On Tuesday, 15, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) launched its Energy Access and Poverty Pillar (EAPP) during COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
The Mayor of Caceres, Brazil, Eliene Liberato participated in the event as a member of GCoM Americas. “I am very happy to represent my city, my state, and my country”, declared the mayor. Eliene also highlighted the opportunity to present to the world successful clean energy projects, such as the municipality’s photovoltaic power plant, the largest in Brazil implemented by public agencies.
During her speech, she also mentioned the need for national and international investments for more clean energy projects, especially for low-income families. “We need investments and advanced technologies to offer clean and renewable energy, and also to preserve our rivers and wetlands. The positive result of our plant demonstrates the need for more projects like this,” said Eliene Liberato.
Cáceres’ participation was articulated by the Alziras Institute, a Brazilian non-governmental institution whose mission is to increase and strengthen the presence of women, in all their diversity, in politics and public management. The Alziras Institute acts as the national coordinator of the Covenant in Brazil.
About the new Energy Access and Energy Poverty Pillar
The Energy Access and Energy Poverty Pillar of the Common Reporting Framework is a set of indicators, guidelines, and timelines created to help the more than 12,500 Covenant signatory local governments take action for a just energy transition. Built over two years in consultation with the 13 Regional and National Covenants and coordinated by a dedicated subcommittee of the GCoM Data Technical Working Group, the pillar reflects the partnership’s regional diversity and flexible approach to create space for streamlined ambitious action.
The pillar is structured into three key attributes: secure, affordable, and sustainable energy. The attributes are designed to align with UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the latest findings from across the energy community. The attributes also cover more than 50 indicators, which were sourced directly from practitioners and partners from multiple regions to provide a flexible, evidence-based method for tracking progress based on the unique needs and contexts of each city and local government.
Following the existing pillars of the Common Reporting Framework – CRF – (mitigation and adaptation), it presents opportunities for GCoM signatories to receive medals throughout their climate journey. The badges are awarded after (1) developing an assessment, (2) setting a target, and (3) completing an action plan that includes energy access or energy poverty elements. Signatories can progress along the Energy Action Plan and earn these badges starting in January 2023. They will have two years to submit an assessment and target, and three years to submit a plan. The reporting of activities must be carried out through the official GCoM reporting platforms: CDP – ICLEI and My Covenant.
Through the Pillar, the more than 12,500 cities and local governments that make up the GCoM alliance can start tracking progress and taking action on energy access and energy poverty. Local momentum can identify and unlock the levers for greater energy policy engagement, especially around secure, affordable, and sustainable energy generation and consumption.
The Pillar is currently available as a stand-alone document and will be integrated into the Common Reporting Framework in various languages in early 2023. From that date, a guidance note will also be made available to provide additional knowledge and support to signatories.
