Climate Action Network (CAN), a network of over 1,900 NGOs in more than 130 countries, has accused the International Energy Agency (IEA) of failing to champion any voices from the environmental, climate, or wider civil society movements for the multiple panels taking place over the three days.
CAN made this statement, noting despite leaders acknowledging that, without massive public support, a just energy transition will simply not happen.
The organisation claims that it is part of the clean energy transition and that its efforts to further climate action are essential to the process.
“The participation of civil society in international forums related to the environment is a principle enshrined in international environmental governance and more than two thirds of IEA members have a legally binding obligation to promote public participation in forums dealing with environmentally related matters,” submitted CAN.
Tasneem Essop, Executive Director, Climate Action Network International, said: “A just energy transition aligned with the Paris Agreement and a 1.5 C pathway will not happen unless people’s voices, concerns, and solutions are heard. It is shocking therefore that the IEA 50th Anniversary agenda gives no space to representatives from environmental civil society, social movements or trade unions from across the world and only includes the usual echo chamber of voices from governments, business and technical experts.
“It is time that the IEA not only recognises the important role that civil society plays to address the climate crisis, but also puts this into action through creating the space to have our voices heard. It is the only way to address this crisis so that no one is left behind.”
