At COP28, world leaders made a bold commitment: double the global rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. This was meant to be a crucial step in keeping global warming within the 1.5ºC target. But as leaders gathered at COP29, November-December 2024, the numbers told a different story—rather than accelerating, efficiency gains dropped to just 1%, far from the 4% needed.
🔗 Read more: COP28’s Ambitious Goals & COP29’s Reality Check
The Reality Check: A Stalled Momentum
Energy efficiency was supposed to be one-third of the carbon reduction solution needed to keep global warming in check. Yet, instead of increasing investment and action, the past year saw stagnation. The $660 billion in annual energy efficiency investments has remained unchanged, despite the fact that three to five times more investment is required—especially in developing nations.
Dan Dorner of the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlighted the stark contrast between expectation and reality:
“The rate of global energy intensity improvements over the last year have been just 1% when we need to see it be 4%.”
This means we’re falling far short of what’s necessary to transition away from fossil fuels efficiently. The gap between ambition and action undermines the ability to meet global climate commitments.
Policy Innovations: Leading by Example
Despite the setbacks, some countries are making real progress.
✅ Germany has enacted legally binding energy consumption reduction targets and invested nearly €15 billion in energy efficiency programs. Public awareness campaigns and tax incentives for energy-saving renovations are also driving change.
✅ Sweden has successfully decarbonized its electricity and heating sectors and is now focused on optimizing its energy system.
✅ The European Union is applying the “energy-efficiency-first” principle, prioritizing efficiency investments as a cost-effective way to cut emissions and drive system-wide transformation.
However, policy alone won’t be enough. Governments and industries must accelerate investment and provide stronger financial incentives for energy efficiency projects.
Looking Ahead to COP30
With COP30 set to take place in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025 (details here), there is growing pressure on world leaders to close the gap between commitments and real-world progress. The challenge is clear:
- Governments must increase efficiency investments and policy enforcement
- Businesses must prioritize energy-efficient solutions as part of their sustainability goals
- The public must be empowered and incentivized to adopt energy-efficient practices
At Everybody Solar, we know that real climate action requires real solutions. By equipping nonprofits with solar energy, we’re helping organizations lower their energy costs while reducing their carbon footprint—because efficiency and clean energy go hand in hand.
As we move toward COP30, let’s make sure that by next year, we’re not just setting goals—we’re meeting them.
#COP29 #COP30 #EnergyEfficiency #ClimateAction #SustainableEnergy #RenewableEnergy
By Myriam Scally
