The Energy Report

Zoë Caron talks about why the world must quickly switch to renewable energy.

WWF just released The Energy Report, which states that 100 per cent of the world's energy can be renewable by 2050. Is this realistic?

Zoë: It is not only possible, but necessary to move to clean, renewable energy globally. Scientists tell us that emissions need to decrease substantially to curb climate change, which is the biggest global threat to biodiversity today. Much of this shift depends on energy conservation and efficiency, and beginning to value energy much more. This report provokes discussion about what is possible, rather than telling us what isn't.

Why is it important to make this switch on a global scale?

Zoë: To have an impact, we need all hands on deck. Climate change is a global, human-caused issue that will be solved only by people in every corner of the globe working together to change how we use energy. As well, certain regions of the globe are better situated for producing solar, wind or tidal energy, for example, and that energy will have to be shared (imported and exported) across borders, as we have done with coal, oil and gas.

The ecological footprint of the average Canadian is more than twice the global average, mainly because of carbon emissions related to transportation, heating and electricity use. What would a national-level switch to renewable energy mean for Canada?

Zoë: Canada already depends largely on hydroelectricity, in addition to power that comes from coal-fired and nuclear plants. The potential is great to increase our energy efficiency and conservation efforts. We also have the ability to increase the production of energy from wind, solar, hydro and tidal energy sources, both for export and our own use. A switch to renewable energy would involve using electric vehicles, as well as putting a stop to providing subsidies to the coal, oil and gas industries and subsidizing cleaner forms of energy instead.

Is Canada ready for such a change? Are we capable of achieving such a goal without compromising our economic future?

Zoë: Canada is incredibly well placed to be on the forefront of energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy. On an economic scale, the global outlook for making this shift would save up to $5.5 trillion a year. While initial investments will be needed, the payback will be significant. Economists also note that the longer we wait, the more expensive this transition becomes – and, if we do nothing, the impacts of climate change will cost us more than would an investment in renewable energy

How is WWF helping to achieve a renewable energy future?

Zoë: We at WWF are working closely with businesses, governments and communities to improve policies, planning and decisions that ultimately wean Canadians from using "dirty" energy and create a cleaner, healthier future – for our planet and for the species WWF is working to protect. WWF's hope is that all provinces will have strong renewable energy plans in place to substantially move forward the energy picture in Canada.

WWF (World Wildlife Fund) is one of the world's largest independent conservation organizations, active in more than 100 countries. WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature to thrive. In Canada, we work collaboratively with governments, businesses and the public to help fight climate change; conserve our oceans and freshwater resources; and educate and mobilize people to build a conservation culture.

Established in 1984 with the mission of achieving a sustainable energy supply for everyone, Ecofys has become a leader in energy saving, sustainable energy solutions and climate policies. The unique synergy