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Can Ozempic, Mounjaro and other GLP-1 drugs fight addiction? Study finds links

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Can Ozempic, Mounjaro and other GLP-1 drugs fight addiction? Study finds links

The blockbuster GLP-1 drugs that have reshaped the treatment of diabetes and obesity may help prevent multiple substance use disorders — and reduce the tragic outcomes they cause, a large new study finds.

An analysis published Wednesday in a medical journal looked at electronic health records from more than 600,000 U.S. Veterans Affairs patients with diabetes. It found that those treated with medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro were less likely to develop addictions to alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, opioids and other substances than those treated with a different class of drugs.

In those already addicted, the GLP-1 drugs were linked to lower risks of hospitalization, overdose and death, according to the study.

The new results suggest — but don’t prove — that the weight-loss medications may be able to target the underlying source of cravings that affect the more than 48 million Americans with substance use disorders.

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“They’re actually working against the root cause of all these different addictions,” said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the study’s lead author and a chief researcher at the VA St. Louis Health Care System.

Here’s what you need to know about the new research published by The BMJ:

How the study was designed

Previous studies have suggested that the drugs known as GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, could reduce addictions by targeting the brain’s reward pathways. But those studies have been small and often limited to one substance.

For this study, one of the largest to date, Al-Aly and his colleagues analyzed data from the electronic records of more than 600,000 Veterans Affairs patients with diabetes over three years. They compared people who received GLP-1 drugs with those treated with medications that lower blood sugar.

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The patients were divided into seven parallel trials that analyzed the risk of developing addictions to multiple substances including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine and opioids. Another trial looked at the risk of specific harms among people with existing addictions when they took the different types of medication.

What the researchers found

Al-Aly and his colleagues found that people starting the GLP-1 drugs had lower risks of developing addiction to multiple substances. Compared with the other medications, people taking the GLP-1 drugs had a reduced risk for addiction: 18% for alcohol, 14% for cannabis, 20% for both cocaine and nicotine, and 25% for opioids.

In patients who already had substance use disorders, starting the GLP-1s was linked with a 31% lower risk of emergency department visits, 26% lower risk of hospitalizations, 25% lower risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts, 39% lower risk of overdose — and 50% lower risk of death.

Overall, the study found that using GLP-1 drugs likely prevented about seven cases of substance use disorder and 12 incidents involving serious harm for every 1,000 users over three years, Al-Aly said.

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The limits of the study

Among the study’s limitations: It was conducted within the VA health system, which serves a population that is mostly older, white and male, although Al-Aly said the results were consistent in more than 35,000 women. It also includes data only from people with diabetes, not the general population.

The researchers also couldn’t account for some factors, such as socioeconomic status or lifestyle choices, that could affect the results. And the analysis focuses on the effects of using GLP-1s compared with another drug, not compared with no treatment.

As an observational study, the new analysis showed that the GLP-1s are associated with reduced risk of substance use disorders and harms, not that the drugs themselves caused the reduction.

Addiction researchers see a need for new medications

The new findings are striking, said Dr. Lorenzo Leggio, a National Institute on Drug Abuse clinical director who wasn’t involved in the study.

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“Even though we don’t fully understand the mechanism, somehow the GLP-1 system is tackling addiction biology and the foundational system that underlies all these disorders,” he said.

Diabetes and weight-loss trials have shown that the GLP-1 drugs target hormones in the gut and the brain that control appetite and feelings of fullness, cutting down on what’s described as “food noise,” or intrusive thoughts of food. In the same way, this study indicates the drugs may tamp down “alcohol or drug noise,” Leggio said.

Growing evidence that GLP-1s might prevent substance use disorders is exciting, said Dr. Anna Lembke, a Stanford University addiction medicine specialist.

“We haven’t really had a new tool in our toolbox from a pharmacotherapy perspective to treat addiction in a long time,” said Lembke, noting that some addiction specialists are already prescribing GLP-1s off-label, especially when other treatments have failed.

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She cautioned that the GLP-1 drugs don’t work the same way for all users and that they have risks that must be weighed against potential benefits.

What comes next

The new findings do not, by themselves, justify prescribing GLP-1 drugs to prevent or treat substance use disorders, Al-Aly said. That evidence would need to come from randomized controlled clinical trials that directly compare the use of the drugs against a placebo, or dummy medication. Several such trials are pending, Leggio noted.

