The world must transition away from fossil fuels, but this requires structural transformation of economies and governance, not just technological substitution. Fossil fuels are deeply embedded in economic systems, leading to financial and institutional incentives that favor short-term extraction. Cities play a crucial role in accelerating the transition by reshaping demand, accelerating innovation, and demonstrating that a different model is possible. Transitioning away from fossil fuels not only lowers costs and improves public health, but also rebuilds trust in public institutions. Cities like Melbourne, Curitiba, Johannesburg, and Bogotá are taking significant steps towards reducing fossil fuel use and increasing renewable energy capacity, part of a global effort to halve fossil fuel use in C40 cities by 2030. The First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta aims to bring together various stakeholders, including cities, to identify concrete pathways for a just and equitable transition, focusing on transforming energy supply and demand, overcoming economic dependence, and strengthening international cooperation to redefine development in a sustainable way. The message from Santa Marta is that the end of the fossil fuel era is already underway, and the focus now should be on ensuring a just, coordinated, and irreversible transition.
Tag: Johannesburg
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Johannesburg Accelerates Net-Zero Vision through C40 Cities’ CAI Africa Programme
The City of Johannesburg is making significant progress in implementing its Climate Action Plan towards achieving net-zero emissions and climate resilience by 2050. Key achievements include advancements in the Energy and Waste sectors, financial integration of the CAP, and institutional alignment for integrated climate considerations. The city aims to divert 100% garden waste from landfill sites by 2040, reduce CO2eq emissions, create jobs, and drive community engagement through micro-grids in informal settlements. The UCAP CAI programme in Joburg is serving as a model for replicable, scalable solutions with real impact, inspiring progress in cities across Africa and beyond. Strong engagement with young people, funding strategies for scaling successful pilots, and the urgent need for accelerated and collaborative climate action are also highlighted as COP30 approaches.