IRENA Youth Talk: Addressing equity and climate challenges through renewables-based energy transitions

Young people are proving to be a force for positive change and climate action when engaged and empowered effectively. Through the IRENA Youth Talk platform, IRENA has sought to harness this by offering youth a platform to be heard, share ideas, and learn from experts in various related fields.

Under the umbrella of the IRENA Youth Talk, IRENA, in cooperation with Enel Foundation, launched a new series of events on the road to COP26 under the overarching title Energy Transition Heroes. The series includes webinars and in-person meetings, aimed at showcasing ideas and fostering informed discussion on key issues.

The first edition of this new IRENA Youth Talk series focused on the theme “Addressing Equity and Climate Challenges through Renewables-based Energy Transitions”.

Equity and climate change are both undoubtedly important and complex issues in their own right, but they are harmonized by the solutions that the energy transition can offer. Indeed, renewable energy is one of the most effective tools to ensure the achievement of climate and sustainable goals, tackle inequalities in societies and deliver social services.

The IRENA Youth Talk focused on the direct and indirect effects of the climate crisis, on equality, poverty and opportunity. By analyzing and discussing the positive contribution that young people can make to an accelerated energy transition, this edition of the IRENA Youth Talk showcased ideas and solutions to overcome the vicious ‘climate-inequalities’ circle through the establishment of a sustainable and resilient energy sector.

Should you have any questions, please contact youth@irena.org.