Human influence is driving our climate to uncharted territory, with 2015 smashing the record for the hottest year since reporting began in 1850. For two consecutive years, worldwide greenhouse gas emission levels have stalled, but there has not yet been a year that witnessed their effective decline. The Paris agreement committed the world to limit warming to below 2C compared to pre-industrial times, but an economic paradigm shift in the energy sector is imperative for effective progress to be made and further environmental impacts avoided. How can the EU further promote green renewable energy and energy efficiency whilst making them affordable for all and not hinder economic development?