Greenpeace proposes Asian clean energy strategy to avert climate disaster

The IPCC meeting which starts 30th April will be focusing on ways to mitigate climate change.

“Even as we campaign for massive emission reduction and phase out of dirty energy in the developed countries, we have to ensure that the developing countries protect their economic development interests without exacerbating the problems of climate change. It is the populations of these developing countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,” said Sven Teske, energy expert of Greenpeace International and co-author of ‘Energy [R]evolution: A sustainable East Asia Energy Outlook’ released at the seminar today.

Renewable energy, combined with efficiencies from the smart use of energy, can deliver half of the world’s energy needs by 2050, according the report co-produced by the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) and Greenpeace International. The report is a practical blueprint for how to cut global CO2 emissions by almost 50% within the next 43 years, whilst providing a secure and affordable energy supply and, critically, maintaining steady worldwide economic development.

“For Thailand to meet the challenge of a low carbon, sustainable, secure energy future, it is crucial that the Government implement a binding Renewable Energy law that will enable the introduction of feed-in tariffs and immediately remove other bureaucratic and economic barriers that prevent the development of renewable energy,” Said Tara Buakamsri, Energy Campaigner of Greenpeace Southeast Asia. “Renewable energies are competitive, if governments phase-out subsidies for fossil fuels and introduce the polluter pays principle,” he added.
 
The report takes into account rapid economic growth in areas of East Asia, and highlights the economic advantages of the energy revolution scenario. However, the report also highlights the small timeframe for making the key decisions in energy infrastructure, which will have to be made by governments, investment institutions and utility companies.

“The Energy Revolution scenario comes as the world is crying out for a roadmap for tackling the dilemma of how to provide the power we all need, without fuelling climate change. We have shown that the world can have safe, robust renewable energy and that we can achieve the efficiencies needed. We can do all this whilst enjoying global economic growth and phasing out damaging and dangerous sources such as coal and nuclear, “ concluded Von Hernandez, Campaign Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.