Scientists say the Earth is likely to shoot past a key global warming target within the decade, bringing the planet ever closer to a full-blown climate catastrophe.
The good news?
Several climate-friendly technologies like renewable energy may be approaching tipping points in which they become mainstream, finds a new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). These transitions could allow humanity to break free of fossil fuels in some sectors and make a meaningful dent in the greenhouse gas emissions that are driving global warming.
These tipping points are not guaranteed, found the report, titled Cheaper. Cleaner. Unstoppable. Clean technologies that are delivering for the Climate. They hinge on clear and sustained policies, investment, and public support to fulfill their potential. But their approach gives those on the frontlines of the climate battle reason for hope because once progress reaches a certain point, it can become self-reinforcing.
For so long our economies and societies have been tied to fossil fuels, says Anne Olhoff, director of the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre. But were finally at the point where, at least in some cases, were poised to break the iron grip of coil, oil and gas.
Here are five areas to watch, according to the new UNEP report.
1. Renewable energy - the cheapest option
Over the past decade, the cost of renewable energy has fallen dramatically. In most parts of the world, installing solar power is now cheaper than building new coal or gas plants. As a result, renewables have become the largest destination for global energy investment, reaching around US$450 billion in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency.
Since 2020, more than 75 per cent of new power capacity added globally has come from renewable sources, with solar and wind growing faster than any other energy technologies in history. In some countries, they now generate most electricity.
The electricity sector accounts for roughly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. But the quick expansion of renewables, supported by rapidly expanding battery storage, is reshaping entire energy systems, as costs continue to fall, and investment and political support increase.
2. Electric vehicles are accelerating into the mainstream
In 2025, electric vehicles accounted for more than a quarter of global new car sales, up from less than 3 per cent in 2019. This shift has been driven by falling battery costs, expanding charging infrastructure, and stronger policies.
In Norway, electric cars now make up almost all new vehicle sales. China has scaled manufacturing at unprecedented speed, creating global supply chain momentum. Ethiopia, where electric vehicles make up 60 per cent of new car sales, is leading among the developing countries. Meanwhile, countries like Vietnam and Uruguay are also seeing rapid growth, faster than in many developed economies.
Electric buses, delivery fleets, and two- and three-wheelers are also expanding quickly, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where they play a major role in everyday mobility. Positive effects, beyond lower emissions, include cleaner air, lower fuel costs, reduced dependence on oil and gas, and integration with renewable electricity systems.
3. Smarter buildings can reduce the need for air conditioning
Extreme heat is becoming one of the most pressing climate risks, particularly in cities, where temperatures can be 510C warmer than in surrounding areas, placing a disproportionate burden on lower-income communities. One of the most effective responses relies on better design of buildings and urban spaces.
A passive-first approach, using shading, ventilation, insulation, and reflective materials, can significantly reduce indoor temperatures without mechanical cooling. The low cost of this solution makes it available in a wide range of economic contexts.
In some climates, these measures can lower indoor temperatures by 69C, reducing or even eliminating the need for air conditioning. At scale, passive cooling strategies, combined with urban green spaces, such as parks and green roofs, could cut urban emissions by up to 25 per cent while also improving air quality, biodiversity, public health and quality of life.
With nearly three billion people lacking access to adequate cooling, adopting these solutions at a wider scale is critical for emission reductions and for better health and climate resilience. When embedded in building codes and urban planning, their adoption can accelerate quickly, helping reduce energy demand and ease pressure on electricity systems during heatwaves.
4. Heat pumps are transforming how we heat and cool buildings
Buildings are responsible for around 21 per cent of global emissions, and a large part of them are linked to heating and cooling. Heat pumps offer a more efficient alternative. They can both heat and cool buildings while using significantly less energy than conventional systems, and they are becoming increasingly affordable and cost competitive as production scales.
Adoption is already widespread in parts of Northern Europe thanks to supportive policy frameworks. In other parts of the world, governments are strengthening appliance energy performance standards to accelerate the transition.
This shift is particularly important in rapidly urbanizing regions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, where cooling demand is expected to rise sharply, potentially driving a surge in electricity use. Getting ahead of this demand with technologies like heat pumps will be critical for managing both emissions and energy costs.
5. Cutting food waste offers one of the fastest climate wins
Food systems account for around 30 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, roughly one-third of all food produced globally is wasted, contributing to up to 10 per cent of emissions. Reducing food waste is one of the biggest opportunities to cut emissions, improve food security, and conserve land and water resources.
Interestingly, cities are emerging as important drivers of change. They consume around 70 per cent of the worlds food supply and face a growing pressure to reduce and manage waste. From financial incentives for waste reduction in Bangkok to awareness campaigns in Rio de Janeiro and Yokohamas innovative SDG lockers that redistribute surplus food, cities are testing solutions that could be scaled globally.
Combined with better food literacy, improved tracking systems, and technologies that connect surplus food with consumers, these initiatives have the potential to reduce food waste and make food systems more sustainable.
About World Environment Day
World Environment Day, celebrated annually on 5 June, is one of the planet's largest platforms for environmental outreach and is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This year's edition, hosted by Azerbaijan, will focus on solutions to the climate crisis. See how you can get involved.
Written by Alyona Synenko
Reviewed by James Haselip, Anne Olhoff
