Our Future is Public: Energy Democracy Movements Declaration

Support the Energy Democracy Movement Declaration

Join the global movement to reclaim our energy systems!

Summary

Groups fighting for energy democracy at all levels of society are leading resistance and remedies towards a better future.

Profit-driven energy models have escalated the climate crisis, failed to decarbonise our energy systems, and do not provide universal access to clean, affordable energy. We need to unite globally to transition to public energy systems rooted in justice, solidarity and democracy.

The global energy democracy movement recognises that the energy transition is an urgent opportunity to reclaim our energy systems from the market and put participation, human rights, and equality at the heart.

Energy must be under just public ownership and democratic management, and not for profit. Solutions to energy provision should be collectively agreed, with frontline communities at the centre of decision making.

The Energy Democracy Declaration is a result of a two-day Energy sector meeting as part of the international Our Future is Public conference in Santiago, Chile, that involved Indigenous representatives, trade unions, ecofeminists, climate justice organisations, solidarity collectives and NGOs. It outlines six dimensions that can jointly pave the way forward to ensure clean, affordable energy for all.

Together we stand for:

Energy as a human right
Energy under public ownership
Against green colonialism
From profiteering to good living
Reducing energy consumption and energy sufficiency for all
Funding globally just Energy Transitions

Read the full Declaration

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Download the full Declaration as PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

Why join the Energy Democracy Movement?   

Bloomberg New Energy Finance, reporting on global investment in renewables, has recently stated that “the outlook for energy transition (looks) extremely bright”.¹ However, no rapid energy transition is underway. In fact, the global consumption of oil, gas and coal continues to rise.

Therefore it has never been clearer: profit-driven energy corporations have influenced governments, international institutions and UN environmental conventions in support of policy decisions that favour greed and capital accumulation. As such, these policies are failing to prioritise ecological and human needs. Without intervention from a strong and organised global movement, capitalists’ embrace of green energy will leave the working class behind.

Support the Energy Democracy Declaration and help turn things around globally, understanding that without public ownership there will be no incentive for a true just energy transition for all.

What is the Energy Democracy Declaration?

It is a result of a two-day meeting as part of the international conference Our Future is Public in Santiago, Chile involving various organizations working towards clean and affordable energy for all.

Who can sign the declaration?

Anyone, both organisations and individuals, who supports the vision of energy democracy and wants to make a positive impact on our energy systems.

What is the aim of the declaration?

The aim of this Manifesto is to strengthen, expand and unify the many social movements committed to energy and environmental justice. It is part of an open and ongoing political process to develop a common narrative, strategies and actions.

Who is behind the declaration?

This declaration has been drafted by a diverse group of participants ranging from Indigenous representatives, trade unions, ecofeminists, climate justice organisations, solidarity collectives and NGO’s.

¹Cheung, A. (2023) ‘Energy Transition in 2023: Into a New Era’ https://about.bnef.com/blog/energy-transition-in-2023-into-a-new-era/.

Endorsements

"As the evidence of climate breakdown mounts year after year, the planet is now at an inflection point. It is urgent that countries embrace an alternative development paradigm altogether, one that is based on cooperation, solidarity, economic & environmental justice. This energy democracy manifesto developed by unions, researchers and social movements from the north and south shines a light on how to reclaim energy systems to contribute to this endeavour."

Benny Kuruvilla | Director Focus on the Global South, India

"It has never been clearer that we need to urgently switch to renewable energy, locally, regionally, nationally and all around the world. We can't just wait for market forces - we need PUBLIC ownership, investment and planning to tackle the climate crisis. People and planet must come before profit. Please sign this statement and spread the word!"

Cat Hobbs | We Own It, UK

"This global movement arguing for radical and effective change recognizes the urgent need to transition to energy systems rooted in justice, solidarity, and democracy, with an explicit leading role for women and those who are affected by climate change the most. This is truly important and can't be stressed enough: the future of energy should not be privatised and for profit, but public and for all! I'm glad forces are joining together on reclaiming our energy systems and working towards a just transition together."