The International Energy Agency (IEA) has announced the launch of the Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions.
Co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Teresa Ribera of Spain and Minister Alexandre Silveira of Brazil, the Commission will examine how to design and implement policies for a more equitable energy system, it was shared.
Members will reportedly work to identify strategies to ensure all energy transition policies “reflect the principle of fairness and help improve energy affordability.”
It will also seek to establish key mechanisms for monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of these policy tools, as well as the social impacts of transitions more broadly.
The Commission comprises energy, climate and labour leaders from governments around the world, along with high-level representatives from international organisations and labour, Indigenous, youth and civil society groups.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol commented: “Clean energy transitions will only succeed if their advantages are shared with all parts of society – including communities that have historically been at the margins of the energy economy. This starts with fair and equitable policies, which are the focus of this new Global Commission.”
Indeed, research shows that there remains a significant geographical disparity in renewable energy finance, renewables capacity and deployment, and energy access.
“To ensure a just energy transition is a shared responsibility. The energy transition should not only be a change in the colour of electrons or molecules, but also an opportunity to ensure access to affordable energy, reduce inequalities and generate redistributive economic opportunities,” said Deputy Prime Minister Ribera.
Adding: “This Global Commission is an important tool to coordinate our work in this way.”
The Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions is set to hold its first meeting in October at the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil.