Just Energy Transition is one of the major issues in Climate Action since it is a double edge sword. While it is necessary to shift to renewables and to a net-zero or carbon negative economy, the stress on mineral resources is increasing.
The WECAN report on Circular, Equitable, and Renewable: Scrutinizing Mineral Requirements to Build a Just Energy Transition examines transition mineral demand to achieve an equitable, safe, and rights-based transition to renewable energy systems; identifies governance and policy gaps that must be addressed to ensure a Just Transition; and offers credible, actionable solutions to supply universal renewable energy without continued social and environmental destruction.
WECAN’s report, Circular, Equitable, and Renewable - Scrutinizing Mineral Requirements to Build a Just Energy Transition
The WECAN team is excited to share with you the launch of our new policy analysis: Circular, Equitable, and Renewable: Scrutinizing Mineral Requirements to Build a Just Energy Transition. [Get the report here]
The report examines transition mineral demand to achieve an equitable, safe, and rights-based transition to renewable energy systems; identifies governance and policy gaps that must be addressed to ensure a Just Transition; and offers credible, actionable solutions to supply universal renewable energy without continued social and environmental destruction.
Never has the need for a coordinated international response to the climate crisis been more urgent. As governments gather in Colombia at the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels to chart the steps to a fossil fuel phaseout, the implications of a shift to large-scale renewable energy systems is a critical and urgent topic. Renewable energy adoption involves mineral- and carbon-intensive processes which present significant human rights and ecological risks.
WECAN’s report advocates for robust policy changes, economic incentives aligned with planetary boundaries, shifts in material and energy consumption patterns, and increased transparency and accountability around ‘critical’ mineral lists and mining plans and policies. The report closes with solutions and strategies to greatly reduce transition mineral mining requirements, calling for a shift in overconsumption patterns in the Global North, integration of reuse, repair, and refurbish models, and scaling up recycling of above-ground minerals.
We would greatly appreciate any support you can offer in amplifying this report with your networks and communities. Please find here links to reshare the launch announcements via Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
Thank you to each of you for your ongoing work as we build a more just and healthy world. WECAN will be in Santa Marta from April 23-30. If you have any questions or would like further information, please be welcome to reach out.
With appreciation,
Osprey, Katherine, and the WECAN Team
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