What can we do to transform lives? This was the topic common to all the talks at the TEDxPlaceDesNations event that took place in Geneva on February 11. Amongst others, UNECE’s Director of Sustainable Energy, Scott Foster, participated to the event and gave an insightful talk about the energy mix today and the future of sustainable energy.
He argued that we need to think outside of the box in regard to energy. There are several issues that need to be addressed: sustainable and renewable energy are key to tackling climate change, but we also have to think about people and countries that rely on fossil energy for their livelihoods. Currently, 1.3 billion people around the world do not have access to modern energy, and another billion do not enjoy quality energy. Climate change is not their first priority.
Foster also proposed other solutions, for instance penalizing or rewarding companies based on the quality of service they offer. In short, prices should be based on the quality of service provided and not on the costs incurred by the energy companies.
Foster’s conviction is that this shift will help achieve sustainable energy on a global basis. But he warned the public that it is necessary for policy and regulations to catch up if we want to tackle all of the challenges and meet the goals that have been set. Orienting policies to a services approach will improve efficiencies and accessibility, reduce costs and the carbon intensity of energy, and unleash innovation. The shift to a new energy paradigm has the potential to truly transform lives.