Energy efficiency needs to be doubled by 2030 to meet climate targets, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has called today.

Increasing energy efficiency will enable the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels to be achieved, while ensuring increased security and affordability of energy supplies. This was announced by the IEA at a conference held in Versailles near Paris.

"If progress in achieving energy efficiency rises from 2.2 percent a year now to 4 percent in 2023, it could lead to a decisive reduction in greenhouse gas emissions," according to a report released at the forum.

Record high temperature at the surface of the oceans

In addition, increasing energy efficiency creates jobs, reduces energy costs, reduces air pollution and countries' dependence on fossil fuel imports.

"Today we are seeing a strong impetus in (efforts to increase the energy efficiency," said IEA Director Fatih Birol.

"Countries that account for more than 70 percent of global energy consumption have embarked on new or more effective policies since the global energy crisis began more than a year ago," Birol said.

The conference, organised by the IEA, is attended by representatives of the governments of over 30 countries and CEOs of more than 40 corporations.

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International Energy Agency