Words by Tess Becker
Countries around the world are starting to expand their green energy capability in a bid to fight climate change and improve the world as a whole. It has reach new heights in countries like Portugal, where their capacity for green energy continues to grow, generating enough in March to power the entire country.
Renewable energy surpassed monthly consumption for the first time ever, generating 103% of the necessary energy for the country. The next closest was in 2014 when the country generated 99.2%.
This almost certainly won’t be the last time the country meets its electricity needs with renewable sources, since the government has pledged that renewables will satisfy its mainland electricity needs by 2040.
Much of Europe is seeing similar success and goals. Germany has committed to an electricity supply that is at least 80% renewable, possibly as high as 100%, by mid-century. Denmark already produces around 100% of its own needs at times from renewable sources, as do Norway and Iceland, thanks to hydropower and geothermal heat.
There is still a lot of work to do but we’re going in the right direction.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund. This organization helps support underrepresented and underfunded Black, indigenous, and women of color-led organizations across the world. Find out more and support them here.
Collective Sun. They help nonprofits get outfitted with solar power capabilities. Check them out here.
Florida Bicycle Association. An organization that helps mobilize people and promote greener living and safer biking. Find out more.
