Group calls for just transition powered by renewables, not fossil fuels – EnviroNews

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As governments and business leaders gathered for the Global Energy Transition and Electrification Summit, 350.org welcomed the growing focus on electrification as a critical pathway away from fossil fuels but warns the COP31 Presidency of Turkey, alongside Brazil and Australia, must show stronger political leadership and ensure that any electrification goal is explicitly tied to renewable energy, affordability and equity.

With the Santa Marta report presented at the Forum, the two sides of the coin are now coming together: a managed transition away from fossil fuels, and the renewable-powered electrification needed to replace them.

The UN Secretary General announced a leaders summit ahead of COP31 in New York in September. Together, they set up COP31 for meaningful energy transition outcomes, yet COP31 presidencies Australia and Turkey have to step up their leadership.

Set against a backdrop of geopolitical instability and volatile energy prices, the Summit aimed  to accelerate policies and investment to electrify economies and strengthen energy security. It also was a moment to reflect on progress since the Santa Marta Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels and the COP30 Presidency roadmap.

Andreas Sieber Head of Politics, 350.org, said: “Electrification can be a powerful tool to cut emissions and expand access to energy, but only if it is powered by renewables, not fossil fuels in another form. Replacing coal with gas, or locking in new fossil fuel infrastructure under the banner of electrification, risks delaying the real transition we urgently need. 

“Energy is a basic need. As we electrify, we must ensure that clean energy is affordable and accessible to everyone , not just those who can pay. This is a moment to build a fairer energy system, not deepen existing inequalities. Affordability and access must be at the heart of global electrification efforts. Without deliberate policies to prioritise equity, millions could be left behind , particularly in countries and communities already most impacted by the climate crisis.”

350.org called on governments to use the momentum of the Summit, and upcoming COP31 negotiations, to commit to a rapid, global transition away from all fossil fuels, and to ensure electrification strategies are aligned with this goal.