Why the Drive for Renewable Energy Demands Inclusivity

The critical need to halve global energy emissions by 2030 presents the world with an unprecedented challenge – but it is still possible. However, it won’t happen without an urgent refocus on emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). Over the last decade, these have contributed more than 95% of greenhouse gas increases, largely because they cannot afford to transition away from fossil fuels.

Despite this, more than 90% of additional clean energy investment has gone to advanced economies: Africa received less than 1% in 2021. This inequality is exacerbating the climate crisis and if the trend continues, by 2030 middle- and low-income economies could account for 66% of global CO2 emissions. To meet the goals of the Paris Accord every country must cut emissions, so EDMEs must be supported in their transition to renewable energy.

Because while the challenges facing EDMEs are all too evident, the benefits are equally tangible. The energy transition is certainly about minimising climate change, but it is also about improving energy accessibility and affordability. Electricity is at the heart of human and economic development, underpinning education, health, communication, industry, employment, and almost every aspect of modern life: it is intertwined with two-thirds of UN Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) targets.

For EDMEs, renewable energy brings huge opportunities for accelerating development at every level through enabling access to affordable and sustainable energy for all. And with a crisis that impacts every person on the planet, there is an important opportunity to mobilise often lesser-heard voices in calling for and delivering a sustainable energy solution for EDMEs. Women and the world’s youth are disproportionately at risk from climate change and are key stakeholders who can play a vital role in engaging and enabling the transition of their communities and countries to renewable energy: more needs to be done to empower them.

The UAE’s global renewable energy brand Masdar is committed to giving women and young people the opportunities they need to make a difference. A key platform is Masdar’s WiSER: Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy. An impact-focused platform, WiSER positions women and girls of all nationalities as drivers of change and innovation, inspiring them to play active roles in addressing global sustainability challenges and ensuring that their voices are heard across issues of policy, technology, and business.

Women are noticeably underrepresented in the energy industry, making up just 32% of the renewable energy sector and 22% of the global oil and gas workforce. WiSER is helping to change that through education, engagement, and empowerment. By forging career pathways for women through educational opportunities, encouraging them to engage with the industry through networking, mentoring, and internships, and by empowering women with real-world experience, WiSER hopes to redress the imbalance and enable women to fulfil their potential as powerful sustainability leaders.

And recognising that it is the next generation that must live longest with the effects of climate change, Masdar’s Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) outreach program is empowering young people to become the sustainability leaders of tomorrow. The initiative, aligned with the UNSDGs, invests in and actively supports the development of every nation’s greatest asset – its young people.

Based on the belief that young people have extensive untapped capabilities that should be leveraged to lead sustainable development, Masdar’s Y4S has introduced a series of programs focused on students and young entrepreneurs. These provide a mix of online learning and hands-on experiences, as well as vocational one-year courses. The Sustainability Ambassadors program provides 50 students with core knowledge and skills training supported by work experience. The Future Sustainability Leaders program connects university students and young professionals with global business leaders, policymakers, and technology pioneers to learn the latest sustainability practices.

Programs like these drive inclusivity, and the inclusion of EDMEs and the world’s women and youth in global efforts to combat climate change has never been more crucial. Just as COP28 is placing a special emphasis on providing a more equitable access to climate finance, Masdar’s initiatives are enabling a more equitable access to being part of the solution. Climate change affects everyone, so inclusivity should be at the heart of solving it.