Policy brief: Local coalitions planning the post-carbone future

Last month, I finished my policy brief by a call for “Devolving energy policy decisions to the local communities”. Today, Greenpeace brought to light the TTIP papers… another leak, as if every month should make public a new secret negotiation. Besides what the deal content is, it is the process which brings current democratic process at stake. Do big companies believe that partnerships with local authorities will be built with legal advisers only ?

From many discussions with Energy Cities members, there is a need to rebuild trust for sustainable public-private partnerships. Devolving power to the local level means that they need to have all information about the possible futures, the technology options, that they are discussed by local actors. Transparency and strong local commitment will be the best ally to reach long-term bold investment decisions ; sustainability of the economic landscape is about informed consensus not about restricted access to exclusive information !
In our position on what the ETS revenues should finance through their modernisation funds we provide good examples of how investment roadmaps can be designed with all partners.

On April 22nd, when leaders were meeting to sign the Paris Agreement in New York, I was with more than 160 LOCAL leaders, in Almada (Portugal). Together with the local energy agency, the Mayor launched the Almada Local Climate Platform, an amazing example of mobilising all actors : from the university to churches, from police forces to firemen, from the hospital to enterprises, from schools to NGOs. They all pursue the common objective of having a resilient community in 2050. The platform will discuss investment for the cities, energy and climate objectives and policies, opening the decision to all actors, involving the local community (see the article in the newsletter).

Definitely another way to create a stable investment landscape !

Claire Roumet
Executive Director
Energy Cities