BERLIN, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Officials from over 70 countries convened here Tuesday for a two-day conference to discuss ways for the realization of the COP28 targets.
The 10th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, themed "Accelerating the Global Energy Transition," will focus on strategies for tripling the global renewable energy capacities by 2030 agreed in Dubai last year, according to the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
"By working together at international level, with every country contributing its strength, experience and know-how, it will be possible to successfully implement these targets by 2030," said Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck in a statement.
Although a record 473 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity was added globally in 2023, around 1,000 GW would be required annually by 2030 to achieve the COP28 targets, according to a report presented at conference by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
"Our data confirms that progress continues to fall short, and the energy transition remains off track," said IRENA director-general Francesco La Camera, adding that "we urgently need a systemic shift away from fossil fuels to course-correct and keep the tripling goal within reach."
For the first time on record, the average global temperature breached the critical benchmark of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for 12 months in a row between February 2023 and January 2024, according to a report published last month by the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Germany, as Europe's largest economy, is playing a key role in the fight against climate change. The country is seeking to achieve climate neutrality by 2045, five years earlier than the EU target. It seeks to reach a renewables' share of 80 percent by 2030.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the conference as an opportunity to "learn from one another," noting that Uruguay is already generating up to 98 percent of its electricity from renewable sources and Oman is building mega solar projects for tens of thousands of households.
As a platform for exchanges, the conference will be accompanied by numerous side events throughout the week. "While the crises keep us on alert, an awareness of the urgency of climate action unites us across all borders," Baerbock stressed. ■
