Sustainable Energy

Listen to UNECE podcast "Bridging the Gap: Intergenerational Equity and Resource Management"

https://soundcloud.com/unece/bridging-the-gap-resource-management-intergenerational-equity

In this podcast Bridging the Gap: Intergenerational Equity and Resource Management, Kuba Wesolinski sits down with Jodi-Ann Wang, a leading policy fellow and PhD candidate at Oxford University and member of the EGRM Resource Management Young Member Group, to unpack the complexities of intergenerational justice—a critical issue at the heart of sustainable resource development. Recorded during COP29, the podcast delves into how current resource management practices affect future generations, addressing systemic challenges like inequality, ecological degradation, and the legacy of unbridled exploitation. Jodi-Ann Wang explores the transformative potential of frameworks like UNRMS and UNFC in aligning resource governance with long-term equity and justice, while calling for stronger regulatory mechanisms to ensure accountability. From the vital role of youth and multi-actor dialogue to the necessity of embedding intergenerational perspectives into climate governance, this episode provides an honest, thought-provoking look at the steps needed to create a sustainable, equitable future. Whether you're a policymaker, activist, or simply curious about the intersection of justice and climate action, this discussion resonates with UNECE's commitment to sustainable resource management.

Thirteenth International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development
2-4 December 2024
United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, Thailand

The 13th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development is scheduled to take place on 2-4 December 2024 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. The Forum will be jointly organized by the five United Nations Regional Commissions. More information at: https://unece.org/info/Sustainable-Energy/events/390553

Platform on Resilient Energy Systems

The time is now for countries to implement policies to build resilient energy systems that provide reliable and affordable access to energy, enhance quality of life and economic growth, and minimize the overall environmental impact of the energy sector.  

According to the UNECE Carbon Neutrality Toolkit, attaining net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is still achievable if we act now.  

A resilient energy system is one where energy makes an optimal contribution to a country’s social, economic, and environmental development. It consists of:  

1. Energy security allows reliable energy needed for economic development 
2. Affordability of green energy reduces the costs of electricity, heating, cooling, and transport while increasing systemic energy efficiency
3. Environmental sustainability lowers the carbon footprint across the energy supply chain

UNECE Expert Groups have united to create five recommendations to build a resilient energy system: 

1. Prioritize and maximize the implementation of energy efficiency solutions to drive down energy consumption. 
2. Digitalize the energy system and take advantage of increasing consumer digital literacy. 
3. Accelerate fuel switching to optimize the carbon footprint of end use energy and replace carbon intensive fuels where practical with low- and zero-carbon options.  
4. Manage resources effectively, sustainably, and with circular economy considerations, using the UN Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and UN Resource Management System (UMRMS).  
5. Accelerate deployment of low- and zero-carbon technologies by scaling renewable energy, nuclear power and advanced fossil fuels with carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS). 

Documents 

• Five-Page Summary on Building Resilient Energy Systems in English / Russian
• Full Report on Building Resilient Energy Systems in English / Russian