Amid the high-level negotiations at the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, taking place over the coming weeks, the voices of Africa communities facing energy poverty must be heard. They are already being affected by climate impacts, and their futures will be heavily impacted by the outcomes of this global gathering.
That’s why the Power Up campaign is sharing their stories – and those of the innovators creating energy access – online and at the summit itself. Find out more at a Power Up event on 8 December, streamed live from COP28.
While the transition to a clean energy future will be a central focus of the talks in Dubai, there are still over 600 million people in sub-Saharan African living without access to electricity and their needs must not be forgotten. Minority communities and marginalised groups, such as refugees and displaced people, desperately need world leaders to act now.
Wealthy nations must recognise that universal access to clean, affordable energy is essential to preparing those mired in energy poverty for the challenges that lie ahead. It’s time for funders to deliver the climate finance they so desperately need.
Clean energy drives positive change
With their lives and livelihoods already being affected by changing weather patterns, such as droughts and flooding, innovative energy solutions can help them adapt and even prosper. Clean energy drives new jobs, food security, better healthcare and access to information. But without the climate finance to support their energy transition, these off-grid communities continue to face an uncertain future.
Our Power Up coalition, of over 80 frontline organisations, is focused on making sure the voices of these communities are heard and decisive action taken to ensure they are part of a just transition.
A fair deal at COP, with smart funding and investment, can help our energy access pioneers scale up their work and bring clean power to millions more people. They are already powering up jobs, safeguarding food production, energising healthcare and education for those most at risk from the climate crisis. They know how to work inclusively with local people, meeting their needs with long-term solutions. Governments and private investors must agree to provide them with the funding streams to continue their proven work, at scale.
This year some of our focus has been on supporting energy access organisations in Kenya and promoting effective national policy recommendations that can accelerate progress, particularly in marginalised communities – highlighting their ability to provide green jobs and growth, better health and nutrition, and resilience to climate shocks.
Sharing their knowledge
African groups Sustainable Energy Access Forum Kenya, and the Kenya-based Alliance of Civil Society Organisations for Energy Access, who helped develop these policy asks, will be in Dubai to further share their experiences and solutions, giving a voice to the disenfranchised millions.
Our campaign partner Ashden is hosting an event, streamed live, that will explore how investment in clean power can boost adaptation and resilience in Africa and a second exploring powering gender equity for refugees and displaced people. Other partners including GOGLA and SEforALL will also be showcasing ways to unite global efforts on energy, climate and development.
There must be no repeat of those previous broken promises that saw developed nations fail to make good on their climate finance pledges to assist emerging economies. By listening to all those marginalised groups and taking decisive action, COP has the power to accelerate an inclusive energy transition that leaves no one behind.
