The urgency to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as underscored by the latest IPCC Assessment Report (AR6), has heightened the imperative for immediate and concerted action. With the energy sector being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, achieving this goal necessitates a radical transformation in the way we produce and consume energy.
The global energy landscape stands at a pivotal moment. With the urgent need to address climate change and achieve sustainable development, the ambitious COP28 pledge to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 has set a new and critical target. In this transformative journey, Legislators stand as architects of national policies and frameworks, holding the key to translating ambition into reality.
IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook 2023 emphasizes the critical role of renewables and energy efficiency in meeting climate targets. However, current trajectories fall short of the required emission reductions, indicating the urgent need for accelerated efforts.
While current global renewable energy deployment falls short of international commitments, including the Paris Agreement, numerous challenges hinder progress. Inadequate infrastructure, fragmented policies, and skilled workforce shortages all remain substantial roadblocks. Within this landscape, Legislators wield significant influence, as they are tasked with shaping policies, establishing supportive infrastructure, and fostering the development of skills critical for navigating the complexities of the energy transition.
The IRENA Legislators Forum became a platform for substantive dialogue amongst legislators and renewable energy experts on innovative solutions to advance the global energy transition by establishing an active network of renewable energy champions, and facilitating exchanges of information and best practices that will help parliamentarians to amplify their influence, whether in the executive branch, among regional and local stakeholders, or in the private sector and civil society.
Through collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing, the 2024 edition of the IRENA Legislators Forum provided legislators with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to champion and implement impactful policies that unlock the full potential of renewables and accelerate progress towards the COP28 pledge on tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030.
A holistic approach to policy formulation is essential to meet the ambitious targets set forth. In this context, the Forum presented a timely opportunity for inclusive and diverse discussions on how Legislators can promote the adoption and implementation of policies and laws aiming at contributing to the achievement of the pledge on tripling renewables by 2030. In addition to deployment and enabling policies, structural changes are imperative to ensure a just transition towards an energy-efficient economy and renewables-based power system that benefits all. Enabling measures for renewable energy deployment must extend beyond regulations and financial incentives to include reshaping organizational structures, strengthening value chains, and prioritizing education, training, and collaboration among diverse stakeholders to foster inclusivity and resilience in the transition process.
