Renewables Record, US Cuts & The Net Zero Debate

Greener Insights #6: Weekly news and insights, covering Climate, Nature & Sustainability

LG Hill

Oct 10, 2025

👋 Welcome!

This Week’s Highlights

Renewable sources overtake coal as the main global electricity source.
USA considering deep cuts in clean energy support.
Ongoing debate over Net Zero.
Further warnings on the declining state of UK fish stocks.

Renewables Become #1 Global Electricity Source

Renewable energy became the world’s leading source of electricity in the first half of 2025, overtaking coal for the first time on record. The milestone marks a major shift in the global energy landscape, and a signal that the clean transition is gathering pace, even amid economic uncertainty.

The shift follows a slight fall in coal use and a sustained period of renewables growth, which outpaced overall demand growth for 2025 to date. The analysis, provided by Ember, also found global solar installations to be 64% higher than the same period last year, hitting a record rate of generation.

👉 See the Ember Energy Report for more information.

USA Considering Clean Energy Cuts

The US government is considering cutting billions of dollars in funding for numerous clean energy projects. Potential cuts extend to energy production works, carbon capture & store proposals, and EV support.

While details remain under discussion, the proposals could significantly slow clean energy momentum.

👉 Full story: Reuters.

Debate Over Net Zero

Given the planned US energy investment cuts, and recent comments from President Trump claiming climate change to be a “con job”, the politicisation of net zero looks to be getting worse, not better.

This is also true of the UK and Europe, where right wing parties increasingly oppose net zero goals. All at a time when the record progress of renewables use shows real value in decarbonisation.

A recent Greener Insights recent article sets out the case for a more practical outlook for net zero. Check out the post here: Take Politics Out of Net Zero, Please.

Warning of Critical Decline in UK Fish Stocks

A new report has warned of a deep decline in the fish stock of UK Waters. Oceana UK found that 50% of the ‘Top 10’ fish stocks upon which the UK rely are being overfished and/or overexploited.

This decline threatens both marine ecosystems and the long-term viability of UK fisheries.

Inconsistent policies and insufficient political action are highlighted as key components that have led to the current situation.

👉 For further information please see the Oceana UK Report.

Inspirational Conservationist Jane Goodall Passes Away

Jane Goodall passed away this week, aged 91. The conservationist was world renowned for her lifelong dedication to conservation of the environment and wildlife. Her legacy continues through the Jane Goodall Institute and the generations she inspired to see humanity as part of nature, not apart from it.

Fact of the Week

Approximately 3.6 billion people live in areas highly vulnerable to climate impacts.

This figure, estimated by the UN, represents nearly half the global population, highlighting just how substantial the challenge of adaptation to climate change truly is.