Welcome to Power to the People, an inspiring webinar by the SHINE Collaboration that explores the critical intersections of energy, justice, and community empowerment. Over 200 participants from 42 countries, including 20 African nations, gathered to discuss how a truly just energy transition can be achieved—and why it’s vital for our collective future.
The webinar sheds light on the challenges of dominant, top-down approaches to energy transitions and advocates for inclusive solutions that place community access, control, and justice at the forefront.
Key Themes Covered:
- What do we mean by “power”? Beyond energy for electricity, we delve into structural imbalances, political conflicts, and equity in decision-making.
- Why community leadership matters: Learn how grassroots movements are vital for creating transformational energy solutions.
- Voices from the frontlines: Real-world insights from Bikita, Zimbabwe (a region rich in lithium), South Africa’s government-led energy efforts supported by G-8 nations, and rural Kentucky, grappling with the legacy of coal mine closures.
- A broader perspective: The role of climate policy, financing, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals in shaping a just energy future.
Who Should Watch?
This discussion is for advocates, organizers, policymakers, funders, and anyone passionate about a sustainable and just energy future. Whether you’re working on the ground or interested in global energy equity, this webinar offers valuable insights and calls to action.
Why It Matters:
Achieving a just transition means asking tough questions:
- Whose interests and voices count?
- Whose rights are respected?
- Who gets to decide, and which knowledge is prioritized?
These are the essential challenges we must address to ensure that energy transitions benefit everyone, not just the privileged few.