DUBAI, United Arab Emirates. A chorus of voices from civil society activists, experts, stakeholders and delegates here at COP28 demanded the urgent phase-out of fossil fuels and an equitable shift to renewable energy to meet the global temperature target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. The urgency behind these calls was underscored at the World Climate Action Summit on 1 and 2 December, where world leaders further amplified the plea.In his opening address, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged leaders to ensure a »just, fair and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewables« emphasizing that »COP28 must commit countries to triple renewables capacity, double energy efficiency, and bring clean energy to all, by 2030«. 

On 2 December, approximately 110 countries pledged to triple renewable energy, earning widespread acclaim for a commitment expected to boost global renewable energy capacity to around 11 terawatts by 2030. However, amid this push for rapid transition, developing countries, particularly in Africa, express concerns about being unprepared and advocate for a just transition that prioritizes addressing social inequalities. This includes safeguarding the livelihoods of workers in fossil fuel industries, who are at risk of job losses through the transition. 
 

Just Transition: Focus On People 

Despite the abundance of renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and hydro power in many African countries, heavy reliance on fossil fuels persists. A swift transition away from these fuels threatens not only the economies of these nations but also the well-being of their populations  On COP28’s Energy Transition Day, environmental journalist Regina Leke emphasized that as African countries shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, they must prioritize addressing the social inequalities that could arise.  

»[The continent] must ensure that marginalized communities, particularly those in rural areas, are not left behind. This means providing training and jobs in the renewable energy sector and empowering local communities to take ownership of their energy systems,«’ Leke said.  

Speaking during a side event at COP28, Boitumelo Molete, the Social Development Policy Coordinator at the South Africa Trade Union (COSATU), also raised concerns about workers’ rights as her country aims to accelerate the energy transition.  

»We should consider what this means for the future of work, the type of skills we will need, the types of social measures we will need to think about, as well as ensuring that workers are part of the process. So, for me, moving to renewables means moving with the workers.« 
 

Strengthening social and transparent dialog

African countries South Africa and Senegal have entered into Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) with the European Union, with Nigeria also expressing interest.In 2021, South Africa signed a JETP deal aiming to move away from coal-fired power stations. Two years later, in June 2023, Senegal followed suit, committing to a similar partnership for a »fair energy transition«, targeting a 40 per cent share of renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2030.

However, BabacarSylla, Senegal’s point of contact for Climate Policy at the National Confederation, said the goal for African countries should not only be to secure these partnership deals but to ensure they are actually used for an equitable transition that benefits all citizens.  

»It’s important to make it clear that a just energy transition will have a negative social impact on people’s lives, especially workers’ lives. What are the plans to help avoid that? What plans do we have to help people who will be negatively impacted?,« Babacar asked. 

It became clear that the justice component in the partnerships need to be strengthened. Transparency, social dialogue and institutionalized participation of trade unions and affected communities must be ensured from the beginning and for all stages of the process. 

As Energy Transition Day unfolded in Dubai, activists and civil society representatives  demanding a phase-out of fossil fuels and a just transition to renewables. Their resounding call - place women, indigenous peoples, vulnerable communities and the integrity of food systems at the heart of the transition to a clean energy future. 

*Just Energy Transition Partnerships, JETPS, are currently developing into an important instrument of international climate policy. The aim is to accelerate the energy transition in the Global South with the support of the G7 countries through cooperation partnerships.