Communities around the world are pushing back against renewable energy projects that fail to deliver direct benefits, leading to protests and cancellations in various countries. The challenge now is to ensure that new investments in renewable energy serve local people first and avoid replicating past mistakes. A Just Transition mechanism is being called for at COP30 to address barriers hindering renewable energy development in developing countries, aiming to unlock public finance for worker upskilling and community-led renewable systems. Fair and people-centered renewable energy projects are emerging globally, highlighting the importance of equity in the transition to clean energy. A global just transition mechanism could scale up these efforts and ensure that decarbonization is equitable and accessible to all.