The Future of Clean Energy: Earth Day's 2025 Focus
As Earth Day arrives on 22 April 2025, the global spotlight turns once again to the need for urgent climate action.
With the theme Our Power, Our Planet, the focus lands squarely on the transformation of the energy sector.
The rallying cry is not only environmental — it’s economic, social and public health-related.
"Let us commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for all," says EarthDay.org.
"Let us commit to renewable energy now."
Renewable energy: An engine of transition
A clear target has been set: to triple installed renewable energy capacity worldwide by 2030 and to reach this, the sector must grow by 16.6% each year.
The message, driven by urgency and clarity, is simple: energy transition is not optional, it is vital.
With climate pressures mounting, business leaders across the globe are aligning their vision.
“Cutting emissions is not something we have to make today for today. It is something that one should attain at a long-vision programme,” comments Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO at Fincantieri, speaking during his time as CEO at Maire Tecnimont.
“This is the time to share a bold plan for industrial recovery with a positive impact on the economy, the society and the environment.”
Organisations and individuals alike are called to lead through practical commitment.
“The race to net zero will not be won through words alone, We will only get there if we commit the time and resources to achieve change, every single day,” explains André Lacroix, CEO at Intertek.
“This year’s global theme, ‘Our Planet, Our Power’ serves as an inspiration to organisations and individuals to lead through action and integrity when it comes to fighting climate change.”
Education, commitment and connecting are also drivers.
“Education plays a critical role in empowering and inspiring long-term sustainability. By helping young people understand the connections between energy, water and climate, we’re laying the groundwork for more informed decision-making,” says Callie Bendickson, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Itron.
Global momentum behind renewable power
Around the world, renewable technologies are moving from ambition to implementation.
Geothermal energy, for instance, emits 97% less acid rain-causing compounds and 99% less carbon dioxide than fossil fuels.
In the US, geothermal innovation benefits from oil and gas drilling infrastructure.
In Kenya, nearly 50% of the electricity mix comes from geothermal sources, helping to stabilise the grid and reduce emissions.
Solar power is scaling quickly, in 2023 the US reached record solar output, with California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona at the forefront.
Over the past 10 years, US solar capacity has grown more than tenfold.
The technology is expected to soon become the country’s second-largest source of electricity.
It’s not just a climate solution — it’s a jobs engine.
The 2022 US National Solar Jobs Census recorded 263,883 solar workers, with a 3.5% year-on-year increase.
Australia is another example, with one in three households now fitted with rooftop panels.
Wind power is also reshaping the grid with Texas, once dominated by fossil fuels, now leading the US in wind energy.
In Europe, Denmark sources more than half its electricity from wind.
By 2026, the figures are set to reach 30% in Spain, 23% in Germany and 17% in the Netherlands.
The results show that with the right policy and infrastructure, wind thrives in diverse environments.
On a global scale, the renewable energy market reached US$1.21tn in 2023 and is forecast to grow by 17.2% per year through to 2030.
“Together, let’s innovate for a healthier planet. Microsoft aims to be carbon negative by 2030 and have zero waste in our direct operations, using our AI solutions to achieve environmental goals,” explains Andrew Kerr, General Manager at Microsoft Northeast.
The transition has widespread traction:
- Uruguay now generates 98% of its electricity from renewables
- Brazil sources 68% from hydroelectric power
- In Italy and the Netherlands, hydro provides 23% and 16% respectively
- China leads globally in solar and wind capacity
- The US is investing via the Inflation Reduction Act, with expected household savings of US$27–38bn by 2030
- India commits to sourcing 50% of energy from renewables by 2030
This transition is expected to generate 14 million new jobs globally.
“We are reinforcing our dedication to environmental sustainability by raising awareness and inspiring action toward a greener future,” says Chee Gay Lim, Managing Director at The Access Group.
“This Earth Day is, emphasising the urgency with which we need to shift to clean and renewable energy sources. The private sector will play a major role in the transition,” says Andrew Walton, Chief Sustainability Officer at Lloyds Banking Group.
“We’re supporting infrastructure initiatives critical to delivering a cleaner energy system.”
Public health, social impact and community power
The renewable revolution is as much about human health as it is about energy.
Currently, 3.8 billion people use less than 1,000 kWh annually — far below the Modern Energy Minimum, the baseline needed to lift communities out of poverty.
Phasing out fossil fuels reduces air pollution, which in turn lowers rates of asthma, heart disease and strokes.
Pollution links directly to increased risks of breast cancer and maternal complications.
Clean energy solutions also support mental health by reducing environmental stress and they improve water quality by minimising contamination.
Reduced healthcare burdens mean stronger public health systems.
“Innovation and technology are core enablers of regenerative agriculture,” explains Donato Del Vecchio, Chief Sustainability Officer at British American Tobacco.
“This leads to more resilient crops and a more sustainable agricultural system in the communities where we operate.”
Earth Day remains grounded in people’s power.
“The urgency of the current climate crisis demands immediate action, and everyone, from critical industries to consumers, has a part to play,” says Kelly Becker, President, UK & Ireland, Belgium & Netherlands at Schneider Electric.
“By replacing processes reliant on fossil fuels with those that maximise the potential of renewable energy, we can move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. This Earth Day, we need to start turning ambition into action.”
Even the smallest behaviour changes matter.
“What better time to think about how we can all make little choices to help protect the environment — starting at home. 10% of European household food waste comes from misunderstandings about date labels,” says Ivo van den Brand, Chief Marketing Officer at Too Good to Go.
“Our ‘Look-Smell-Taste’ label helps avoid unnecessary food waste and the emissions that come with it – thereby helping to protect our planet.”
Earth Day 2025 calls for action, not intention. A global shift in energy is no longer a question of possibility — it is one of will.
"Our Power, Our Planet — the future is in our hands."
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