The goal is finding a new way to treat addictions, which are a leading cause of sickness and death around the world.

“The consequence in terms of chronic disease of these addictive drugs is actually gigantic in our society,” Leggio said.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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How to watch The Pitt in UK and episode release schedule for hit medical drama

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Wales Online

The Pitt season 2 is a must-watch for fans of medical dramas like ER

Lovers of medical dramas are in for a delight as a successful US show is set to make its UK debut, coinciding with the launch of a new streaming giant.

The second series of The Pitt began airing in the US in January 2026, and it’s now set to premiere in the UK, along with the complete first series, as HBO Max launches on 26 March.

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This procedural drama stars ER icon Noah Wyle as Dr Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, a senior attending physician at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Centre.

The series has garnered critical acclaim and has been lauded by the medical community for its accuracy.

Having won numerous awards, including five at the 77th Primetime Emmys, the show is anticipated to be a massive hit in the UK. Here’s everything you need to know about series two.

READ MORE: Netflix makes exciting announcement and Stranger Things fans will be thrilledREAD MORE: The classic Neighbours stars of the 1980s and 1990s: Where are they now?

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How many episodes does The Pitt have?

The first series comprises 15 episodes, with each episode title reflecting the hour of the day, starting with ‘7am’.

Upon its US release, the first two episodes were broadcast simultaneously, with the remaining episodes aired weekly.

Series two also consists of 15 episodes, with the first 11 already aired in the US.

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This time, the premiere included only one episode, with subsequent episodes released weekly.

When the series arrives in the UK, fans will have access to the entire first series all at once, with episodes from series two being released weekly from 26 March.

When are new episodes of The Pitt released?

For enthusiasts in the UK, new episodes will continue to be broadcast weekly on Thursdays, aligning with the US schedule.

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Given that most of the second season has already premiered in the US, it might prove challenging for UK fans to dodge spoilers.

How to watch The Pitt in the UK

Get HBO Max free with Sky

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Sky is giving away free subscriptions to HBO Max with its Ultimate TV bundle, which also includes Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, Hayu, and around 135 channels at no extra cost.

To view The Pitt, audiences will require an HBO Max subscription, with plans for the streaming service commencing at £4.99 per month.

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Subscriptions will be available from 26 March, coinciding with the platform’s launch.

The standard HBO Max tier, which excludes advertisements, is priced at £9.99 per month and includes full HD streaming on two devices along with 30 downloads.

The premium tier is set at £14.99 per month and offers 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Atmos and four concurrent streams.

The Pitt season 2 will air on a weekly basis on HBO Max

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Yorkshire racing stars announced for Middleham Open Day

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Yorkshire racing stars announced for Middleham Open Day

The Middleham Open Day takes place in one of Britain’s most celebrated racing towns, with nine leading training yards set to welcome guests from 9:30am on Good Friday, April 3.

Visitors will get the chance to meet unbeaten Classic contender Crown Relic and multiple Group 1 winner Fallen Angel, among other racing stars.

Dawn Goodfellow, chief executive of Racing Welfare, said: “Middleham Open Day is one of the most special days in our calendar.

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“It gives people a genuine insight into life behind the stable doors, while celebrating the dedication, skill and community that define this town.

“The success of this year’s employee award winners shows just how strong that community is.”

Karl Burke’s Spigot Lodge will offer a close-up look at Crown Relic, Fallen Angel, and Royal Champion, who has earned nearly £2.4 million in prize money.

At Charlie Johnston Racing, visitors can watch horse swimming demonstrations from 9:45am, take part in a live Q&A, and meet horses such as Venetian Lace—entered in both the English and Irish Guineas—alongside Epsom Derby runner-up Lazy Griff.

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The Middleham Marketplace opens at 9am with trade stands and a traditional hounds parade, before entertainment begins on Low Moor at 11:30am.

The afternoon activities include Retraining of Racehorses Showing classes, family-friendly events, and a parade from 1pm by Lady Buttons, the popular ‘Queen of the North’, in the main arena with owner Jennie.

The inter-yard Challenge starts at 2:15pm, followed by the Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies Dog Show at 3pm.

The day also celebrates the people behind the sport, including recent winners of the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards from Middleham.

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Among them are Kieran Kourdache of Karl Burke Racing, who was named Rider/Racing Groom Award winner and Overall Employee of the Year; Freddie Wilks of Charlie Johnston Racing, who took the Newcomer Award; and Hayley Clements of Micky Hammond Racing, who received the Community Award.

