The Electrifying Future: Why 35% by 2035 Could Change Everything
There’s a bold idea floating around the halls of climate diplomacy these days: by 2035, a third of the world’s energy needs should come from electricity. It’s a target that, on the surface, sounds technical and perhaps even mundane. But if you take a step back and think about it, this proposal—championed by Turkey’s environment minister, Murat Kurum, ahead of COP31—could be one of the most transformative shifts in how we power our lives.
The Big Picture: Why Electrification Matters
Let’s start with the basics. Right now, only about 20% of our final energy demand is met by electricity. The rest? It’s still dominated by fossil fuels, particularly in sectors like transport, heating, and heavy industry. What makes this particularly fascinating is that while renewable energy has made massive strides—accounting for about a third of global electricity generation—its reach hasn’t extended far enough into the rest of the economy.
Personally, I think this is where the real battle for a low-carbon future will be won or lost. Electrification isn’t just about swapping out coal plants for solar panels; it’s about reimagining how we live, work, and move. From electric vehicles to heat pumps, the technology already exists. What’s missing is the political will and the infrastructure to scale it up.
The Urgency Behind the Target
One thing that immediately stands out is the timing of this proposal. The world is grappling with what Chris Bowen, Australia’s climate change minister, aptly called “the worst energy crisis in our history.” The Iran war has sent oil prices soaring past $100 a barrel, and the resulting volatility has exposed the fragility of our reliance on fossil fuels.
What many people don’t realize is that this crisis isn’t just an economic headache—it’s a wake-up call. Clean energy isn’t just good for the planet; it’s now the cheapest form of power available. Electrifying sectors like transport and heating could shield economies from the wild swings of fossil fuel markets. From my perspective, this isn’t just about cutting emissions; it’s about building resilience in a world that’s becoming increasingly unpredictable.
The Human Side of Electrification
A detail that I find especially interesting is how electrification intersects with everyday life. Take, for example, the push for clean cooking in African communities or the shift from diesel to solar energy in Pacific nations. These aren’t just abstract policy goals—they’re about improving lives.
What this really suggests is that the transition to a low-carbon economy isn’t just an environmental imperative; it’s a social and economic one too. Electrification could mean cleaner air, lower energy bills, and greater energy security for millions of people. But here’s the catch: it requires massive investment in infrastructure and a concerted effort to ensure that no one is left behind.
The Role of COP31: Ambition Meets Reality
COP31, co-hosted by Turkey and Australia, is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in this conversation. Kurum’s call for a 35% electrification target by 2035 is ambitious, but it’s also practical. The International Energy Agency will be tasked with mapping out how we get there, which is a crucial step.
What’s striking, though, is the broader context. This target comes at a time when the world is facing not just an energy crisis but also the looming threat of a “super El Niño,” which could bring devastating heatwaves, droughts, and floods. As Simon Stiell, the UN climate chief, put it, this is “the hardest, but most important, thing humanity has ever tried to do together.”
The Hidden Implications: Waste and Beyond
One aspect of COP31 that hasn’t gotten as much attention is Turkey’s focus on waste. Kurum has called for halving the growth rate of global waste by 2035, a goal that’s both ambitious and deeply personal. Emine Erdoğan, the Turkish president’s wife, has been a driving force behind this initiative, having launched a national waste reduction campaign in 2017.
In my opinion, this focus on waste is a smart move. It’s often overlooked in climate discussions, but waste management is inextricably linked to energy use and emissions. By tackling waste, we’re not just cleaning up our landfills—we’re also reducing the demand for raw materials and the energy needed to produce them.
The Bigger Question: Can We Get There?
If you ask me, the 35% electrification target is achievable—but it’s far from guaranteed. The technology is there, and the economic case is compelling. But the political and logistical challenges are enormous. How do we ensure that developing countries have access to the funding and technology they need? How do we overcome resistance from industries that are deeply entrenched in fossil fuels?
This raises a deeper question: Are we willing to make the sacrifices necessary to get there? Electrification isn’t just a technical fix; it’s a cultural shift. It requires us to rethink how we consume energy, how we build our cities, and even how we define progress.
Final Thoughts: A Future Worth Fighting For
As I reflect on the 35% by 2035 target, I’m struck by its potential to reshape our world. It’s not just about hitting a number; it’s about creating a future where energy is clean, affordable, and accessible to all.
Personally, I think this is the kind of bold vision we need right now. It’s ambitious, but not unrealistic. It’s challenging, but not impossible. And most importantly, it’s a future worth fighting for. Because if we can electrify a third of our energy needs by 2035, we’ll be one giant step closer to a world that’s not just sustainable, but thriving.
So, here’s my takeaway: let’s not just aim for 35%. Let’s make it happen. Because the alternative? Well, that’s a future none of us can afford.
