development of geothermal energy, large heat pumps, heat storage, and district heating networks.
- India's renewable energy sector, nowthird-largest in the world, is supported by policies that encourage science-based net-zero commitments and sustainable innovations, positioning the country to accelerate corporate climate action.
- The United States, despite some policy stagnation in clean energy development, has recently pledged to triple global renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency improvements by 2030, aiming for net-zero energy-related emissions by 2050.
- The environmental science and technology industries are critical for financing, developing, and deploying renewable energy solutions to combat climate change, as evidenced by the strategic actions of Germany, India, and the United States in the renewable energy sector.