100% Renewable Energy a Must for Limiting Global Warming tO 1.5 Degrees Celsius

United under the umbrella of the Global 100% Renewable Energy Campaign, cities, NGOs, Renewable Energy Industry Associations and academics from across the world highlight that implementing the Paris Agreement means phasing out fossil fuels and investing in a 100% Renewable Energy infrastructure immediately. At a High-Level Event tomorrow in Marrakesh, leaders from this global 100% RE movement demonstrate the benefits, moral imperative, technical and financial feasibility of the just transition to a world fully powered by renewables.

“There is hope for the climate and future generations when such diverse constituencies lead the way to a swift shift to 100% renewable energy, preventing the most dangerous climate impacts.” says Tzeporah Berman, Ambassador of the Global 100% RE campaign and Master of Ceremony of the unprecedented gathering.

While national governments have committed to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by ratifying the Paris Agreement, 2016 is again the hottest year on record. The climate is changing faster than at any point in human history, and aggressive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is urgent. “The energy sector, accounting for two thirds of global emissions, must be a top priority for action if we are to keep temperature rise well below 2°C.” says Prof. Eicke Weber, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute ISE. “The rapid transformation towards 100% renewable energy, underpinned by energy efficiency measures, is the single most effective way to rapidly reduce emissions. In addition, this transformation becomes more and more financially attractive.”

And as pioneers around the world prove, solutions exist: 14 Countries, with small-island states in the lead, have set 100% Renewable Energy targets. More than 300 cities, municipalities and regions are on their way, and are the drivers of this transformation process. And the business sector with 81 corporations and thousands of small and medium-sized companies, entrepreneurs and citizens are taking this vision into action.

During the 1st World Community Power Conference in Fukushima City last week, key partners of the Global% Renewable Energy Campaign highlighted in the Fukushima Community Power Declaration the need for a bottom up process with empowered communities in order to accelerate the needed renewable energy deployment.

While being an inspiration, the move towards 100% renewable energy is still taking place in scattered countries, communities and regions around the globe. “The ambition coming out this event at COP22 tomorrow shows that leadership and transformation comes from everywhere.” says Wael Hmaidan, Director of the Climate Action Network International.  “This unprecedented collective movement towards the 100% renewable energy vision will only grow, and chart the way for a new economy.”