Environment watchdog 350.org, alongside other grassroots groups and communities across Africa and around the world, on Friday, November 3, 2023, commenced participation in over 200 actions across 46 countries that kicked off a global month of action to call for a renewable energy revolution and an equitable shift away from fossil fuels.
The actions are part of an initiative by 350.org dubbed “Power Up”, which demands that governments across the globe shift money away from polluting fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) and channel substantial investments to powering up a safe, just, and sustainable future built on people-centered renewable energy.
The actions will also take place against the background of the announcement of staggering profits by different fossil fuel companies that blatantly prioritize profit at the expense of people and the planet.
As Africa bears the brunt of worsening climate impacts such as flooding, droughts, and storms, communities are calling on the governments to hold polluters accountable by making them pay through taxing their earnings and redirecting these finances to fund a renewable energy system rooted in justice.
Glen Tyler-Davies, South Africa team Lead, 350Africa.org, said the transition to renewable energy is happening.
“The biggest risk now is that it is increasingly a disorderly transition a transition with no clear plan which preserves or worsens inequality in terms of energy access and who holds power over energy generation.
“This will ruin the chances of creating a more equitable energy system and society. Our leaders need to wake up and understand this. They need to provide and implement a plan for a just transition that provides power, both literal and figurative, to the people. We need to power up a clean, just and renewable energy future,” he said.
Africa Regional Organiser, 350Africa.org, Rukiya Khamis, said as the world is experiencing escalating climate impacts, to which the African continent is the most vulnerable, “we are hopeful that a liveable future is possible.
“Africa has an abundance of renewable energy potential that presents a unique opportunity for the continent to drive the global renewable energy revolution and foster an equitable transition away from fossil fuels.
“We are calling on governments and financial institutions to power up the continent safely by channeling finances to people-centered renewable energy, committing to phasing out fossil fuels, and for the fossil fuel industry to pay up for its role in the climate crisis,” he said.
Christian Hounkannou, Francophone Regional Organiser, 350Africa.org, said: “The swift warming of our planet is not a result of natural forces; it’s a deliberate act, a crime driven by a privileged minority seeking personal gain. For many years, they’ve obstructed climate measures to safeguard their immense riches.
However, they are not beyond accountability. Africa’s renewable energy potential surpasses all other continents.
“Having endured the severe consequences of fossil fuels, it stands as a prime candidate to lead the world towards an alternative, clean energy development trajectory.
“The moment has come to liberate ourselves from coal, oil, and gas, and hold those who pollute responsible for the essential and immediate changes we require.”
