Power To The People
Mobilizing Communities Against Fossil Fuel Resistance toward Renewable Energy
Power Up training workshop in Port-a-Prince, Haiti.
The fossil fuel industry's continued prioritization of profit over embracing a sustainable energy transition reflects its disregard for fostering a climate-conscious and environmentally resilient future. With clear evidence of land degradation, water pollution, air pollution, ocean acidification, and health risks to human life, blocking sustainable energy reform is short-sightedly financially profitable. These challenges have led communities, leaders, and organizations to take a firm stance on a complete phase-out of fossil fuels, with the increase of renewable energy.
The global electricity produced by fossil fuels was over 60% in 2023. Countries such as the United States, Poland, China, and Japan have sourced over 50% of their electricity from fossil fuels in the past year. Aside from energy production, hazardous components such as petrochemicals, created through the use of fossil fuels to create plastics are also a great concern. These can be found in many fabrics and clothing, various cosmetics, and in microplastics.
Fossil fuel emissions remain the main contributor to global carbon emissions. Coal, oil, and natural gasses are releasing high amounts of carbon that The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns must be halved within 11 years to be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The aim of an energy transition is clear: a phase-out of fossil fuel usage must be done. This was emphasized during COP28, as UN Chief António Guterres said that limiting global heating to 1.5°C will be impossible if a phase-out of fossil fuel is not actualized.
A fossil fuel phase-out strongly coincides with the efforts of a just energy transition. For countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that do not share the equivalent responsibility for carbon emissions yet face numerous severe impacts, a phase-out provides them with the opportunity to incorporate sustainable energy systems without imposed vulnerabilities from the fossil fuel industry. The commitment made for the incorporation of renewable energy is a crucial step. In December 2023, 119 countries announced their commitment to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.
This form of action is one of the many necessary steps to ensure that a phase-out leads to equitable and accessible energy systems. It is an urgent demand for those who have profited from the fossil fuel industry to be held accountable and that their contributions come to an immediate cease. This agenda is heavily supported and mobilized by 350.org, an international movement working to end the use of fossil fuels and create community-centered renewable energy resources.
Cansın Leylim Ilgaz, Associate Director of Global Campaigns for 350.org expressed, “To shift the billions of dollars going from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and achieve an ambitious renewable energy target globally, we need a fast, fair, and equitable fossil fuel phase-out that does not rely on dangerous distractions.”
The work done by 350 reflects how international community action can be a catalyst for change. One of their forms of action was initiated through the “Power Up” campaign in 2023. Through global engagement, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean were able to get involved through actions by the Caribbean Climate Network (CCN) and in Latin America.
The Caribbean Climate Network is the Caribbean team of 350.org that pushes for actions to protect communities against the impacts of the climate crisis. Afeefa Richardson, a digital organizer for CCN based in Guyana, shared that the Caribbean Climate Network works to provide support to local organizers to take action within their communities and build their leadership capacities to advocate for the solutions they need. They provide opportunities for training, one-on-one coaching, access to grants, networking with regional and international groups, and direct support to plan and execute climate adaptation projects that benefit both people and the planet and address the climate impacts we face every day.
Richardson shared that countries in the region do not produce fossil fuels but are dependent on imported fuels to generate electricity, power machines and infrastructure for food, water, transportation, and manufacturing. She added, “The cost of importing fuel is high and the burden is passed on to the consumers causing spikes in the cost of living, energy bills, and prices for necessities which are all produced with the use of fossil fuels.”
Similarly in Latin America, Ilan Zugman, Regional Director based in Brazil, shares that advocates, participants, and organizers are working to protect their territories from the impacts of oil, gas, and coal extraction, which include frequent spills, contamination of water sources and losses to fishing and agriculture. They collaborate with communities at the frontline of the climate crisis, particularly those who have historically contributed the least emissions but are feeling the worst effects.
For the Power Up mobilization, the main goals centered by CCN are to push for the reallocation of money from the obscene profits of the fossil fuel industry and shift it towards renewable energy systems rooted in justice. Richardson and Zugman explained that to advance this, they are asking governments and world leaders to power down, pay up, and power up. With powering down, there's a demand for a halt in the operations of the fossil fuel industry and toward renewable energy and a systemic change from the reliance on fossil fuels.
