What's Happening?
Renewable energy production has officially surpassed coal for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the global energy transition. According to a report from the energy think tank Ember and
corroborated by the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewables, primarily wind and solar, generated 5,072 terawatt-hours of global electricity in the first half of 2025, surpassing coal's 4,896 TWh. This shift is largely driven by clean energy expansion in China and India, where falling coal generation and record renewable additions have reshaped the power mix. Climate-tech CTO and sustainability researcher Pablo Dias has released a new book, 'Climate Changed,' which aims to empower readers to understand the climate crisis and take meaningful action.
Why It's Important?
The surpassing of coal by renewable energy represents more than a symbolic victory; it demonstrates that renewable energy can meet rising demand while significantly cutting emissions and pollution. This transition has profound practical, economic, and environmental implications, including cleaner air, fewer health impacts, and increasing competitiveness of renewables on cost and reliability. The shift is spurring innovation in storage, grid flexibility, and system resilience as nations work to keep clean power stable and affordable. Dias emphasizes the importance of accelerating progress to achieve Net Zero by 2050, highlighting the role individuals and communities play in shaping a sustainable future.
What's Next?
As the world celebrates this milestone, the focus will be on sustaining the momentum and accelerating the pace of renewable energy adoption. Dias's book, 'Climate Changed,' serves as a guide to help individuals and communities understand their role in this transition. The book bridges science and story, encouraging readers to move from awareness to action by influencing local policy, supporting renewable initiatives, and reshaping narratives around sustainability. The continued expansion of renewables will likely drive further innovation and investment in clean energy technologies, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Beyond the Headlines
Dias's book addresses the psychological and cultural forces, such as 'doomism,' that often undermine progress in addressing climate change. By exploring these dimensions, 'Climate Changed' aims to empower readers to overcome feelings of helplessness and recognize the collective power they hold to influence the trajectory of the climate crisis. The book provides practical ways to make an impact, emphasizing the importance of both systemic transformation and individual participation in achieving sustainability goals.
