Dhaka, Oct. 19 -- Renewable energy has overtaken coal as the world's leading source of electricity in the first half of this year -- a historic first, according to new data from the global energy think tank 'Ember'.

Electricity demand, as we all know, is growing around the world but the growth in solar and wind has apparently been so strong, it has met 100 per cent of the extra electricity demand in some areas -- even driving a slight decline in coal and gas use. However, 'Ember' has also indicated that the headlines mask a mixed global picture.

Developing countries, especially China, lead the clean energy charge but richer nations including the US and EU rely more than before on planet-warming fossil fuels for electricity generation. C...