NEWSROOM
Clean energy supplied 40% of global electricity in 2024
In 2024, clean energy sources supplied more than 40% of the global energy demand – the highest share since the 1940s when most clean energy was from hydrogen power. The report, released by the energy thinktank Ember, showed the increase was driven largely by rapid growth in solar power. Solar energy, which has been the fastest-growing electricity source globally for 20 consecutive years, now generates nearly 7% of the world’s electricity. Wind power contributed just over 8%, while hydropower remained the dominant renewable, holding steady at 14%.
Despite solar and wind’s rising role, fossil fuel-based electricity still grew by 1.4% last year due to increased demand driven by extreme heatwaves. This caused emissions from the power sector to hit a record high, rising 1.6%. However, the report’s authors believe clean energy is now growing faster than overall electricity demand, signalling a potential turning point for fossil fuels.
The report analysed 93% of global electricity across 88 countries and highlighted emerging drivers of electricity consumption. Technologies such as AI, data centres, electric vehicles, and heat pumps contributed to a 0.7% rise in global demand in 2024 – twice their share from five years ago. The report forecasts that booming clean technologies, particularly solar and wind, are well-positioned to meet this rising demand while displacing fossil fuel generation.
Majority of scientists believe AI will provide more benefits than risks
A global survey of 4,260 AI researchers reveals they are more optimistic about the future of artificial intelligence than the general public, with more than half believing AI will bring more benefits than risks. However, both researchers and the public share significant concerns about AI’s role in misinformation, data misuse, and cybercrime.
The study found that most scientists oppose using personal data for AI training without consent, highlighting tension with proposed government policies allowing such use. While many researchers believe AI could improve access to education and healthcare, they prefer a cautious, deliberate approach to development. The survey, which compared international researchers’ views with those of the UK public, also emphasizes the need for stronger governance and research into AI’s societal impacts. Researchers are particularly troubled by the unauthorized use of copyrighted materials in model training, with nearly half supporting explicit consent for data use – more than the public supports such measures.
Vaccine patches could revolutionise immunisation
Gavi Vaccine Alliance has identified 11 needle-free vaccine microarray patches (MAPs) that could help boost immunisation in low- and middle-income countries. Unlike vaccines that often require refrigeration and trained technicians, MAPs are more stable at room temperature and can be administered with minimal training. Recognising their potential, Gavi and its partners have prioritised patches as a key vaccine delivery innovation, however investment has been hindered by uncertainty over which patches would have the greatest impact.
The Vaccine Innovation Prioritisation Strategy (VIPS) Alliance – comprising Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, PATH, and the Gates Foundation– has identified vaccine candidates most suited for MAP development, including vaccines for measles, rubella, and COVID-19. Despite decades of research, only a few MAPs have reached clinical trials, but targeted efforts could soon change that.
A climate-resilient Zambian chicken that lays more eggs
In Zambia, climate-resilient Zambro chickens are emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against poverty. Bred to withstand extreme weather and resist disease, these chickens offer a lifeline in a country plagued by drought, malnutrition, and food insecurity.
According to The New York Times, what makes the Zambo chicken so special is that unlike other commercial varieties that are kept either for egg production or eating, this chicken can be used for both. They also require less water and supplement their diet by eating termites and grasshoppers. The chickens’ rapid growth and high egg-production make them ideal for small-scale farmers seeking sustainable income and nutrition.
The Zambro initiative was sponsored by The World Poultry Foundation with funding from the Gates Foundation and the Qatar Fund for Development. Rather than fund charities, the programme is targeting independent farmers in areas without electricity or transport, and then helping them develop business models so they can turn a profit.
Ways to change the world every week
