Sustainnovate’s Post

Rethinking global clean energy transition: Empowering grassroots for a sustainable future Summary: Reimagining the global clean energy transition is crucial for addressing the urgent challenge of climate change. This transition emphasizes the significance of shifting towards decentralized energy systems, such as solar and wind power, which offer increased accessibility, reliability, and sustainability. These systems enable individuals and communities, particularly in underserved regions, to generate and consume energy locally, democratizing access to clean energy and fostering economic development. Empowering grassroots communities and women is identified as a critical strategy. Considering the substantial portion of the global population living below the poverty line, and with nearly half being women, their inclusion and empowerment are pivotal. Grassroots communities possess invaluable local knowledge and perspectives that are essential for implementing sustainable clean energy solutions. The emergence of low-value clean energy assets like solar cooking stoves and e-rickshaws is facilitating broader inclusion at the grassroots level. Particularly, supporting women entrepreneurs in the clean energy sector could yield significant benefits, highlighting the need to address financial barriers to empower them fully. The necessity to reimagine finance in the clean energy sector is also underscored. Traditional financing mechanisms are ill-suited for decentralized systems, grassroots initiatives, and small-scale projects. There's a pressing need for diversified finance mechanisms that are tailored to the unique needs of these entities, enabling access to capital and fostering sustainable development. The cooperation between India and Nepal in the hydroelectricity sector illustrates the potential benefits of regional collaboration in the clean energy transition. Agreements enabling Nepal to export hydroelectricity to India underscore the importance of capacity-building and the mutual benefits of clean energy trade. Such collaborations not only bolster economic relations but also contribute to the clean energy transition, offering a model for participatory ecosystems in energy transition. In sum, the global clean energy transition requires a collective effort and innovation to shift towards decentralized systems, empower grassroots communities and women, and reimagine finance. This approach is vital for creating a more sustainable and equitable energy future, enabling societies to confront the challenges of climate change effectively. #CleanEnergy #SustainableDevelopment #Empowerment #DecentralizedEnergy #ClimateChange https://lnkd.in/gjXhWzTu

My latest column in Firstpost: Embracing decentralised systems, empowering grassroots communities and women, and reimagining finance are pivotal steps towards charting a path to a more sustainable and equitable energy future for all

⚡️ Launching #Her4Energy: Empowering Women in the Energy Sector Today, at the 10th #ARLEM meeting in Carcassonne, we discussed the importance of #energy justice.  The successes of energy communities show us how reducing fossil fuel reliance can be achieved through solidarity and sharing. These #communities use #technology to help people see and control their energy use, making everyone more aware and #involved. In this context, I'm happy to share our new #Her4Energy tool. It shows how energy issues affect women and provides ways to include them in the energy sector. I invite all partners—cities, ministries, and communities—to explore and use #Her4Energy. Together, we can make energy more inclusive and sustainable. 📝https://lnkd.in/errnV5VS European Investment Bank (EIB) UNOPS Cities Alliance C40 Cities Clima-Med - Acting for Climate in South Mediterranean European Commission European Committee of the Regions Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale Ministère des Affaires étrangères français

📚 It is evident that achieving a truly equitable energy future demands a nuanced understanding of the diverse challenges faced by communities across the globe. This piece underscores the harsh reality that nearly one in three individuals, predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa and often women, are deprived of essential energy access. It's a stark reminder that our journey towards net zero by 2050 must intertwine with the goal of universal energy access, ensuring no one is left behind. 🏡 🌞 🤝 At Last Mile Climate, we're deeply committed to this vision. The narrative shared by ENERGIA - International Network on Gender and Sustainable Energy amplifies our belief in the necessity of inclusive, gender-just solutions that prioritize the energy needs of the most marginalized. It's clear that to foster a just and inclusive energy transition, we must amplify support for women-led businesses, champion gender-responsive policies, and ensure that the voices of those most affected by energy poverty are heard and acted upon. 💚 🌱 ➡ Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dJ4xZ-5G 📣 Together, let's commit to a future where energy access serves as a cornerstone for equity, empowerment, and environmental sustainability. #JustEnergyTransition #GenderEquality #SustainableDevelopment #LastMileClimate Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Global Platform for Action (GPA) IKEA Foundation

🌍 Confidence in Net Zero is high, but is it misplaced? New research from Equity Energies shows that UK organisations may be overestimating their ability to reach decarbonisation goals by 2050. Key findings:  ⚡ 98% admit to knowledge gaps in key areas  ⚡ Almost half say decision-making is too slow  ⚡ 88% of workers would leave due to inaction Get the full story at: https://lnkd.in/egkxUuEf #NetZero #Sustainability #ClimateAction #GreenEnergy

