Reclaiming power2 December 2011
Friends of the Earth presents an alternative energy model that would tackle climate change and enable everyone to gain access to energy.
Our current energy model is not working:
- Our dependency on fossil fuels is driving dangerous climate change
- Our traditional energy model fails to serve 40 per cent of the world's population adequately
- 1 billion of those without electricity will not be reached in the next 20 years by expanding national grids
The alternative
Friends of the Earth proposes an energy model based on a system of globally funded feed in tariffs which guarantee payments for local renewable energy generation. This model would help to:
- Tackle climate change by shifting energy away from polluting fossil fuels
- Deliver low-carbon, decentralised energy
- Address poverty and development through universal access to clean, reliable, affordable energy
- Rapidly lower the cost of renewable energy technology, making a low-carbon transition easier and cheaper worldwide
This mechanism should be publicly funded by rich countries who have committed to help developing countries adapt to climate change.
Sources of funding could include:
- A tax on financial transactions
- Diverting Government subsidies away from fossil fuels
- Clamping down on corporate tax evasion
A future based on clean, affordable energy for all is possible and vital to tackle climate change.
Pascoe Sabido
International Climate Campaigner, Friends of the Earth
Further information
To read more about this alternative energy system, read the full report: Reclaiming Power: An energy model for people and the planet
© Friends of the Earth
