Colombia is hosting a global conference to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, bringing together countries committed to phasing out coal, oil, and gas. The event aims to create a platform for discussions on legal, economic, and social pathways for a just transition, gaining support from 24 countries, including major fossil fuel producers. The initiative is seen as a necessary complement to the UN climate regime, focusing on developing reports and scientific inputs to support countries in moving towards a fossil fuel-free future. The conference will emphasize justice and aim to create a coalition of governments, institutions, businesses, and philanthropies committed to ending the fossil fuel era, with a practical, supportive, and healing approach. Developing countries like Namibia, Guyana, and Nigeria are seeking international support to envision their own energy transitions.
Author: Climatechangenews
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To break its coal habit, China should look to California’s progress on batteries
Batteries are reshaping power systems in the US and China, offering a clean alternative to fossil fuel-powered peaker plants. California's battery fleet set a new record by discharging 11.2 GW during peak demand, while China plans to significantly increase battery storage capacity and reduce natural gas use by 70% by 2035. The US has seen rapid growth in battery storage, with federal policies and incentives supporting the transition away from peakers. Experts suggest that prioritizing battery storage over fossil peaker plants can accelerate clean energy goals, establish market mechanisms, and solidify global leadership in the industry. By shifting to battery storage, both countries can achieve a clean and flexible grid while reducing pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.
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Governments defend energy transition as US snubs renewables agency
The United States' withdrawal from IRENA has raised concerns about funding, but discussions are ongoing to fill the potential financial gap. The global transition to clean energy is driven by economic, national security, and strategic reasons, with significant investments being made in renewable energy. However, more support is needed for African countries and small island developing states to access clean energy finance. IRENA aims to triple renewable energy capacity by the end of the decade and is working on a roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels, to be presented at COP31 in November. They are also considering a target for electrification consistent with this plan.
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Renewables create fewer jobs globally as energy transition enters “new phase”
The renewable energy sector experienced a slight increase in jobs in 2024, reaching 16.6 million worldwide with a 2.3% growth from the previous year. Factors such as Chinese solar manufacturers cutting costs, a shift to utility-scale systems, and increasing automation contributed to the slower growth. IRENA projects that with the right policies, the renewable energy workforce could expand to 30 million jobs by 2030, although reaching that level may be challenging. The need for greater diversity and inclusion in the clean energy sector, particularly for women and people with disabilities, is emphasized, with positive examples of proactive policies and training programs mentioned. The International Labour Organization stresses the importance of disability inclusion in the clean energy transition for resilient labor markets and sustainable development.
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Earth blocks keep homes cool while cutting emissions in Kenya’s drylands
In Laikipia County, Kenya, the use of compressed earth blocks in housing construction is highlighted as a sustainable and climate-friendly alternative to traditional building materials. Initiatives like the Cement and Concrete Breakthrough Initiative and the Belém Call for Action for Sustainable and Affordable Housing are aiming to decarbonize the industry and promote sustainable building practices. The International Coalition for Building Climate Resilience (ICBC) emphasizes the importance of affordable, resource-efficient, low-carbon housing in achieving climate goals and sustainable development. This traditional building approach is gaining renewed attention in low-income communities facing the impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat. Additionally, buildings in West Africa, like the Museum of West African Art in Benin City, Nigeria, are being constructed using eco-friendly methods such as compressed earth blocks and rammed earth architecture, offering low-cost and energy-efficient solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings in the region.
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From Baku to Belém and beyond: How we turn a climate finance roadmap into reality
Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President, emphasizes the urgency of accelerating climate action and introduces the Baku Finance Goal to increase support for developing countries. The Baku-to-Belém Roadmap, aiming for $1.3 trillion, engages non-traditional actors and offers practical steps for implementation, addressing challenges like data gaps and continuity in climate efforts. Countries have embraced this collaborative approach, signaling a shift towards more innovative solutions in climate finance. Donors, especially developed nations, are urged to meet financial commitments, with a focus on accountability and innovative strategies to secure $300 billion annually by 2035 for climate finance. The Roadmap is seen as a potential model for enhancing the COP process and driving tangible progress in addressing climate change.
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IEA: Slow energy transition would cost millions of jobs
The International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that a slower shift to clean energy could result in 1.3 million fewer energy sector jobs by 2035, with continued growth in oil and gas demand until 2050 under the Current Policies Scenario (CPS). However, a faster energy transition could create more jobs in construction, electricians, solar panel installers, and transition mineral miners. The IEA also highlights potential shortages of skilled workers in key areas like electricity grids and the nuclear industry, urging governments to train workers for these roles to ensure a smooth transition to clean energy. Additionally, the establishment of the Belém Action Mechanism at COP30 aims to make the energy transition fairer for workers in industries like oil and gas, giving trade unions a role in shaping just transition policies for the first time. This is seen as a decisive win for the union movement and workers in transition industries.
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Colombia seeks to speed up a “just” fossil fuel phase-out with first global conference
24 countries, including major fossil fuel producers like Australia and Mexico, have backed a global conference in Colombia next April to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. The conference aims to bring together governments, experts, industry leaders, and Indigenous people to develop a roadmap for a fair phase-out of fossil fuels, considering national circumstances and supporting workers and vulnerable communities. This initiative demonstrates growing support for a just transition away from fossil fuels, with a focus on promoting diversified economies and addressing the existential threat of rising sea levels. Colombia's 2026 conference is seen as a step towards international cooperation to tackle the climate crisis, emphasizing a time-bound plan to curb fossil fuel production and use, end new licensing and subsidies, and mobilize finance for developing countries.
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COP30: Spain’s unions say just transition means renewing communities beyond jobs
Unions in Spain are advocating for a just transition strategy that goes beyond plant closures to revitalize affected regions by linking public services with jobs and investment, successfully managed through negotiated territorial pacts. Job creation alone has not been enough to sustain rural life, highlighting the need for a social transition alongside the energy transition. The government has implemented various policies and actions to minimize the impacts of decarbonization and optimize outcomes through participation and social dialogue, emphasizing the importance of anticipation and adaptation to different territorial realities. The article also discusses the global effort towards a just transition to renewable energy, focusing on creating a sustainable future for future generations and ensuring that people can envision a better future through climate solutions.
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COP30 draft text includes energy transition minerals in UN climate first
Countries attending COP30 in Belém, Brazil are discussing the implications of extracting minerals for clean energy technologies, with a focus on the social and environmental risks of scaling up supply chains. The UN panel report emphasizes the importance of putting human rights at the core of mineral value chains, particularly for minerals like copper, cobalt, and lithium that are in high demand. Developing countries, including African nations, are advocating for fair and sustainable mineral supply chains for the energy transition, highlighting the need for strong social and environmental safeguards, sustainable consumption patterns, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples. There is debate over the inclusion of language on transitioning away from fossil fuels, with developing countries calling for technical assistance and international cooperation for a just energy transition, while developed countries are exploring alternatives to creating a new institution.