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on how to go about the low-carbon energy transition, it will be not only fairer,
but faster.
15. The transition away from fossil fuels must be a just transition as described
above. Specifically, Oxfam calls for coal energy plants to be phased-out in
this manner as soon as possible between 2020-2030 in richest countries, by
2040 for Upper Middle-Income countries, and by 2050 for the rest of the
world, and all fossil-fuels phased out of electricity generation by 2050
accompanied by a phase-in of 100% sustainable renewable energy for all. This
must occur fastest in developed countries and amongst other non-state actors
with most responsibility and capability. For developing countries with lower
responsibility and capability the transition will be provisional and possible
only with financial, technological and capacity-building support.
Energy Access
16. By energy access, we mean ensuring affordable, reliable and quality energy
for all (electricity and clean cooking), as per Sustainable Development Goal
7.
17. Since 2014, governments have agreed the 2030 Agenda which formalises a
commitment to reach universal energy access (Sustainable Development Goal
7). According to the latest figures from SE4ALL, the Philippines had reached
91% electricity access, and 45% access to clean cooking4.
18. Evidence shows that having affordable, reliable, safe access to electricity and
clean cooking is particularly beneficial for women. Women and girls are
typically responsible for collecting fuel, and preparing meals. If basic energy
services were designed and directed to reduce arduous domestic workloads,
the women and girls who do this work could have more time to engage in
education, paid work and political participation.
19. Progress has been made in defining meaningful energy access for productive
use and beyond: the Global Tracking Framework considers a number of
attributes, recognising it is more complex than a binary measure of whether
households have a connection or not. It is not good having electricity that only
works for a few hours a day, or has repeated blackouts, or that people cannot
afford to pay for. Likewise, while one solar lantern is better than nothing, a
higher level of energy services is required to lift people out of poverty.
Renewable energy
20. Maximising the potential available for the Philippines to achieve universal
energy access for all and to transition towards renewables comes at a time
when the technologies and systems required are fast declining in cost.
SE4ALL. (2017). Understanding the Landscape: Tracking Finance for Electricity and Clean Cooking Access in HighImpact Countries. Retrieved from: https://www.seforall.org/sites/default/files/2017_SEforALL_FR2_ES.pdf
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