Sierra magazine is reporting that the argument that fossil fuels are cheaper than renewable energy sources is no longer valid, according to climate author Bill McKibben. In an article published March 11, 2026, McKibben states that about five years ago, it became cheaper to produce power from solar, wind, and batteries than from burning fossil fuels.
This economic shift, he said, has driven a wave of clean energy adoption in countries like China, leading to reductions in fossil fuel use. McKibben noted that while the sun and wind alone won't solve climate change, scalable tools are now available to displace fossil fuels. He also pointed to everyday solutions like electric vehicles and heat pumps as further evidence of progress.
However, McKibben said this economic reality is causing fear and anger among owners of oil and coal industries. He cited the Trump administration's actions, such as halting offshore wind projects and freezing funding for residential solar programs, as examples of top-down opposition. McKibben urged those working for climate solutions to engage politically to ensure the energy transition can proceed, emphasizing that while tools like carbon pricing and divestment are still important, the technological advancements make the shift to clean energy easier than ever.