The World Economic Forum’s Energy Transition Index 2020 benchmarks the energy systems of 115 economies, highlighting the leading players in the race to net-zero emissions, as well as those with work to do.
The WEF highlight that the pressure to get idle economies back to “normal” may cause a disruption in the progress to a more sustainable energy sector. The Covid crisis also presents an opportunity to rethink how our energy needs are met, and consider the long-term impact on the planet
Over the last 6 years 94 of 115 countries have improved their combined score on the Energy Translation Index (ETI), which analyses each country’s readiness to adopt clean energy using three criteria: energy access and security; environmental sustainability; and economic development and growth.
Sweden tops the overall ETI ranking for the third consecutive year as the country most ready to transition to clean energy, followed by Switzerland and Finland. The UK ranks 7th and together with France is one of only two G20 economies in the top 10.
Although progress is being made the WEF notes the advances are insufficient to meet the climate targets set by the Paris Agreement.
Germany, ranked 20th, the country has committed to phasing out coal-fired power plants and moving industrial output to cleaner fuels such as hydrogen.
China, ranked 78th, has made strong advances in controlling CO2 emissions by switching to electric vehicles and investing heavily in solar and wind energy, currently having the world’s largest solar PV and onshore wind capacity. Many high energy-consuming countries including the US, Canada and Brazil show little, if any, progress towards an energy transition.
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We want our town to be vibrant, attractive and liveable. We support development that brings a sense of place and enhances the best aspects of our town. If such aims can be embraced, we believe Guildford has the chance to lead the way in enabling sensitive and sustainable development.
Pressures for development are increasing. Planning rules are being eased. The Society’s commitment to standing up for Guildford is needed more than ever.
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