Despite the clusterfuck that has been 2020, renewables continue to power ahead:

“Global renewable electricity installation will hit a record level in 2020, according to the International Energy Agency, in sharp contrast with the declines caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the fossil fuel sectors.

“The IEA report published on Tuesday says almost 90% of new electricity generation in 2020 will be renewable, with just 10% powered by gas and coal. The trend puts green electricity on track to become the largest power source in 2025, displacing coal, which has dominated for the past 50 years.”

In Yo’ Face, Coal! Or better: In Yo’ Coalface!

“Renewable power is defying the difficulties caused by the pandemic, showing robust growth while others fuels struggle,” said Fatih Birol, the IEA’s executive director. “The resilience and positive prospects of the sector are clearly reflected by continued strong appetite from investors.” Fossil fuels have had a turbulent time in 2020 as Covid-related measures caused demand from transport and other sectors to plunge.”

They’re expecting 1/3 of the world’s electricity to be renewable in less than five years.

Given how this renewables lark seems to operate, I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens faster. It’s unfortunately analogous with climate change predictions: the bad shit seems to be coming for us as fast as the extreme predictions say, not the middle-of-the-road ones.

For example, Greenland is so melting right now.

If only those coronavirus recovery funds were not being pumped into fossil fuels, eh?

“The prospect of a global green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic is hanging in the balance, as countries pour money into the fossil fuel economy to stave off a devastating recession, an analysis for the Guardian reveals.

“Meanwhile, promises of a low-carbon boost are failing to materialise. Only a handful of major countries are pumping rescue funds into low-carbon efforts such as renewable power, electric vehicles and energy efficiency.”

You win some, you lose some. There’s only one planet though.