On the occasion of the G7 meeting from 13 to 15 June, the development cooperation agency Misereor appeals to the government representatives meeting for consultation to make a clear commitment to the global phase-out of fossil fuels and to set concrete end dates for the use of coal, oil and gas. International investments in fossil fuels in Africa must be stopped and replaced by financial incentives for renewable energy projects. This is the only way to benefit the people of Africa and effectively combat the climate crisis.
The UN climate negotiations in Bonn, which have just ended, failed to develop ambitious and concrete measures to implement the energy transition. Madeleine Wörner, energy expert at Misereor, is therefore now calling on the G7 countries to live up to their self-proclaimed role as climate pioneers: "If the G7 are serious, action must follow, such as a joint commitment to fossil fuel phase-out dates in their national climate plans."
With a view to the African continent, the energy expert sees great potential for a rapid and sustainable expansion of renewable energies that also benefits the local population: "Investments in fossil fuel projects on the African continent, including from Germany, are blocking the energy transition and sustainable development. Instead of continuing to invest in climate-damaging and exploitative fossil fuels, financial incentives are needed to expand and promote renewable energy projects." With the appropriate international support, the continent could be energy self-sufficient with 100 per cent renewables as early as 2030.
Misereor campaign: "Burnt out: No energy at the expense of the poorest"
Over the next few years, Misereor will work with partner organisations to actively shape and drive forward the global phase-out of fossil fuels, with a particular focus on Africa. People there are working on a sustainable, decentralised energy supply that benefits local populations. Fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil must remain in the ground to enable sustainable development and prosperity and to limit global warming.
Many African countries have ideal conditions for energy from the sun and wind. Despite this, Germany continues to invest in fossil fuel projects locally, which blocks sustainable development and has devastating effects on the local population and the climate crisis.
Further information:
More about the campaign in the press briefing and on the website.
The report "Burnt out. How the extraction of fossil fuels is hampering Africa's development."shows project examples from partner organisations and country examples from Kenya, Uganda, Senegal and Mauritania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and Nigeria.
The petition "No energy at the expense of the poorest!" is to be presented to Economics Minister Habeck at the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku in autumn.
For interviews and background discussions, Misereor experts Madeleine Wörner (Energy Policy and Renewable Energies, Aachen) and Gesine Ames (Development Policy Africa, Berlin) will be available for interviews and background discussions. Please contact the press office to arrange an appointment.
