Wednesday 9 June 2021
IEA: ‘We can’t reach net zero without investing in developing countries’
Clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies must become a global priority if the world is to achieve net zero.
That is the verdict from the International Energy Agency (IEA) in a new report carried out alongside the World Bank and World Economic Forum.
It claims that if the world is to reach net zero emissions by 2050, annual clean energy investment in developing economies must increase from last year’s $150 billion (£105.9bn) to $1 trillion (£860.7bn) by 2030.
It has stated that if this investment is not made, the carbon emissions of these countries, which are mostly in Asia, Africa and Latin America, could surge to five billion tonnes over the next 20 years.
The report has found that although emerging and developing economies make up two-thirds of the world’s population, they only make up one-fifth of global investment in energy; with yearly investments in these countries falling by close to 20% since 2016.
It has also revealed that developing countries’ carbon emissions are cheaper to avoid than in more advanced countries, as developing countries can often take up more efficient technologies without having to remove polluting projects already underway.
Through its new report, the IEA calls for governments of more advanced countries to share their expertise, wealth and resources to benefit all humankind and the health of the planet.
Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director, commented: “In many emerging and developing economies emissions are heading upwards while clean energy investments are faltering, creating a dangerous fault line in global efforts to reach climate and sustainable energy goals.
“Countries are not starting on this journey from the same place; many do not have access to the funds they need to rapidly transition to a healthier and more prosperous energy future and the damaging effects of the COVID-19 crisis are lasting longer in many parts of the developing world.”
“There is no shortage of money worldwide but it is not finding its way to the countries, sectors and projects where it is most needed.
“Governments need to give international public finance institutions a strong strategic mandate to finance clean energy transitions in the developing world.”
