Energy Transition

G20 POLICY DIALOGUES

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The urgency of the global climate crisis cannot be overstated, the energy transition is necessary and long overdue. Renewable technologies have unique environmental and social impacts and require the participation of civil society to mitigate potential harm. Similarly, excluding civil society and grassroots actors from the transition can create risks and reduce the likelihood of success. CSOs have encountered numerous difficulties while trying to contribute to the process of transition. Policy makers frequently ignore those involved in climate change and environmental issues. Most of them are harassed and violently attacked because of their activism. Governments in some nations have criminalized legitimate civil society activity and outlawed climate protests. Furthermore, private actors have stifled environmental activism by using surveillance technology and strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). Role of CSOs in the Transition Process Civil society refers to group activities that enable associations of people to form and assert common values, identities, and interests without first using the market or the power of the state. The history of sustainable energy niches in civil society can be traced to radical paths for societal change. The social economy continues to rely on civil society as an alternative or additional source of innovative goods and services. But to assume that these initiatives will offer guidelines for the transformation of energy systems in general would be naive. Instead, they help to expand the variety of concepts, options, and resources for the hybrid reconfiguration of socio-technical practices. In this light, governments and international organizations must create a space for civil society ideas through public participation and engage them for the sustainable alternatives proposed by civil society to achieve the necessary impact.

The event will empanel experts from academia, think tanks, and civil society organizations to discuss current strategies and tools for addressing aspects of energy transition. The discussion will center on aspects of community participation, examining various approaches and discussing their strengths and limitations. It will also highlight the potential for international and institutional collaboration in achieving shared goals.
 

Panelists:

• Natalia Magnani, Department of Sociology and Social Research - University of Trento, Italy
• Marianna Usuelli, Communication officer - ènostra, Italy
• C. Jayaraman, Managing Director of EQUINOCT
• Sasi Kottayil, Fellow, World Resources Institute (WRI), India
• Yael Harman, Vice Chief Scientist / Head, Technology and Renewable energy / Head, R&D Division, Chief Scientist Office, Ministry of Energy, Israel