A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal introduced the “Principles for a Fair Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP)” during a virtual press conference on Monday.
This launch comes just days ahead of the G7 Summit, set to begin on June 13. The guiding principles emphasize the critical need for accountability, transparency, and equity in climate finance, addressing the urgent climate crisis from the perspective of Global South communities poised to receive JETP finance.
The JETP agreements in South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal highlight the urgent necessity of financial support in combating the climate crisis. As preparations for COP29 in November gather momentum, robust commitments to principled climate finance are essential for an effective global climate response.
Despite achieving the USD$100 billion annual funding goal, developed countries have been criticized for imposing high interest rates and restrictive conditions on their investments, potentially hindering climate action in developing nations and increasing their debt burden. Civil society voices are urging G7 leaders and developed nations, as major polluters, to commit to creating a sustainable energy future through equitable climate finance deals.
The Global JETP Principles were collectively developed by 350africa.org, 350.org Indonesia, Trend Asia, Nu Climate Movement, Enviro Vito, Good Governance Africa, Lumière Synergie Développement (LSD), and Action Solidaire International (ASI). Through sharing knowledge and experiences, these organizations call for climate justice and reaffirm the aspirations of CSOs in recipient countries for enduring climate solutions.
The principles aim to serve as an advocacy and capacity-building tool, uniting civil society and grassroots communities to advocate for fair and ambitious climate finance that addresses the realities of developing countries.
JETPs recognize the need for resources to transform energy systems and support developing countries. The prohibitive cost of accessing finance often traps these nations in debt, limiting their capacity for climate investments and necessitating a reevaluation of climate finance delivery.
Collaboration among CSOs in the Global South is vital to challenge the prevailing top-down approach. Principles developed by recipient countries, facilitated by civil society, are essential for ensuring accountability and asserting local aspirations in the energy transition.
Alia Kajee, Public Finance Campaigner at 350.org, stated, “Finance is not neutral; it can support transformative aspirations or perpetuate injustices under the guise of environmental progress.” She further said the current international financial system reveals significant power imbalances between developed and developing nations, which must be addressed to achieve just, people-centered climate action.
Ndeye Fatou Sy, Program Manager at Lumière Synergie Développement (LSD), emphasized, “Finance ministers must prioritize funding mechanisms aligned with justice objectives to avoid undue strain on national economies while ensuring greater transparency and accountability within JETPs.” She further stated these partnerships, guided by principles ensuring efficacy and impact, are critical for driving effective climate action.”
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org, noted, “A principled approach to finance is vital for navigating the global climate finance landscape, ensuring equitable and effective solutions. Initiatives like JETP highlight the need for just transitions, but aligning them with national climate finance direction and unlocking public finance, particularly in the Global South, is crucial. G7 member states must demonstrate a willingness to deliver finance at COP29.”
Maureen Harris, Senior Advisor at International Rivers and coordinator of the Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition pointed out the challenges in Vietnam, saying the government has committed to a just energy transition and signed up for a JETP, while at the same time imprisoning the country’s leading climate defenders.
“Targeted attacks on climate leaders and environmental organizations severely limit genuine opportunities for consultation with civil society, which are essential to any just transition. To meet the urgency of the climate crisis, energy transition financing must center principles of transparency, participation, and accountability, towards truly just and sustainable solutions,” she says.
Liangyi Chang, Asia Managing Director at 350.org, underscored the urgency: “In the scorching grip of the 2024 climate heat wave, Asia bears witness to the harsh reality of climate change. As temperatures soar and ecosystems strain, the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy becomes ever more apparent. Every climate leader from civil society should be part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership from all governments; only together can we solve the climate disruption.”
As the G7 Summit approaches, the call for moral and just climate finance by CSOs grows louder, with the hope that developed nations will heed the demands of civil society and commit to a sustainable and equitable energy future.
