NAIROBI,Kenya, – On 26th January, the world paused to observe the International Day of Clean Energy, a day dedicated to celebrating progress in renewable energy while reflecting on the journey still ahead. This day highlights the importance of clean energy solutions such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, the cornerstone of global efforts to combat climate change.
The International Day of Clean Energy emerged from a collective global realisation in the early 2000s that the future of our planet depends on transitioning away from fossil fuels. Over time, this day became a rallying point for governments, organisations, and individuals to promote clean energy and highlight its role in creating sustainable societies.
What Does Clean Energy Mean?
Clean energy is derived from sources that produce little to no greenhouse gases, such as solar panels soaking up the sun’s rays, wind turbines spinning in open fields or water powering hydroelectric plants. These solutions reduce emissions, create jobs, cut energy costs, and improve air quality.
As we celebrate this day in 2025, we should take stock of our achievements. Renewables now account for a growing share of global energy production, and technology has made clean energy cheaper and more accessible than ever before. However, as promising as this progress sounds, the battle is far from won.
The Climate Crisis and a Dangerous Shift
The world crossed a worrying milestone in 2024, with temperatures breaching the critical 1.5°C threshold for the first time. This breach signalled an urgent warning that if we fail to act, we risk an uninhabitable planet. Yet, instead of uniting to tackle this crisis, some leaders are taking steps backwards.
In the United States, President Donald Trump has introduced policies that prioritise fossil fuel extraction over renewable energy. His slogan “We will drill, baby, drill” reflects an era of expanded oil drilling and a retreat from commitments to clean energy. By turning away from the Paris Agreement and dismantling clean energy policies, Trump’s decisions threaten to unravel years of hard-fought progress. While these moves are framed as solutions to energy prices and economic concerns, their consequences are alarming. A shift back to fossil fuels does not just harm the environment but deepens inequalities, with developing nations bearing the brunt of the damage.
Implications for the Global South
For countries such as Kenya and others in the Global South, the impacts of climate change are already painfully clear. Prolonged droughts, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events are pushing millions into poverty, food insecurity, and displacement. The reliance on fossil fuels, driven by decisions like Trump’s, worsens these conditions by accelerating global warming.
A Way Forward
Despite these challenges, hope remains. The International Day of Clean Energy is a reminder of what is possible when the world commits to sustainable solutions. Strengthening global climate agreements, such as recommitting to and enhancing international treaties like the Paris Agreement, is crucial to ensure collective action on emissions reduction. Governments and private sectors must also invest in renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in developing nations, to bridge the gap in access and affordability.
Citizens have the power to demand bold action from their leaders. Public pressure can shift policies and priorities toward sustainable solutions. Additionally, innovation must be promoted to support the development of new technologies that make clean energy more efficient and accessible to all. Communities should also be equipped with knowledge about the benefits of clean energy to drive grassroots efforts for change.
The Power of Collective Action
The International Day of Clean Energy is more than a date on the calendar. It is a call to action and a reminder that we hold the tools to reshape our energy systems and protect our planet. While Trump’s “We will drill, baby, drill” approach may cast a shadow over this year’s observance, the global community has shown resilience before. By standing together and embracing clean energy, we can turn the tide and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Let us not waste this chance. The time to act is now.
Christine Wainaina is a Norec Fellow and a Programme Consultant ICJ Kenya.
