To avoid the worst effects of the climate crisis, we must shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy like solar and wind.
But how we transition is just as important as why. We mustn’t swap one broken system for another. This transition must be fair, making sure that social, environmental, and community justice are central.
Welcome to the fourth part of our Solutions Series: Justice. Let’s explore six key principles for a fair energy transition.
See the previous edition here: Solutions Series: Solar.
1. Renewable energy solutions must lower carbon emissions directly
Our name, 350.org, represents 350 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide. This is the safe upper limit for our atmosphere.
Fossil fuels cause over 90% of global carbon emissions, so we must push for their rapid phase-out.1 Delaying this only worsens the crisis.
The fossil fuel industry has been trying to distract us with expensive and unproven “climate solutions” like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)2, nuclear,3 hydrogen,4 and carbon offsets.5
2. Renewable energy solutions must be affordable, reliable, and sustainable for all
Access to energy is crucial for building a strong community and the economy,6 but the fossil fuel industry has deepened inequality by limiting access. Between countries, rich ones profit from fossil fuels taken from poor countries.7
As we transition, we must ensure renewable energy works for everyone—especially those historically disadvantaged—not just the wealthy.
Distributed, community-led energy systems are a crucial part of the transition. The local community controls the energy system and produces the clean energy the community needs. These projects bring affordable, accessible power closer to the local level.8
Read more about Repower Afrika, one of our community-centred renewables projects here.
3. Renewable energy solutions must uphold communities’ rights and traditions
Indigenous peoples and frontline communities are often sidelined in decisions about energy projects. These people are also the most affected by the projects.
Solutions rooted in justice must protect the rights of frontline communities. They should also follow transparent, democratic processes that put their well-being first.
Centering the rights of Indigenous peoples, 350.org is supporting climate activists in Latin America. The Solar Amazon campaign will make sure all communities have access to clean energy and protect the precious ecosystem.
4. Renewable energy solutions must build thriving, resilient communities
A fair energy transition can create jobs, boost local economies, and expand energy access in both cities and rural areas.
Solutions should be efficient and give communities ownership over their energy. Rooftop solar and local wind turbines generate energy near where it’s needed. When communities own these energy sources, prices fall, and profits are invested locally.9
Over history, the fossil fuel and nuclear industries have caused much harm to vulnerable communities. This includes land grabbing,10 dumping waste in black neighbourhoods,11 and exploiting Indigenous communities.12 This cannot continue in a just energy system.
5. Renewable energy solutions must address historical inequality
The effects of the climate crisis are being felt everywhere, but those who contributed the least to the problem are hit the hardest.13
Rich countries and polluting industries have a responsibility to pay for the energy transition. More on this next time!
6. Renewable energy solutions must protect people and nature
To protect a livable future on our planet, we must protect and restore biodiversity – the variety of plants and animals of our world.
Deforestation and unsustainable land use contribute heavily to emissions. Any solution must carefully balance the use of agricultural lands and water with community well-being.
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At 350.org, we’re focused on speeding up a fair energy transition. This means changing how we produce, distribute, store, and use energy. A “just” transition will benefit people – not the big oil and gas companies.
Together, we can build a future where renewable energy serves people, communities, and nature.
Looking for some solar inspiration? Check out this example.
Sources:
1. Analysis: Global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels hit record high in 2022, Carbon Brief (November 2022)
2. What is carbon capture and storage? CCS easily explained, Global Witness (17 Nov 2023)
3. 7 reasons why nuclear energy is not the answer to solve climate change – One Earth, April 2024
4. Putting facts into perspective on hydrogen’s role in the energy transition, Hydrogen Science Coalition
5. Revealed: more than 90% of rainforest carbon offsets by biggest certifier are worthless, analysis shows, The Guardian (18 Jan 2023)
6. GOAL 7: Affordable and clean energy, UNEP
7. 4 ways fossil fuel companies are worsening injustice during the energy crisis, Greenpeace (16 Feb 2023)
8. Why Community-led?, Our Own Power (2024)
9. Why community-led energy is the future, 350.org (19 Sep 2024)
10. How Uganda’s ecofeminists are fighting back against oil-industry land grabs, Open Democracy (8 Mar 2021)
11. Nuclear waste ravaged their land. The Yakama Nation is on a quest to rescue it – The Guardian, 2022
12. 4 Fossil Fuel Projects that Harm Indigenous Communities, NDN Collective (18 Sep 2023)
13. People Who’ve Contributed Least to Climate Change Are Most Affected By It, Pew Trusts (22 May 2023)
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