The UN has encouraged delegations to Rio+20 to make voluntary commitments to sustainable development. There are signs that the Sustainable Energy For All initiative may be a major beneficiary. How should we assess any announcements?
Energy poverty news: Rio+20: June 19
Perspectives on Energy For All from Oxfam and the European Union. And The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves resolves to conduct research into better usage of stoves in poor households.
Showdown looms on UN Energy Day
Today’s UN Energy Day is the big day for the Sustainable Energy For All initiative at Rio+20. Controversy over the governance structure of the UN’s High-level Group could spoil the party.
Fresh light on universal energy access
Today’s Rio Dialogues session on Energy had to overcome a blindspot on the importance of energy access for the poor. The outcome was a valuable alert to be careful with what we mean by “universal” access to modern energy.
Energy poverty news: Rio+20: June 18
UN-Energy boss Kandeh Yumkella wows a corporate audience on the subject of energy poverty. Potential funding sources continue to be debated whilst new research in Nature gives Energy For all a green light on mitigating climate change.
Energy verdict for Brazilian Rio+20 text
Initial reaction from energy poverty campaigners to the latest Rio+20 outcome text drafted by the Brazilian hosts has been negative. But a closer look sees some hope for the poor who lack electricity and clean cookstoves.
Pressure builds on Rio+20 to target energy access for all
UN leaders, business chiefs, NGO activists and celebrities have joined forces in Rio de Janeiro in a concerted endeavour to assist 1.4 billion people around the world with no access to electricity and 2.7 billion with unsafe cooking stoves.
Energy poverty news: Rio+20: June 16
Rio+20 negotiators continue to ignore energy. What could be the explanation? Plus an important report from the Stockholm Environment Institute and a spate of video appearances by members of the UN’s high-level group.
Energy Poverty News: Rio+20: June 15
There’s still no news about energy from the PrepCom negotiations – one day to go. Plus more thoughts on fossil fuel subsidies and an audio on clean cookstoves.
Action on fossil fuel subsidies may triumph in Rio+20 dialogues
Engagement of the public through the online Rio+20 Dialogues has produced some questionable results. The energy sector may unite around action on fossil fuel subsidies, especially as 350.org is about to throw everything behind its campaign.