Clean Energy Revolution Surges Ahead of Trump's Climate Policies

Clean Energy Revolution Outpaces Trump Administration's Climate Policies A recent surge in solar and wind energy production has made renewable sources the cheapest form of energy globally, according to a report by Sean Illing, host of The Gray Area podcast. This development has significant implications for the climate crisis, as it suggests that even if the Trump administration continues to roll back environmental regulations, the clean energy revolution will continue to gain momentum. Renewable Energy Costs Plummet The cost of solar and wind energy has dropped dramatically in recent years, making them more competitive with fossil fuels. In 2025, the average price of solar energy was $30 per megawatt-hour, while wind energy averaged $25 per megawatt-hour, according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). This decline in cost has led many cities and countries to transition to renewable energy sources. Cities and Countries Embracing Renewables Cities like Copenhagen and Oslo have already made significant strides in transitioning to renewable energy. In 2025, these cities reported that over 90% of their energy came from solar and wind power. Similarly, countries like Denmark and Norway have set ambitious targets for renewable energy production. Bill McKibben: "You Can't Stop the Sun" Environmental activist and writer Bill McKibben attributes the clean energy revolution's success to its decentralized nature. "Renewable energy is not dependent on a single source or infrastructure," McKibben said in an interview with Sean Illing. "It's like trying to stop the sun from shining – it's just not possible." Background and Context The Trump administration has been criticized for its roll-back of environmental regulations, including the Clean Power Plan, which aimed to reduce carbon emissions from power plants. However, despite these efforts, the clean energy revolution continues to gain momentum. Additional Perspectives Some experts argue that while the clean energy revolution is a positive development, it may not be enough to mitigate the effects of climate change. "We need to transition to 100% renewable energy as quickly as possible," said Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech University. "But we also need to address the root causes of climate change, such as consumption and population growth." Current Status and Next Developments As of 2025, over 130 countries have set targets for renewable energy production, with many aiming to reach 100% renewable energy by 2050. The IEA predicts that solar and wind energy will continue to dominate the global energy market, with renewables accounting for over 60% of global electricity generation by 2030. In conclusion, while the Trump administration's climate policies may be a setback for environmental progress, the clean energy revolution is gaining momentum worldwide. As Bill McKibben so aptly put it, "You can't stop the sun from shining." *Reporting by Vox.*