The world needs to shift from a fossil-fuel-based energy system to carbon neutrality. Most obviously, this will require countries to roll out renewable energy and integrate it into the electricity grid, boost energy efficiency, upgrade infrastructure, and refine the governance of electricity and energy markets. Less apparent, success will require that women are able to contribute to the transition on an equal footing with men.
Energy transitions will differ depending on countries’ development priorities, the proportion of the population with access to power grids, the current energy mix and projected demand. Some may involve retrofitting old, unsustainable assets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions; others may be part of a multifaceted development strategy for societal transformation, including gender equality and inclusion. But all countries should commit to creating jobs and leaving no one behind.
Although the available data varies considerably, women probably represent — at most — one-third of the global sustainable energy workforce. Their share typically is much lower in the Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professions and executive positions. Read more…
