THE worldwide supply of electricity from clean energy sources must be doubled by the end of the decade to limit the rise of global temperatures, according to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

The annual State of Climate report published by the WMO on Tuesday focuses on energy this year because it “holds the key” to international agreements on sustainable development and climate action, with urgent and far-reaching changes needed to improve public and planetary health.

The report says that without these changes there is an increased risk that worsening extreme weather disasters turbocharged by the fossil fuel-driven climate crisis will further diminish energy security and even imperil renewable power generation.

WMO secretary-general Petteri Taalas said: “Switching to clean forms of energy generation, such as solar, wind, and hydropower and improving energy efficiency is vital if we are to thrive in the 21st century.”

He added: “Net-zero by 2050 is the aim, but we will only get there if we double the supply of low-emissions electricity within the next eight years.”

According to climate justice advocates, the pursuit of “net-zero” is inadequate because it is “premised on the notion of cancelling out emissions in the atmosphere rather than eliminating their causes.”

The report points out that Africa, which is “already facing severe effects from climate change, including massive droughts, despite bearing the least responsibility for the problem” has a “huge opportunity to close the gap” in global renewable energy supply.

According to the WMO, “Africa is home to 60 per cent of the best solar resources globally, yet with only 1 per cent of installed photovoltaic capacity.”

Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, said: “We urgently need to respond to the growing impact of climate change on energy systems if we are to maintain energy security while accelerating the transition to net-zero.”