Parliamentarians at P20 Summit Call for Equitable Climate Finance in Energy Transition

The move by the world to shift from reliance on fossil fuels to renewable energy sources should happen fairly and equitably to protect the rights and interests of vulnerable communities, the 11th P20 Speakers Summit heard.

The Summit, a gathering of Speakers and legislators from the parliaments of G20 countries, is underway in Kleinmond, Western Cape. The Summit concludes today.

Addressing delegates during a discussion themed “Mobilising finance for a just energy transition”, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse, called on development finance institutions, multilateral agencies, private investors, and philanthropic organisations to work with countries to ensure the just transition was inclusive and fair, especially to the developing world.

“Finance alone is not enough. The Just transition calls for a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, not abandoning the workers, families, and communities who have depended on coal and other carbon-intensive industries for a long time,” he said. “It means protecting the most vulnerable groups who are already suffering the effects of climate change. The support should be in the form of funding, technology transfer, capacity building, and knowledge sharing,” said Mr Keorapetse.

Another delegate, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Mauritius, Mr Veda Baloomoody, also warned that a just transition cannot happen without fair and equitable climate finance for the world’s most vulnerable. “How can it be just when those who contribute the least to this crisis are the ones already paying the highest price? The transition should be fair and inclusive,” he said.

A member of the South African delegation, the Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature, Mr Daylin Mitchell, echoed the call for the just transition to consider the rights of vulnerable groups. “We must decarbonise in a manner that protects citizens and workers, empowers communities and leaves no one behind. As we respond to climate change, we must do so with fairness, dignity and foresight. The just energy transition is not only an environmental or economic strategy, but also a solemn pledge to justice, equity and shared prosperity,” he said.

Speaker of the Congress of Deputies of Spain, Ms Francina Armengol, also added her voice to the call for more climate investment in the developing world, especially Africa. “A handful of countries are responsible for wasting energy, polluting and accelerating climate change, while millions of people in other parts of the world cannot fulfil their most basic needs. Africa is a devastating example with a huge renewable potential. The continent receives less than 3% of global energy investment, a situation that must be urgently reversed,” she said.

The Spanish Speaker also noted that climate change, environmental degradation and the energy emergency are matters of social and economic justice that require urgent attention. “Africa suffers from energy poverty and at the same time bears the brunt of climate change, while being responsible for only 4% of cumulative global emissions,” she said.

According to the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Mr Milton Dick, tackling climate change requires not only strong global ambition but also strong and lasting partnerships, especially with those most affected by its impact. He supported the global call for climate finance to help the developing countries experiencing the harsh realities of climate change, such as rising seas and extreme weather conditions.

“Climate finance will assist communities to adapt, build and become resilient and move towards a more secure and sustainable future,” he argued. “Supporting countries to move to renewables will promote economic development, improve energy security and help them achieve their climate goals,” said Mr Dick.

The Summit heard that transitioning would require unprecedented financial resources to help countries upgrade their infrastructure, expand renewable energy sources and support affected communities.

A climate finance researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs, Ms Kirsten Pearson, said one possible idea for mobilising finances would be solidarity levies—a set of proposed taxes on the heaviest polluters, particularly oil, gas and coal corporations. “The idea is to make major fossil fuel producers and beneficiaries of pollution pay a fair share of the costs of climate damage and support vulnerable countries suffering from climate change impacts,” she said.

She also advised that parliaments could support climate finance by enabling laws that align national policies with international commitments and by overseeing government budgets to ensure funds are allocated and spent transparently on climate action.

Sakhile Mokoena
3 October 2025