Climatelinks’ theme for September and October is Just Energy Transition. Transitioning to clean energy is imperative for mitigating climate change and has many co-benefits, including preventing up to 6 million premature deaths each year from exposure to toxic air pollution. USAID works across all aspects of the energy sector to accelerate this transition in ways that promote equitable and just outcomes. The following resources highlight how USAID programs support a just and inclusive transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient energy systems around the world.
Women in Power System Transformation
The USAID-National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Partnership, Imperial College London, and Global Power System Transformation Consortium community joined together to launch the Women in Power System Transformation initiative. This initiative aims to increase gender equality in the global transition to clean energy by providing in-depth technical capacity building for women in emerging economies so they are prepared to excel in science and engineering roles in the rapidly evolving power sector.
Addressing the Social Impact of Renewable Energy Auctions: Webinar Recording
During renewable energy auctions, if authorities and auction bidders fail to engage local communities or understand the social impact of renewable energy projects, it can lead to harmful outcomes for the communities and financial losses for the developers. USAID’s Scaling Up Renewable Energy (SURE) program hosted a webinar that explored auction design options and policymaker actions that can help address the social impact of renewable energy projects awarded in auctions.
Promoting an Inclusive and Just Energy Transition: Training Indigenous Leaders in Colombia for the Clean Energy Economy
Through the SURE program, USAID partners with the Government of Colombia, the National Training Service, and the private sector to provide young people in Wayuu communities with the skills needed to work in renewable energy projects. The job training program expands opportunities for young Indigenous leaders to enter the labor market and become entrepreneurs in the region’s new renewable energy economy.
Advancing Energy Efficiency in Developing Countries: Lessons Learned from Low-Income Residential Experiences in Industrialized Countries
Energy efficiency has the potential to simultaneously address economic development, energy security, and environmental protection. This report from the USAID-NREL Partnership presents lessons learned in delivering energy-efficiency programs for low-income households. The intent is to provide best practices that are applicable to each stage of a developing country’s deployment cycle with a focus on urban environments that are already electrified.
Women’s Leadership is Necessary for the Clean Energy Transition
As of 2017, the renewable energy sector employed 10.3 million individuals worldwide, but women have not been well represented in the sector. Without better gender representation, businesses and utilities face decreased performance and revenues, stifled innovation, and exacerbation of existing gender inequalities. This paper from USAID’s Resources to Advance LEDS Implementation identifies barriers to the full engagement of women in the energy sector and identifies actions that can be taken to support women as business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Explore additional energy and climate resources here.
Jamie Schoshinski
Jamie Schoshinski is a Program Associate with Environmental Incentives, primarily supporting USAID’s Advancing Capacity for the Environment (ACE) project as a Climatelinks Content and Social Media Manager. Jamie has a Master’s in Environmental Policy from American University and a BA in English and Political Science from Temple University.
