100 likes | 113 Views
This paper explores the importance of governance in addressing the challenges of energy and climate change. It discusses global, national, and local energy governance, emphasizing the need for collaborative action and decision-making to transition towards renewable energy sources and reduce disparities in energy access. The paper also highlights the role of individuals, families, and communities in making sustainable choices and living more with less energy.
E N D
Governance of Energy from theLocal to the Global — A Necessityfor Climate Change Mitigation Sylvia Karlsson 11th Annual IEF Conference, Ottawa, Canada 12-14 October 2007 International Environment Forum
Outline 1. Energy and climate change 2. What is governance? 3. Global energy governance 4. National energy governance 5. Local energy governance 6. Life beyond energy...
Energy (mostly fossil fuels) is the key driver behind human contributions to climate change. Two thirds of green house gases come from energy use.
Per capita energy use (giga joules) by region, 2000 - 2,4 billion people lack access to modern cooking fuels (half of all households and 90% of rural households) - 1,6 billion lack access to electricity (one quarter of world population) Source: World Energy Assessment Overview 2004 Update
“Governance is the sum of the many ways individuals and institutions, public and private, manage their common affairs. It is a continuing process through which conflicting or diverse interests may be accommodated and co-operative action may be taken.” (Commission on Global Governance 1995)
Global energy governance • mediate conflict over energy resources • facilitate the transition to renewable energy • address global energy disparities “The light of men is Justice. .. The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men.” - Bahá'u'lláh -
National energy governance • take strong immediate decisions favouring energy efficiency, energy savings and renewable sources • take bold (and sometimes costly) • decisions in long-term energy planning “Trustworthiness is the foundation of all virtues” - Bahá'u'lláh -
Individuals, families, communities • choose more efficient lightbulbs, fridges, cars etc. • choose renewable energy sources • drive less, fly less, consume less... “...be content with little” - Bahá'u'lláh -
...but live more with less energy! “...it is clear that the honour and exaltation of man must be something more than material riches. Material comforts are only a branch, but the root...is the good attributes and virtues which are the adornments of his reality -’Abdu’l-Bahá-
Thank you! Contact: sylvia.karlsson@tse.fi