All proceeds from the day support Racing Welfare, the industry’s only charity that helps racing workers and their families.

The charity offers confidential assistance with health, housing, finances, careers, and more.

Ms Goodfellow said: “Every ticket sold helps us continue to support racing’s people when they need it most.”

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Tickets are on sale now at www.middlehamopenday.co.uk.

Yards open from 9:30am, with events on Low Moor beginning at 11:30am.

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James Blake at Union Chapel review: gorgeous intimacy from the king of introspection

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James Blake at Union Chapel review: gorgeous intimacy from the king of introspection

It helped that this was very much an informal show. There was a pleasingly homespun feel to things, with Blake remixing his songs live on stage, getting the beat wrong on the kick drum (and pausing to laugh), and spinning out the intros to various tracks into experimental, fascinatingly varied segues — all that, in between idly chatting to the audience, putting down his own guitar-playing skills and telling himself to “do his job.”

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Lime and coconut squares recipe

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Lime and coconut squares recipe

Diana Henry is the Telegraph’s much-loved cookery writer. She shares recipes each week, for everything from speedy family dinners to special menus that friends will remember for months. She is also a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, and her journalism and recipe books, including Simple and How to Eat a Peach, are multi-award-winning. A mother of two sons, Diana can satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.   

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Vulnerable woman who uses wheelchair hasn’t been seen for two months

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Daily Record

40-year-old Tabitha Kay Willow, who may also be accompanied by a guide dog, has not been seen or heard from in weeks despite extensive enquiries.

Police are searching for a vulnerable woman who is missing from Thurso.

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Tabitha Kay Willow, 40, was reported missing in February 2026, but was last confirmed to have been seen weeks earlier.

Despite extensive enquiries, officers have so far been unable to trace her, and say nobody known to them has been in touch with her since she was last sighted.

Tabitha, who also uses the name Mae Jenkins, is fully mobile and can walk unaided, although she sometimes uses a wheelchair. She may also be accompanied by a guide dog, though no description of the animal is available.

She is believed to speak with an English accent and has a distinctive tattoo of three bats on her right wrist.

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Anyone who may have seen her, or who has information about her whereabouts, is urged to come forward. Even the smallest detail could prove crucial in helping trace her and ensure she is safe.

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Information can be passed to police by calling 101, quoting incident reference PS-20260319-2375, or via the Police Scotland website.

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE

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Female Foyle MLAs speak of ‘unspeakable loss’ in reaction to Amy Doherty’s death

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Belfast Live

They called for a more robust change in the culture that leads to violence against women and girls

The city of Derry has been brought to a standstill after the murder of young mum-of-two Amy Doherty.

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Amy, 28, was found injured in a house in the Summer Meadows Mews area of the city on Saturday morning, 21 March. She was taken to hospital where she later died.

Shockwaves have been sent through the city, and representatives have spoken out against the dangers that women face.

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin said: “This is an unspeakable loss for the family and friends of Amy Doherty.

“From the outpouring of love following her death, it is clear how special she was and the positive impact she had on so many lives in our city.

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“It is unimaginable that her two young children will now grow up without their mother.

“Our city is hurting following Amy’s death.

“The loss of a young woman in such circumstances has rightly made people angry and has once again brought into sharp focus our failure to deal with the scourge of violence against women and girls.

“We need to see a societal response to violence against women and girls, starting with conversations in our homes, schools and workplaces with family and friends.

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“We also need proper investment in prevention, support for victims of abuse, and a justice system that supports victims rather than discouraging them from coming forward.

“The lives of Amy’s loved ones have been changed forever and we have a responsibility to confront these issues head on, challenge misogyny wherever it exists and work to eliminate violence against women and girls from our society so that no other family has to endure such a devastating loss.”

Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson has said there is shock and devastation across Derry.

She said: “There is widespread shock and devastation across the city to learn that police have launched a murder inquiry after a woman was found dead in the Summer Meadow Mews area of the city.

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“Our heartfelt thoughts are with this woman’s loved ones as they face the unimaginable loss which this horrific crime has brought upon them.

“A young woman’s life was taken in the latest act of violence against women and girls and I appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI.

“The Executive’s Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls sets out how it aims to tackle this scourge in our society.

“But we must all do more to confront the causes and cultures behind this violence and to do everything possible to bring the harm and abuse of women to an end.”

