'Embrace positive change for the environment and avoid polarization around the need for action’ UNEP official at Friends of Europe Energy Summit 2019

“We should be careful about unnecessarily demonizing opponents of climate change actions and avoid placing an undue burden on the people and the sectors that have played a huge part in our economic and social development as we undergo the necessary energy transition,” Mark Radka, Chief of the Energy and Climate Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s told the audience attending the Friends of Europe Climate and Energy Summit on the 7^th of November 2019 in Brussels.

This article is a recollection of some of the statements made by Mr. Radka as a speaker in the panel discussion on the “Energy Justice and Industry Competitiveness: A Mutually Beneficial Partnership” [for more information see here]

For decades our societies have benefited from the development of energy-intensive sectors and economic activities that required large amounts of natural capital, Mr. Radka stated in his opening remarks. In hindsight, we now understand that this progress posed an enormous burden on the Planet, and we are now trying to find ways to reduce the impact of human activities on the environment in order to preserve our ecosystems and prevent further degradation and catastrophic changes. Unfortunately, triggered by what’s now apparently a truly dramatic climate situation many have started pointing fingers, perhaps abusing the concept of accountability, Mr. Radka theorized.

Countries, companies and communities historically associated with the extraction or use of fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases are being openly criticized, making them more fearful towards transparency and less willing to embrace needed change, he added.

Mr. Radka went on to state that at present we are witnessing a polarization that hinders needed action. Events such as the opposition of local fishing communities to the construction of offshore wind farms or demonstrations by coal miners fearful of losing their jobs remind us that we must work harder to reassure people that a just transition to a low carbon future will benefit all and not just some. Consulting and engaging people who will be the most affected by the change is crucial to gain their support, or at least to reduce their political opposition to change. 

The transition towards more sustainable societies will require consensus and cooperation. We need to ensure those good ideas are encouraged, not discouraged, and that positive effort is supported rather than dismissed, Mr. Radka suggested. Demonizing the companies, communities, and individuals who have historically contributed to climate change and excluding them from playing an active role in the transition process will hinder the consensus needed to carry out this critical societal transformation.

The energy transition requires the skills of the existing energy companies and their employees, hence it is better to have them working on the deployment of new technologies instead of working to preserve the status quo, added Mr. Radka. Sensible models for reskilling workers of these industries and helping them find new job opportunities are also important.  

Mr. Radka concluded that UNEP has always been a strong supporter of collaborative approaches and will promote cooperation to ensure that the transition doesn’t leave behind anyone who is sincerely committed to a low carbon future.

A report on the Climate and Energy Summit by Friends of Europe can be found here.

Image