As the dust settles on COP28, climate activists around the world, including those at 350.org, are celebrating a significant step forward in the fight against climate change following the commitment of 130 countries to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 which leads to a reduction of fossil fuel reliance and limitation of global warming to 1.5 degrees Celcius .

From November 4 to December 9, 350.org and its partners took to the streets globally under the banner of the “PowerUp“, urging governments to triple their investment in renewable energy and demanding that major polluters take responsibility for the damage they’ve caused. The outcomes of COP28 suggest that these efforts have not been in vain, so let’s keep the momentum going. 

Why 1.5 Degrees Celsius Matters: Let’s Keep It Simple

You might have heard about the 1.5 degrees Celsius target, but what does it really mean? In simple terms, it’s a crucial threshold set by the international community to limit the rise in global temperatures. Why? Because beyond 1.5 degrees the impacts of climate change become more severe and widespread. We’re talking about more intense heat waves, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and threats to our ecosystems and communities.

Now, imagine a world where we limit global warming to just 1.5 degrees Celsius . It’s a world where we mitigate the worst effects of climate change, preserving a safer, more stable environment for future generations.

Tripling Renewable Energy Capacity: A Game-Changer

One of the big wins at COP28 is the commitment from 130 countries to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. But why is this so important in the quest to keep global warming at 1.5 degrees?

The answer lies in the source of our energy. Right now, a significant chunk of our power comes from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. These activities release massive amounts of greenhouse gas, trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing global temperatures to rise.

Renewable energy, on the other hand, comes from sources like the sun, wind, water, and geothermal heat. When we invest in these clean and sustainable sources, we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, cutting down the emissions that drive climate change.

Africa gets to play a big role in this clean energy party as it is abundant in renewable energy potential in the form of wind, solar and other sources. Tripling the capacity not only reduces our reliance on fossil fuels but also harnesses Africa’s renewable resources for widespread economic and social development like access to electricity, jobs and better lives. We call on decision makers to invest more money to back up plans to triple renewable energy. This means tripling the money already invested into building solar farms, wind turbines, and other cool stuff that give us access to electricity. It’s like having a big toolbox full of cool ways to make power without hurting our planet. To leverage Africa’s potential and realize the tripling of Renewable Energy, substantial funding is required to support the transition. 

The Power of Public Pressure and Activism

The decisions made at COP28 reflect not only the efforts of policymakers but also the power of people coming together to demand change. The PowerUp mobilization, led by 350.org and partners, exemplifies how public pressure can influence political and economic decisions. When we take to the streets, raise our voices, and demand action, decision-makers take notice.

What’s Next? Phasing out oil, coal and gas

While the commitment to triple renewable energy capacity is a major step forward, there’s more work to be done. The scaling up of RE must also be supported by a resolve and concrete plans for the phase out of all coal, oil and gas. Civil society is calling for COP 28 to deliver on a decision to phase out fossil fuels by 2050, and for this decision to be reflected in the formal outcome of the conference.Why? Because we can’t limit global warming to 1.5 degrees unless we break free from fossil fuels. In addition, it is critical big polluters are held accountable for the damage they’ve caused and their role in the climate crisis. This means ensuring that those who contributed the most to the problem bear the responsibility of committing finances to supporting the just transition to renewable energy in developing nations, supporting these nations to adapt to climate change and compensating them for the losses suffered. 

As we celebrate the victories at COP28, let’s remember that our collective voice and action are powerful tools in the fight against climate change. By continuing to push for bold and ambitious measures, we can create a world where the 1.5 degrees Celsius target is not just an aspiration but a reality, safeguarding the planet for generations to come.