How we can create a global energy transition inclusive of the Global South

The document highlights a disconnect between G7 and G20 priorities, noting that the G20 more explicitly addresses energy access and affordability for the Global South. It argues that the energy transition must not compromise energy security or market stability in developing nations. To achieve inclusivity, the author proposes that COP28 focus on mobilizing blended and concessional finance, accelerating clean technology transfer, establishing a global just transition fund, and committing to a 'Modern Energy Minimum'. Additionally, it suggests integrating Official Development Assistance (ODA) to reduce financing costs and encouraging Global South participation in green growth industries through Advanced Market Commitments.

• There is a perceived gap between the priorities of advanced economies and the Global South, as evidenced by the G7's limited reference to energy access, affordability, or market stability compared to the G20 Statement, which explicitly highlighted these issues.
• Energy equity is currently challenged by countries shifting their focus toward energy security due to rising energy prices, which threatens the goal of a global climate transition.
• Approximately 2.3 billion people worldwide still rely on wood, charcoal, and biomass for cooking, necessitating pragmatic solutions like combining solar home systems with LPG in areas where grid connection is delayed.
• To support the Global South's energy transition, the document proposes several specific mechanisms for COP28: a concrete plan to mobilize public, private, and philanthropic climate finance; the acceleration of clean energy technology transfer; the creation of a global just transition fund for affected workers; and a commitment to a 'Modern Energy Minimum'.
• Official Development Assistance (ODA) should be integrated with development finance to lower lending costs by absorbing currency and credit risks for emerging economies.
• The Global South should be integrated into the energy transition's growth industries, such as the manufacturing of batteries and solar panels, potentially through Advanced Market Commitments.

APA

Herscowitz, T. T. L. V. A. (2023). How we can create a global energy transition inclusive of the Global South. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/energy-transition-global-south-cop28/

Chicago

Herscowitz, Tatsuya Terazawa, Lamé Verre, Andrew. How we can create a global energy transition inclusive of the Global South. World Economic Forum, 2023. https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/energy-transition-global-south-cop28/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Herscowitz |first1=Tatsuya Terazawa, Lamé Verre, Andrew |title=How we can create a global energy transition inclusive of the Global South |publisher=World Economic Forum |date=15 November 2023 |url=https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/energy-transition-global-south-cop28/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{herscowitz2023how, author = {Herscowitz, Tatsuya Terazawa, Lamé Verre, Andrew}, title = {{How we can create a global energy transition inclusive of the Global South}}, publisher = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2023}, month = nov, url = {https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/energy-transition-global-south-cop28/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }