In the first half of 2025, renewable sources such as solar and wind overtook coal as the world’s leading source of electricity, according to energy think tank Ember, an important turning point for an important solution to climate change. 

The International Energy Agency reached a similar conclusion, finding that China leads the world’s energy transition while the United States and Europe face new setbacks.

It lowered its forecast for renewable growth in the U.S. over the next five years by 50%, and predicted electricity cost rises for businesses and households in the country.

The mixed global picture creates uneven cost structures and access to greener energy for travel companies operating across multiple markets.

Here are eight developments:

1. China Leads Global Renewable Expansion by A Wide Margin

China’s renewable buildout is staggering: it added more solar and wind capacity in early 2025 than every other country com