COP29: Energy transition must not trigger a ‘stampede of greed’ that crushes the poor
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt – 13 November 2024 – The transition to clean energy must not be allowed to trigger a “stampede of greed” that crushes the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world, a leading climate expert has warned.
Speaking at the COP29 climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland and UN Special Envoy on Climate Change, said that the transition to a low-carbon economy must be “just and equitable,” and that the needs of the poor and vulnerable must be put first.
“We cannot allow the energy transition to become a stampede of greed,” Robinson said. “The transition to clean energy must be done in a way that benefits everyone, not just the wealthy and powerful.”
Robinson’s warning comes as the world faces a climate emergency. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that global temperatures are on track to rise by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, which would have devastating consequences for the planet.
To avoid this, the world needs to transition to a low-carbon economy as quickly as possible. This means investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other climate-friendly technologies.
However, the transition to a low-carbon economy also has the potential to create new winners and losers. For example, the shift away from fossil fuels could lead to job losses in the oil and gas industry.
It is therefore essential that the transition to a low-carbon economy is managed in a way that is just and equitable. This means ensuring that the benefits of the transition are shared by everyone, and that the costs are not borne disproportionately by the poor and vulnerable.
One way to do this is to invest in social protection programs that can help workers who are displaced by the transition to a low-carbon economy. Another way is to provide financial assistance to developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
By taking these steps, we can ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy is just and equitable, and that it benefits everyone, not just the wealthy and powerful.
COP29: Energy transition must not trigger a ‘stampede of greed’ that crushes the poor
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