How clean technology is measurably transforming our environment, economies, and communities around the globe.
Clean technologies are dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.
The power sector is the largest single source of CO₂ emissions. Transitioning from coal and gas to renewables is the fastest, most cost-effective route to cutting global emissions at the scale required by the Paris Agreement.
Fossil fuel combustion is the leading cause of air pollution, responsible for an estimated 8.7 million premature deaths annually. Clean technology directly reduces harmful pollutants like PM2.5, NOx, and SO₂.
Clean technology is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy, creating jobs, reducing costs, and attracting record investment.
How clean technologies are affecting emissions and growth across major economic sectors.
| Sector | Share of Global Emissions | Key Clean Tech Solutions | Emission Reduction Potential by 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity & Heat | 25% | Solar, Wind, Nuclear, Storage | 90% |
| Transportation | 16% | EVs, Hydrogen, SAF, Rail | 70–80% |
| Industry | 21% | Green H₂, CCS, Electrification | 50–70% |
| Buildings | 6% | Heat Pumps, Insulation, Smart Systems | 80% |
| Agriculture & Land Use | 18% | Precision Ag, Biotech, Carbon Farming | 30–50% |
Key milestones in the history and development of clean technology.
Bell Labs demonstrates the first silicon photovoltaic cell with 6% efficiency, launching the modern solar era.
Sony releases the first commercial lithium-ion battery, laying the foundation for portable electronics, EVs, and grid storage.
The first major international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, catalyzing early clean tech policy and investment.
The first highway-legal serial production all-electric car to use lithium-ion batteries, proving EVs could be desirable and high-performance.
196 nations commit to limiting global warming to well below 2°C, sending a powerful signal to markets and accelerating clean energy investment.
The IEA declares solar PV "the cheapest electricity in history" in most markets, a watershed moment for clean energy economics.
The largest clean energy investment in U.S. history — $369 billion — catalyzes massive domestic manufacturing and deployment of clean technology.
Global EV sales reach 14 million, with electric vehicles accounting for over 18% of all new car sales worldwide.
Access reports, tools, and organizations leading the clean technology revolution.