🌍 Confidence in Net Zero is high, but is it misplaced? New research from Equity Energies shows that UK organisations may be overestimating their ability to reach decarbonisation goals by 2050. Key findings:  ⚡ 98% admit to knowledge gaps in key areas  ⚡ Almost half say decision-making is too slow  ⚡ 88% of workers would leave due to inaction Get the full story at: https://lnkd.in/egkxUuEf #NetZero #Sustainability #ClimateAction #GreenEnergy

Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE:DEC, NYSE:DEC) has published its annual sustainability report, for 2023. This report, the company's fifth, showcases a 33% decrease in methane intensity which, as the company highlighted, surpasses its 2026 target for a 30% reduction and also sees it achieve its 2030 goal of a 50% reduction seven years early. DEC also pointed to the responsible retirement of a company record of 404 wells. The company added that its operations have significantly contributed to local economies, injecting over $1 billion into state GDPs and supporting nearly 8,000 jobs, and its community outreach efforts have included $2.1 million in grants and educational support, It also highlighted advances in employee welfare and diversity initiatives, including an increase in gender diversity – with over 40% of the board members now being female. More at #Proactive #ProactiveInvestors #DEC #DiversifiedEnergyCompany #energy #oilandgas http://ow.ly/20xL105oqbh

In a world where social media amplifies voices, we're turning the tide. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), crafted by the United Nations in partnership with nations worldwide, aim to address pressing global issues. Among these, the goal for affordable and clean energy stands tall. Since its inception, the lack of clean energy resources remains a significant challenge. This deficiency perpetuates a cycle of energy poverty, impacting 645 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa alone. Many households are left without access to necessities due to insufficient lighting. Discussing problems is easy, but action is what truly counts. Solutions must be embraced at individual, community, national, and global levels to achieve our shared goal of accessible clean energy. To kickstart change, policy adjustments are crucial. Enforcing carbon pricing, putting a price on emissions released by businesses, [1] deters harmful emissions and stimulates innovation in clean energy technologies. Australia's initiative in incentivizing green bonds, a financial stratergy funding projects that have environmental benefits, further accelerates progress in sustainable finance [2]. Secondly, current infrastructure heavily favours fossil fuels. It's imperative to focus on building infrastructure conducive to renewable energy sources such as transmission lines and siting to accommodate the decentralised grids required for clean energy access [3]. Additionally, investing in off-grid renewable energy solutions is vital to reaching communities still in the dark. Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy must be made seamless for families. Educating and incentivizing households about the economic benefits of clean energy is key. Initiatives like the widespread adoption of solar panels and electric vehicles offer tangible pathways to affordability and sustainability [4]. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential. We can refine strategies and scale up resources by assessing successes and challenges. Our aim? Affordable and clean energy accessible to all. In a world ripe with challenges, achieving affordable and clean energy is within our grasp. It's not just a goal; it's a shared responsibility to ensure a brighter, sustainable future for generations to come. Let's ignite change together. 1. About Carbon Pricing [Internet]. Unfccc.int. 2022. Available from: https://lnkd.in/dSaiVx2W 2. Australian Government Green Bond Framework . 2023 Dec; 3. Union of Concerned Scientists. Barriers to Renewable Energy Technologies [Internet]. Union of Concerned Scientists. Union of Concerned Scientists; 2017. Available from: https://lnkd.in/dCqjewp7 4. Liang J, Qiu Y, Xing B. Impacts of the co-adoption of electric vehicles and solar panel systems: Empirical evidence of changes in electricity demand and consumer behaviors from household smart meter data. Energy Economics. 2022 Jun;106170. Infographic created using Canva

🌐 Shaping the future of energy isn't just about having zero carbon footprints or substituting fossil fuels. It's about equality, inclusivity and tending to the needs of every person and community. WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development and ManpowerGroup strongly advocate for energy transition that puts people at the forefront - a transformative blend of cutting-edge tech and human-focused strategies. Green jobs remodelled with sustainability, data-driven initiatives to guide reskilling and workforce development, swift modification of educational systems to offer much-needed green skills and a collaborative approach to create inclusive talent pipelines for the green economy - all these constitute our vision. Above all, integrating employment and skills into every investment decision is vital. Investing in reskilling is imperative to avoid potential job losses and strengthen community resilience as we sprint towards an energy transition. A people-first approach underscores human capital as a vehicle for positive societal change. Discover more about this mission here: https://lnkd.in/eix2Xcsk

Enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing issue, businesses are expected to take steps to reduce their environmental impact. By investing in solar power, businesses can showcase their commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. This can enhance a company’s reputation, attract eco-conscious customers, and create opportunities for collaboration with like-minded businesses and organisations. 🌱 Why invest in going green 👇https://lnkd.in/dYEm3bnn #GreenBusiness #InvestInGreen #GoingGreen #GreenBusinesses