China is making significant progress in this area. They didn’t approve a single new coal-fired plant in the first half of 2024, and permits overall have dropped by 83%. The installed capacity of renewable energy generation has now surpassed coal for the first time, accounting for around 40% of their grid supply. Additionally, China is the world's largest manufacturer of solar panels, and they're on track to dominate the wind energy market as well.
The attitude of "why should we make an effort when they’re not" is not only outdated but highlights much of what’s wrong with our society.
Whether people like it or not, the world is transitioning to renewables. At COP last year, 127 countries signed an agreement to triple renewable capacity over the next decade or so. Trillions of pounds in capital and investment are being mobilised for this, and thanks to the efforts of the Scottish government, the UK is in a position to take advantage of this and potentially become a global leader in a high-skill, high-value, future-proof industry.
However, because a few influential individuals make billions from an expensive, inefficient, and outdated method of power generation, and because large parts of the public are easily manipulated and terrified of progress, we’re likely to miss this opportunity, no doubt leaving it to countries like China (and then we'll complain that our energy bills keep rising).
Tell me, when you can no longer blame China, what’s going to be your excuse for inaction?