Zugman shared, “We are at a pivotal moment, with 2023 the hottest year on record – the undeniable impacts of the climate crisis are ravaging our world. There is growing recognition that comprehensive systemic change is the global response we urgently need.”
With pay-up, advocates push for reclaiming fossil fuel companies’ illegitimate profits, imposing taxes on their unjust profits, and elimination of subsidies, investments, and loans to coal, oil, and gas companies. Instead, that money should be used to fund and support renewable energy initiatives rooted in equity and sustainability.
For power up, Richardson explained that governments must redirect financial resources toward renewable energy through all financial mechanisms possible, on local, national, and regional levels. These goals set the framework that the Power Up mobilization is supported to holistically address the harmful effects of the fossil fuel industry and the solutions to advance change.
The Power Up campaign has engaged in numerous activities in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the Caribbean, some of the activities include a solar training workshop in Port-a-Prince, Haiti, an exhibition in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago with the Trinidad and Tobago Climate Network, and in Jamaica, Plakortis and Guardians of the Green partnered with the Ministry of Education - Early Childhood Commission on a just transition. Additional activities include engagement in Osbourne Store Primary and Infant School and Treadlight Primary School to include teachers, students, and community leaders to encourage a transition to renewable energy for schools and public buildings in Jamaica, as well as a panel discussion on Guyana's green shift with the Guyana Climate Network and a digital campaign that championed renewable energy for a brighter and greener world at the Grenada Chapter.
Power Up Event in Trinidad and Tobago.
The art and written pieces will be published in an Anthology titled 'Perspectives of Trinidad and Tobago on the Just Transition' and will serve as a lasting record of the diverse voices and artistic expressions that emerged from this collaborative effort.
Zugman shared that actions were taken in towns and cities in Latin America and across the globe, calling on world leaders to power up climate solutions that deliver clean energy, alongside justice, peace, and the protection of human rights. Some of the actions that took place outside of the Caribbean include a parade, festival,and mini exhibition outside the Sasol (South African fossil energy company) plant in Sasolburg, South Africa to juxtapose the threat of fossil fuels with the possibility of renewable energy. There have also been calls for the development of a national renewables-powered economy roadmap and demand that national subsidies to fossil fuels be redirected to a just energy transition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Power Up action in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Credit: Lucas Landau.
These activities made a significant impact on 350 and the affiliated organizations that are advocating for a phase-out of fossil fuel. They utilized their platforms to raise awareness and made clear demands on incorporating renewable energy and a just energy transition throughout the region. This work highlights that dependency on fossil fuel is only profitable to those who are in control of the companies responsible.
Fossil fuels will continue to exacerbate climate disasters and risks globally. However, the consistent efforts, actions, and support of communities and organizations can lead to a shift toward sustainable energy systems. The work done by 350 shows how collaborative effort can amplify the urgency for a system shift from one that was hazardous, exploitative, and harmful to one that centers equity, accessibility, and care for the environment and climate.
350Africa and Green Connection for the Power Up Mobilization. Credit: Barry Christianson.
The work initiated by 350 further leads the way to address the barriers and challenges to a just energy transition but must persist with continuous actions taken within organizations and communities globally. Richardson shared that for the Caribbean, there can be increased support and funding for capacity building and technology transfer that are needed to develop and implement renewable energy systems. She added that there can also be an amplification of the voices and stories of communities on the frontlines to hold those responsible for protecting these communities accountable for implementing urgent solutions and that lobbying international governments are required to pay up for loss and damages to fund climate solutions in the Caribbean.
Having a holistic approach to the current state of fossil fuel use and the goal of transitioning to renewable energy is essential. This involves the actions done by organizations, authorities, and fossil fuel lobbyists to recognize that the industry has and will continue to cause more harm than good. With more organizations like 350, the goals of a just energy transition can become a reality.
Princess Avianne Charles is a Trinbagonian writer with articles on human rights, labor laws, climate and environmental justice, and occupational safety and health. Princess holds a degree in Occupational Safety and Health and is the recipient of the inaugural Peggy Antrobus Award of Excellence from the GirlsCARE Mentorship Programme. Her work centers on providing safer spaces and risk-reduction strategies for Caribbean communities and the environment.