Renewables ‘could fuel world’s energy needs by 2050’

RENEWABLE sources such as solar and wind could supply up to 80% of the world’s energy needs by 2050 and play a significant role in fighting global warming, a top climate panel has concluded.

But the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said that to achieve that level, governments would have to spend significantly more money and introduce policies that integrate renewables into existing power grids and promote their benefits in terms of reducing air pollution and improving public health.

Authors said the report concluded that the use of renewables is on the rise, their prices are declining and that with the right policies, they will be an important tool both in tackling climate change and helping poor countries use the likes of solar or wind to develop their economies in a sustainable fashion.