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A vigil has also been organised for Friday, March 27 at 7pm at the Guildhall to remember Amy and the lives of other women killed across Northern Ireland.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.

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Miami Open: Coco Gauff battles imposter syndrome to reach semi-finals for first time

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Coco Gauff celebrates her victory at the Miami Open

Coco Gauff admitted she still battles with imposter syndrome after overcoming Belinda Bencic to reach the Miami Open semi-finals for the first time.

The 22-year-old two-time Grand Slam champion is the youngest American to reach the women’s singles semi-finals at the tournament since Serena Williams in 2004 – the year Gauff was born.

Gauff, ranked fourth in the world, won four straight games after conceding a break of serve in the deciding set to close out a 6-3 1-6 6-3 victory in two hours and 15 minutes.

If Gauff reaches the final, she will overtake former world number one Iga Swiatek and move to third in the WTA rankings next week.

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But following her win over Swiss 12th seed Bencic she said that she is still learning “to believe that I belong where I am”.

“I think sometimes I can get imposter syndrome and, even when they are saying my accomplishments when I walk on or during the warm-up, it doesn’t feel like me and I’m like, ‘oh, actually, you do have a good career’,” said Gauff.

“But it doesn’t feel like that sometimes. When you’re working on things, and especially with my serve, it just feels like I shouldn’t be where I am. But tennis doesn’t lie, the ball doesn’t lie, so I just have to believe myself.

“My coach has been reminding me – remember who you are, you’re a good player. They’ve been putting that into my head. At moments, I believe in it, and other moments, I don’t. I’m just trying to believe in it more.”

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Michaelina Wautier review: Intensely pleasurable look at neglected female artist

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Michaelina Wautier review: Intensely pleasurable look at neglected female artist

Now here’s a thing. At a time when women painters have never been more prized and sought-after, at the Royal Academy we find an almost unknown mid-seventeenth century Flemish female artist who would be at ease in any collection featuring Rubens and Van Dyck. Michaelina Wautier, along with her brother Charles, was for centuries lost to view, despite her obvious standing as an artist during her career and her distinguished patrons. Indeed, it was only really in 2018 that she came on the radar with an ambitious exhibition of her work in Antwerp. Now the hunt is on for other works by her, but for now, most of her known (or assumed) paintings are assembled in the Royal Academy for this intensely pleasurable exhibition.

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Ryedale Youth Theatre present Grease the Musical in Malton

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Ryedale Youth Theatre present Grease the Musical in Malton

This year’s Easter production from RYT is ‘Grease the Musical’, which will be pe

Grease is the word in Malton as youngsters from Ryedale Youth Theatre (RYT) take to the stage for a much-loved musical.

rformed at the Milton Rooms from April 1 to 4.

Grease opened on February, 5 1971 in Chicago, in a damp, drafty, former trolley barn called the Kingston Mines Theatre.

A non-professional cast of 18 actors played the first of its scheduled “four performances only” to a full house of 120 seats. Almost immediately the show was extended…then again, and again, and again. The rest, as they say, is history.

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A year later, on February, 14 1972, Grease opened in New York. Within six months a national tour crossed the US and Canada. A company opened in Australia. The first London production opened at the New London Theatre with a young, unknown Richard Gere as Danny Zuko – soon the role eventually assumed by co-producer Paul Nicholas. Soon the foreign productions, touring companies and stock and amateur groups seemed to span the globe.

The T-Birds – Jack Robinson, Jonathan Stockhill, Lucas Dawson, Alexander Summers,

The huge success of the motion picture in 1978 resulted in a whole new legion of Grease fanatics. The movie version of Grease holds the record for “more concessions sold” than any other film in motion picture history.

Formed in 1991, RYT is a voluntary organisation involving young people, aged 8-18, in the Ryedale and York areas in all aspects of the performing arts and in particular musical theatre, both on stage and behind the scenes.

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The Pink Ladies – Rizzo (Evie-Mae Dale) Frenchie (Hattie White) Marty (Stephanie Rastenis) Jan (Morven Caddy)

A spokesperson for RYT said: “Each Easter we welcome up to 70 young people to participate in a theatre production, an enriching experience that inspires creativity, teamwork and confidence.

“Our organisation is entirely run by dedicated volunteers and we rely heavily on the generosity of our supporters to fund our productions.

