The decision taken at COP28 to triple installed renewable energy capacity by 2030 not only brings hope for the fight against climate change, but also opens the door to profound economic and social transformations. With the global target of reaching 11 terawatts (TW) of renewable energy within seven years , the benefits go beyond climate sustainability: the sector already employs 16.2 million people worldwide, with prospects for even greater expansion.
In addition to contributing to job opportunities, renewable energy represents a more inclusive and egalitarian sector. Studies show that women are more represented than in traditional energy sectors, such as oil and gas, which points to a positive shift towards gender equality in the labor market. Another example of social impact is reflected in the development of sustainable community projects, such as locally owned solar and wind farms , which allow residents to not only benefit from the energy produced, but also gain autonomy in the management of energy resources.
Better Quality of Life: Health and Energy Sustainability
The advancement of renewable energy promises to have significant impacts on public health and quality of life, especially in areas where air pollution from fossil fuels affects people's health and the environment. According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), around 8 million people die each year due to air pollution . A significant part of this statistic is the result of the use of polluting fuels in homes in low- and middle-income countries, where access to electricity and clean energy sources is still limited.
Replacing these fuels with clean energy can dramatically reduce these impacts, providing cleaner air and a healthier environment. The energy transition can also address the lack of access to electricity for millions of people around the world. Around 685 million people still live without electricity, and the expansion of decentralized renewable energy, such as solar and wind systems in small communities, is a promising strategy to meet this need efficiently and cost-effectively. These decentralized energy systems support basic services such as water supply and electrification of schools and hospitals , thereby improving living conditions in underserved areas.
Resilience and Energy Security for a Sustainable Future
In addition to the direct benefits to society, the transition to renewable energy helps ensure energy resilience in a context of increasing geopolitical challenges and environmental vulnerabilities. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels and their complex supply chains, renewables offer a path to energy stability, with resources that are widely distributed and less subject to disruption . This is particularly relevant for countries in the Global South, which can build energy autonomy and reduce the risks associated with energy imports.
Plans to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 reflect a commitment not only to preserving the planet, but to creating a fairer, healthier and more self-sufficient society. In its “3xRenewables for the Planet and Its People” series, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights the positive and diverse impacts that these transformations can generate, from economic development to social equity and climate resilience. This is a global challenge that requires collective action and international cooperation, but it represents one of the greatest opportunities to transform the world into a more prosperous and safe place for all.
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