Ten years have passed since the Paris Agreement, yet global emissions and temperatures keep climbing. This has led to extreme weather events all around the world. In the U.S., support for clean energy is declining, making it tougher to transition to renewable sources.
Despite these challenges, data scientist Hannah Ritchie from the University of Oxford offers a different perspective. She believes we are making significant strides in addressing climate change. Ritchie’s new book, Clearing the Air, uses data to challenge misconceptions about climate change.
In an interview, Ritchie discussed how the recent drop in U.S. support for renewable energy might not stall global progress. “Sometimes, when a leading country steps back, others step up,” she observed. For example, China is rapidly advancing its clean energy initiatives and establishing a strong presence in global markets.
Ritchie noted that while many criticize China for building coal plants, it’s more about how much coal they actually burn. China’s coal consumption is decreasing, even as they invest in clean energy. In places like China and Norway, electric vehicle (EV) sales are soaring—contrasting sharply with the slower growth in the U.S.
A recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) suggests that the rise of EVs could transform energy markets. Beyond just the U.S., many countries will soon access affordable EVs, helping to reduce dependence on oil.
What about the impact of tariffs on imported clean technology? Ritchie warns that focusing solely on protecting domestic jobs in manufacturing could hurt the broader clean energy job market. “Most jobs are in installation and maintenance, not just manufacturing,” she pointed out. Higher prices on technology can slow deployment and ultimately limit job growth.
Regarding the interplay of artificial intelligence and energy demand, Ritchie thinks fears about AI requiring too much power may be overstated. Projected growth in electricity demand from AI is less significant compared to other sectors like air conditioning and transportation.
Some tech companies are exploring nuclear energy to power data centers. While nuclear has risks, Ritchie argues that the death toll from fossil fuels greatly overshadows past nuclear disasters. The main hurdles for nuclear power are its cost and time needed for construction.
Looking ahead, Ritchie believes solar geoengineering should be researched but with caution. Countries might resort to it during climate crises. Understanding its potential effects is vital to avoid unintended consequences.
Finally, Ritchie emphasizes the importance of both individual and systemic change. “We can’t expect consumers alone to fix this,” she said. “But without individual support, systemic change is harder.”
Ritchie remains optimistic but warns that significant effort is still needed to tackle climate change. “We can create a better world, but it requires hard work,” she concluded.
