COP 29 Baku: A Defining Moment for Energy Transition and Global Climate Justice

As COP 29 unfolds in Baku, the world finds itself at a defining moment in the fight against climate change. With global temperatures rising, the climate crisis intensifying, and extreme weather events wreaking havoc across the globe, the need for urgent action has never been more critical. The backdrop of COP 29 offers not only an opportunity for global leaders to deliberate, but also to commit to concrete action plans that will determine the course of the future.

As we stand at this crossroads, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) must guide our path forward. Of particular focus is SDG 7, which aims to ensure affordable and clean energy for all, and SDG 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change. However, despite considerable progress, there remains a significant gap between commitments and actions.

In the face of climate disasters, we must recognize that energy transition—shifting from fossil fuels to green, sustainable energy sources—is not just a technical challenge but a moral imperative. The transition is key not only to mitigating climate change but also to ensuring energy justice and promoting economic resilience for communities across the globe.

SDGs: Progress and Failures

The SDGs represent a global blueprint for addressing poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. While we’ve made strides toward achieving some goals, the reality is that significant challenges remain. For instance, SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) aims to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030. Yet, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), approximately 759 million people still lack access to electricity, while over 2.6 billion people lack access to clean cooking facilities. The promise of clean, sustainable energy remains out of reach for many, especially in the Global South.

On SDG 13 (Climate Action), we are far from meeting our climate commitments. Despite the pledges made during previous COPs, we are still on a path to global warming well beyond 1.5°C. The IPCC's latest reports indicate that current climate policies and pledges, if fully implemented, would still result in 3.2°C of warming by 2100—well beyond the threshold for catastrophic consequences. Without accelerating climate action, the window to mitigate and adapt to climate change is rapidly closing.

The risk of losing this mitigation window is particularly evident in the energy sector. Energy accounts for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and without a massive shift to clean energy, we will miss our climate goals, endangering future generations. Energy transition is thus not only crucial to achieving the SDGs but also to securing a livable planet for all.

Focus on Energy: Why Energy Transition Matters in the Face of Climate Disasters

The planet is burning, flooding, and battling extreme temperatures. These climate disasters are driven by the unchecked burning of fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The resulting global warming is the primary cause of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. We cannot continue on this path.

To combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy transition is critical. Moving from fossil-based energy sources to clean, renewable sources like solar, wind, bioenergy, and biofuels is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal. This transition is about more than just saving the planet; it's about securing energy access, creating green jobs, and fostering economic resilience in the face of climate adversity.

The Role of Renewables: Solar, Wind, and Bioenergy

As nations look for scalable, reliable, and clean sources of energy, renewables stand out as the solution. The potential of solar, wind, and bioenergy cannot be overstated:

Solar Power: Solar energy is now the cheapest form of electricity generation in many parts of the world. The technology has seen rapid advances, and with further adoption, solar can provide reliable power even in the most remote regions. From urban rooftops to vast deserts, solar has proven to be adaptable and cost-effective. It’s a key player in energy access for underserved populations, enabling local economic growth through job creation and infrastructure development.

Wind Power: Wind energy—both onshore and offshore—is another pillar of the energy transition. The potential for offshore wind farms is particularly enormous, with Europe and parts of Asia already scaling up major projects. Wind energy contributes to local economic development, from manufacturing turbines to ongoing operations and maintenance. It also strengthens energy security, reducing dependency on foreign fossil fuels.

Bioenergy & Biofuels: Biofuels, especially advanced biofuels, can decarbonize heavy transport and aviation, sectors that are difficult to electrify. Bioenergy projects—ranging from biomass to biogas and biofuels—create local jobs, especially in rural and agricultural areas, by utilizing waste products or surplus biomass to produce clean energy. The benefits to local economies are tangible, as bioenergy projects often lead to improved waste management, sustainable farming practices, and job creation.

Energy Security and Economic Resilience: A Vital Link

Energy transition is critical not only for the environment but also for energy security. Many nations are still heavily reliant on fossil fuel imports, leaving them vulnerable to price fluctuations and geopolitical instability. By transitioning to local renewable energy sources, countries can achieve energy independence, reduce energy poverty, and improve national resilience.

Moreover, the renewable energy sector is a key driver of economic diversification. Through investments in clean technologies and green industries, nations can unlock new sources of growth, creating millions of jobs in manufacturing, construction, and operations. The green economy can contribute to more equitable growth and development, especially in regions that have been left behind by traditional industries.

From Declarations to Action: What We Need to Consider

While the transition to renewable energy is essential, the process is not without challenges. As we see in many regions, including Europe, ambitious projects can stall or face significant setbacks. Projects like green hydrogen production, advanced biofuels, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) are often hindered by a lack of policy clarity, cost barriers, and regulatory uncertainty.

For example, recent green hydrogen projects in Europe have faced delays due to clarity in policies and lack of infrastructure investment. Similarly, biofuels and SAF projects have encountered feedstock supply issues, cost competitiveness concerns, and the need for global certification standards. Green methanol, a potential solution for shipping and heavy transport, also faces challenges in scaling its production while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

To avoid these setbacks, we need to ensure that energy transition projects are built on a foundation of long-term policy support, clarity in regulations, and global collaboration. Here are key considerations for successful project implementation:

 1. Clear and Long-Term Policy Support: Governments must provide consistent, long-term policies and financial incentives that promote the growth of clean technologies. Without clear regulatory frameworks, private investments in renewable energy will remain hesitant.

2. Universal Certifications and Standards: To build trust in emerging energy solutions like green hydrogen, biofuels, and SAF, there must be clear, globally recognized certification standards that ensure sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental integrity. Uniform certifications will help reduce market fragmentation and ensure that green claims are verified.

3. Technology Advancements and Digital Transformation: Technological innovation will be key in scaling up the energy transition. Recent advancements in green hydrogen production (such as more efficient electrolysis processes), biofuel production (including new feedstock technologies), and digital energy management are paving the way for more efficient, scalable solutions. AI, big data, and IoT are helping optimize renewable energy integration and storage, making the grid smarter and more resilient.

4. Ecosystem Collaboration: Energy transition is not just the responsibility of governments or businesses—collaboration across ecosystems is critical. Private-sector innovation, public policy, financial institutions, and research institutions must work together to accelerate technological development, finance projects, and expand infrastructure.

5. Risk Mitigation in Geopolitical and Economic Instability: Given the increasing geopolitical tensions, renewable energy projects must incorporate strong risk mitigation strategies. Mitigating risks related to supply chain disruptions, energy price volatility, and geopolitical tensions is critical to ensuring the long-term success of energy transition projects.

Let’s Turn Commitment into Concrete Action

The challenges we face in the energy transition are real, but they are not insurmountable. As COP 29 deliberates and lays the groundwork for future climate action, we must commit to moving beyond mere declarations and into concrete action.

The energy transition is a historic opportunity to reshape the global economy, improve energy security, create green jobs, and reduce the impacts of climate change. If we approach it with clarity, long-term vision, and global cooperation, we can accelerate the shift to clean energy systems that benefit both people and the planet.

It’s time to turn our collective ambition into action. The path to a sustainable energy future is within reach—but only if we commit to acting now.

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