Friends of the Earth Europe

As community renewables grow in western Europe, what about central and eastern regions?

A socially fair energy transformation means putting renewable energy into the hands of communities and people. The transition to 100% renewable energy, must benefit people too – not just big corporations - we must take power back from Big Energy. Big energy companies have consistently acted in their own financial interest, instead of the planet and sharing the wealth from renewable energy with communities.

As temperature gages hit 40°C across Europe this week, terrifying heatwaves are becoming the new normal. But we are not all equal in the face of extreme weather, writes climate justice campaigner Clemence Hutin.

Last summer, a shocking heatwave seemed to dry up and set alight our continent before our eyes. This year we see this terrifying pattern repeating.

Today’s European Commission analysis of Member States’ draft ten-year plans for climate and energy confirms a big climate fail, according to Friends of the Earth Europe. The EU's 2030 renewables and energy efficiency targets — already insufficient — will be missed if Member States do not improve their plans.

Opinion article by Susann Scherbarth of Friends of the Earth Europe, and Sean Sweeney of Trade Unions for Energy Democracy. First appeared on OpenDemocracy.