The Overthrow of Fossil Fuels

For an exceptionally long period, coal led as the number one energy source around the globe. During the Industrial Revolution, the amount of energy used by society increased when a shift from manpower to machine power occurred. Energy was created by burning and using coal, oil, and gas, which are more commonly known as fossil fuels. This type of energy comes with horrific consequences, including being the top cause of climate change. Fortunately, during this past year, some positive signs indicated that the fall of this destructive energy is imminent.

At the beginning of 2025, coal was overthrown as the number one global energy source. Instead, renewable solar and wind-powered energy took its place. This marked a historical first in society, according to the global think tank Ember. It was the first time in history that scientists were able to see a rise in positive, environmentally friendly energy as opposed to negative, environmentally harmful energy. Unfortunately, Ember also states that the increase in renewable energy varies country to country, and that in some places, fossil fuels are still used as the primary source of energy.

Unsurprisingly, the divide in types of energy occurs between developing and developed countries. Surprisingly, in most situations, developing countries prioritize the use of less-harmful energy. While developed countries emphasize the use of fossil fuel energy. China, a developing country, led in 2025 as the country with the most drastic shift to clean energy as a substitute for fossil fuels. It was able to lower the percentage of fossil fuel generation by 2%, which seems small, but is truly impactful. On the other hand, developed countries, including the US and those in the EU, continued to prioritize fossil fuels. With new, anti-renewable energy politicians coming into power in the US, and unfortunate weather in the EU, Ember analysts were not surprised by this difference. 

Despite everything, Ember calls this time a "crucial turning point". It marks the beginning of a promising wave of societal changes to prioritize renewable energy. Over the past three years, solar energy has become the most significant new energy source globally. Furthermore, it became more prevalent in low-income countries due to its 99.9% price decrease since 1975. Many signs indicate that renewable energy is the energy of the future; it has the biggest chance of overthrowing fossil fuels, and it is crucial that humanity begins to make a change.

In the end, it became crystal clear that humanity needs to change to renewable energy sources, and fast. At this point, Mother Nature cannot fight for herself; every decision has to be made with the right intention. However, this slight shift in energy priorities in 2025 is a sign of improvement. Yes, the difference is small enough that it is almost unnoticeable, but it is significant enough to prove positive change is possible.