The representatives of over 40 nations have pledged to end the use of coal power. It was announced at the COP26 UN climate summit in Glasgow.
Meanwhile, campaigners said, workers must be at the forefront of any shift in energy policy both at home and abroad. It was as governments discussed moves to end fossil fuel usage at Cop26 in Glasgow.
Representatives from more than 20 countries, including the US, Canada, Mali, and Costa Rica, launched a joint statement. It’s committing to end direct public finance for unabated coal, oil, and gas by 2023 and prioritize clean energy finance.
The joint statement could see the direct shift of more than $15 billion a year of government-backed support out of fossil fuels and into clean energy.
The joint statement could see the direct shift of more than $15 billion a year of government-backed support out of fossil fuels and into clean energy.
Summit president Alok Sharma said workers, trade unions, and local businesses must be involved in the process to achieve a socially just transition.
He also mentioned the importance of getting the help of these groups, also, to design “a green, and what we describe as a fair, future.”
However, international climate groups also shared their concerns about the prospect of workers being left behind.
Tasneem Essop, executive director of Climate Action Network International said that “Shutting fossil fuels down is critical for tackling the climate crisis.
“This public money needs to be urgently redirected into a just energy transition that ensures clean universal energy access for communities in the global South and support for communities and coal, oil and gas workers without saddling countries with any further debt.”
