In the world of Startups, innovation often takes center stage. But even as we celebrate the seemingly endless possibilities that come with technological advancement, a sobering fact about our global environment is that in 2022, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power generation increased by 0.9% to a record-breaking 36.8 gigatonnes.
Of the 321 Mt CO2 rise in 2021-2022, 60 Mt CO2 can be attributed to the need for cooling and heating during severe weather, and another 55 Mt CO2 can be linked to the shutdown of nuclear power facilities which in turn increased the usage of fossil fuels.
Why do these data matter to entrepreneurs, who are the driving forces behind innovation? The significant influence of greenhouse gases on our climate holds the key to the solution. The main cause of climate change is an increase in CO2, nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and methane (CH4), which also contributes to hazardous acid rain, ocean acidification, glacier melt, and extreme weather events.
Energy demand is a major part of the climate catastrophe, thus cleantech Startups need to be at the forefront of revolutionary change. An abundant supply of renewable energy, the sun, wind, water, waste, and Earth’s heat provide promise in the fight against climate change, air pollution, and related health problems.
Renewable energy isn’t just a solution; it’s a game-changer for everyone. With their innovative ideas, Startups are the key to realizing the full potential of renewable energy sources. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) projects that 90% of the electricity produced worldwide in 2050 will originate from renewable sources. It’s an appeal to entrepreneurs to transform the energy industry.
The global surge in venture capital and private equity funding for the solar industry, from $1.2 billion in 2020 to $4.5 billion in 2021, underscores the growing appetite for disruptive technologies. Startups with groundbreaking ideas to reshape our energy systems and reduce greenhouse gas emissions are in the spotlight. Digital, electronic, consumer-focused, and modular energy technologies are evolving, and Startups are driving this transformative journey.
Tamil Nadu’s commendable ranking in energy efficiency programs showcases the potential for Startups to make a difference. As energy technology advances, so does the opportunity to develop new carbon-free electricity sources. Startups can play a pivotal role in driving these advancements, fostering economic diversification, job creation, and poverty reduction.
Startups find themselves at the intersection of innovation and responsibility in this turbulent age of energy. It’s about creating a sustainable future, not just disrupting the industry. Let’s put our best foot forward, embrace the renewable energy revolution, and lay the groundwork for the energy landscape of the future, one in which Startups drive the transition to a more sustainable, inclusive, and cleaner society.
Our universe is a sea of energy – free, clean energy. It is all out there waiting for us to set sail upon it. – Robert Adams
Ref:
https://www.iea.org/reports/co2-emissions-in-2022
https://impactful.ninja/why-is-a-carbon-footprint-bad-for-the-environment/https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/raising-ambition/renewable-energy#:~:text=Renewable%20energy%20sources%20%E2%80%93%20which%20are,or%20pollutants%20into%20the%20air.
An Energy and Environmental Engineer with extensive knowledge of energy auditing, carbon reporting, and climate technology.