By Marianne S. Ulriksen, Associate Professor, Danish Center for Welfare Studies, University of Southern Denmark
A keen interest in just energy transition.
Many countries across the globe are building renewable energy projects to address global climate challenges. However, renewable energy projects often entail social costs at community level. The prospects of losing land and livelihoods cause initial protest and conflicts, and while communities may receive some compensation such once-off recompence does not recover loss of land nor ensure sustainable livelihoods. To ensure equitable solutions to renewable energy transition, some countries engage in Just Energy Transition Partnerships. Composed in the right way, renewable energy projects can ensure decent work and social integration in affected communities.
At the Second World Summit for Social Development, vastly different countries will showcase scalable equitable solutions for renewable energy projects for sustainable livelihoods. Practical examples will include for instance: (1) how solar energy can be utilized to revitalize local economy and support displacement-affected communities; (2) how communities can engage meaningfully to ensure equitable social development interventions; and (3) how innovative solutions of building community trust funds can provide sustainable platforms for livelihoods.
Through the sharing of experiences, at a time when renewable energy investments are ongoing worldwide, the ICSD believes it will be possible to identify solutions to sustainable social interventions at community level to the benefit of local communities as well as private investors.
The South African government will be hosting a side event titled “Ensuring Just Energy Transition in practice, and I will be presenting at this event. Please join us on Tuesday 4 November 16.45-18.00 Room 105 to join in this important conversation. Read more about the session here.