Wind, solar can help cut emissions, fossil subsidies must end - GWEC

Dec 11, 2014 - Wind and solar power are the “ideal choice” for achieving early greenhouse gas emissions reductions, but decision-makers first need to set aggressive emission reduction goals and put an end to the subsidising of fossil fuels.

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) said so at the Lima Climate Change Conference and also pointed to the need for an effective price on carbon dioxide emissions and functioning electricity markets that accurately value wind and solar, as well as clean air and water.

“What we need now are the political will and leadership necessary to create a sustainable energy future – and to do it in time to save the planet,” said the wind industry body’s CEO Steve Sawyer.

GWEC noted that wind and solar power will be offsetting 3,800 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year by 2030. The figure can be much bigger with the right policy and market framework. Meanwhile, it is a fact that over 40% of all carbon dioxide emissions, and a quarter of the planet’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from the power sector.

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