Eugene (Isaac Patterson); Miss Lynch (Lily Gibson) Patty (Tilly Dawson)

“Grease doesn’t have a message. It gives you a flavour of being a teenager in the 50s – when rock ‘n’ roll and putting grease on your hair were the most important things in life. If people come along to the show and take it on that level then we’ll give them a party. In fact, if you come out of the theatre feeling that you’ve been to the best party in town, then we’ll know that we’re getting it right. A party of the best kind. It was fun then, but it’s just as much fun now!”

“What Grease is really all about – more than anything else – is having fun. So, just sit back, kick off your blue suede shoes, and relax. Have a ball! Grease is, after all, a celebration.

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Ryedale Youth Theatre presents ‘Grease the Musical’ at The Milton Rooms, Malton on April 1 to 4. Evenings at 7.15 pm. Thursday and Saturday Matinee at 2pm.

Sandy (Beth Steel) and Danny (Jonathan Stockill)

Tickets available from www.yourboxoffice.co.uk

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Amid an energy crisis, the renewables juggernaut gathers pace

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Amid an energy crisis, the renewables juggernaut gathers pace

As emissions continue to rise and governments fail to respond with anything like the urgency required, it’s tempting to conclude that the prospects for a liveable planet are growing dim.

But as spring arrives, there is one striking spark of light. Sunlight, to be precise – captured on solar panels and pumping out electrons down the wires, on a scale unimaginable even a decade ago.

The amount of solar installed worldwide doubled between 2022 and 2024 alone. In the first three quarters of 2025, it accounted for 83% of all new electricity-generating capacity. Key to this is the continuing collapse in costs, which have fallen by close to 90% per kWh in just the last decade. Crucially, the cost of batteries – essential for storing the power generated – has plunged by a similar amount in that time.

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Over a longer period, the vertiginous fall in solar’s costs is unprecedented for any energy technology: in 1975, it was $100 (£75) per watt. Today it’s just $0.20 (£0.15) – a fall of 99.8%. It used to be just about the most expensive way imaginable of generating power. Now, for much of the world, it is the cheapest.

It’s not just affordability that’s boosting solar, but alacrity, too. In 2004, it typically took a year to install a gigawatt (GW) of solar power (an amount roughly equivalent to the capacity of a nuclear reactor or one of the larger gas-fired power plants). In 2016, that had come down to a week. By 2023, it took just 24 hours. And it’s still falling.

In his new book, Here Comes the Sun, veteran environmentalist Bill McKibben highlights some of the consequences of this double whammy in price and pace. In Pakistan alone, to give one example, enough solar has been installed in the last 18 months to account for one-third of the country’s current grid capacity.

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Combined with similar, if less dramatic, falls in the cost of wind power (down 80% in a decade), these trends explain why, as of this year, renewables are now growing fast enough to exceed all new global electricity demand, and are already producing more energy than coal.

In the UK, renewables now meet 37% of our needs, compared to 35% from fossil fuels. Sure, the latter still delivers over half the world’s electricity, but their share is starting to shrink. Donald Trump may continue to “dig coal” and rail against the “stupidity” of wind and solar, but when it comes to new power sources, the energy markets are trumping Trump, all while his war in Iran adds fresh urgency to the renewable energy transition.

This has a direct knock-on effect on the prospect for curbing carbon emissions. Globally, these are still on the rise – albeit fractionally. But a shift is under way, and no more strikingly so than the world’s biggest emitter – China. It may be notorious for its large number of coal plants, but it’s also a world leader in renewables. It added nearly 400GW of solar and wind capacity in 2025 – as much as the rest of the world combined.

In 2004, it took a year to install a gigawatt of solar power. By 2023 it took just 24 hours, and it’s still falling

Along with industrial efficiency improvements, this explains why analysts now believe the country’s carbon emissions are flatlining or even starting to decline – despite growing electricity demand. And if China, the world’s factory, can achieve that particular elusive feat of ‘decoupling’, then anyone can.

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It’s no coincidence that it’s also leading the way on the electrification of its massive transport feet. One in two vehicles now sold in China is electric. And EVs’ growing market share is now being mirrored elsewhere, including in the UK, where the figure is one in four – and rising. By comparison, petrol car registrations are down by a quarter year on year.

Since power and transport combined account for a hefty share of global carbon emissions, the trends under way here offer an unmistakable ray of hope amid increasingly serious climate warnings. There’s a mountain still to climb, but at least there’s a path to the summit.

Martin Wright is a director of Positive News

Main image: Shutterstock

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