The world can transition to carbon-free power systems. Here's how

Jun 5, 2023

The world needs to transition to zero-carbon power systems in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

Carbon power ... 76% of electricity still comes from polluting coal, gas and other fossil fuels. Image: Pexels/Harry Cunningham @harry.digital

Brynne Wilcox

Communications Coordinator, Systems Change Lab

Claire Fyson

Climate Policy Analyst, Climate Analytics

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Electricity

Breakdown of total global GHG emissions by sector. Image: Ember 2022

Breakdown of total global GHG emissions from electricity. Image: Ember 2022

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What's the World Economic Forum doing about the transition to clean energy?

61% of global electricity generation in 2022 is carbon-intensive. Image: Ember and Systems Change Lab

New wind and solar have become cost-competitive with new fossil-fuel generation. Image: IRENA and Systems Change Lab

Although the share of zero-carbon power is increasing, so is total power generation. Image: Ember and Systems Change Lab

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Transmission and distribution lines are key to providing power, but investments in both are flat or declining. Image: World Energy Investment 2021, IEA 2021 and Systems Change Lab

733 million people still lack access to electricity in 2020. Image: World Development Indicators, World Bank 2023 and Systems Change Lab

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