Renewables surpass coal globally in 2025, signaling systemic energy transition
Original framing: “Clean energy pushes fossil-fuel power into reverse for ‘first time ever’” — Carbon Brief
In contrast to the Western focus on large-scale renewables, many African and Asian countries are adopting microgrids and hybrid systems that blend traditional and modern energy practices. These approaches offer more inclusive and resilient models for energy access.
The global shift from coal to renewables is a systemic transformation driven by policy, technology, and social movements.
However, this transition must be reoriented to include Indigenous knowledge, address historical injustices, and prioritize energy equity. By integrating decentralized systems, just transition policies, and global equity frameworks, the energy transition can become a model for sustainable development. Lessons from past energy transitions and cross-cultural practices offer pathways to more inclusive and resilient energy systems. The success of this transition will depend on the inclusion of marginalized voices and the dismantling of colonial power structures in energy governance.