A rare bit of good news for the climate crisis: countries are actually ramping up their renewable ambitions

In a rare bit of good news for the climate crisis front, multiple countries are ramping up their renewable energy ambition ahead of 2035.

Ramping up renewable ambitions

This is according to a new report by 350.org, produced in collaboration with Zero Carbon Analytics. It found that 15 of the 19 countries that have submitted updated national climate plans, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are increasing goals for renewable energy. Signatories to the Paris Agreement submit these NDCs at regular intervals to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The report shows that 15 countries included specific targets or outlined clear ambitions to expand renewable energy in their new national climate plans.

Additionally, seven countries have either introduced new renewable energy targets or strengthened existing ones, signaling growing commitment to the clean energy transition.

Meanwhile, over 80% of countries with new plans have pledged support for the COP28 goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. The analysis is based on submissions as of 10 March 2025.

Countries leading the way on renewables

The report show that there’s growing renewable ambition. Some countries in particular are leading the way on renewables.

COP26 host the UK has pledged that at least 95% of its electricity will come from onshore wind, solar, offshore wind, and nuclear by 2030.

Meanwhile, COP28 host the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aims to increase its renewable energy capacity by more than 500%, from 3.7 GW to 19.8 GW by 2030.

The US has set a goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035, including renewables and nuclear.

The Marshall Islands aims to reach a 66% renewable energy share by 2030, with a long-term goal of achieving net-zero energy systems by 2050.

Other countries are already surpassing targets.

Brazil has already exceeded its 2030 target, generating 89% of its electricity from renewables in 2023 – well above its previous goal of 84%.

Several countries, including Japan, the UK, and Switzerland, are deploying renewable energy faster than necessary to meet their 2030 targets. Of the 19 countries analyzed, seven already have ambitious targets of achieving over 90% renewable electricity by 2030 or 2035.

Ambition alone is not enough: accountability and action is vital

While the report highlights growing ambition, ambition alone is not enough. Countries must translate their targets into concrete action, including rapid policy implementation, significant public and private investment, and clear accountability measures.

Moreover, many of these countries are also wedded to, or also increasing fossil fuel output at the same time. For instance, UAE’s state fossil fuel company has plans to scale up its oil production by 25% until 2030. The UK has also yet to officially scrap the gargantuan Rosebank oilfield. And over in the US, Trump has declared his government’s “drill, baby, drill” agenda.

Associate director of policy and campaigns at 350.org Andreas Sieber said:

The latest climate plan submissions reveal that countries are stepping up on renewables – beneath shifting political winds the trajectory is clear and more positive than many might have expected. The momentum for renewables continues and is building. But we need more. With the world facing devastating climate impacts and rising energy prices from fossil fuels, we can’t afford half-measures. Countries must now back their renewable energy pledges with robust policies, and the European Union, China, and others yet to submit their targets must harness this momentum.

She continued:

Tripling renewable energy by 2030 is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. We can’t allow these pledges to be empty promises. Governments must deliver real action that puts people and the planet first, not the profits of fossil fuel giants.”Countries that have yet to submit their updated national climate plans to the UN must do so by September. This deadline is critical for ensuring their commitments are factored into the final assessment of whether the world is on track to meet its climate goals, as nations set new emissions reduction targets for 2035.

Research associate at Zero Carbon Analytics and lead analyst of the brief Victoria Kalyvas added:

An initial analysis of national climate plans shows that an increasing number of countries see renewables as a fundamental part of their energy future, with a few emerging as leaders in the rapidly accelerating clean energy transition. The momentum behind renewables—including commitments to COP28 goals—reflects recognition of the economic, security, and affordability benefits of renewable energy sources.

Featured image via the Canary