Renewable Heat For All – A civil society manifesto for the future of heating and cooling in Europe
It has never been clearer that we need renewable, affordable energy for all. Seven major civil society organisations from across Europe, representing the large majority of Europe's environmental movements, are calling today on the EU to provide clean renewable heating for all to tackle the climate crisis and avoid a future energy price crunch.
Millions of people in Europe have struggled to heat their homes this winter due to the steep rise in gas and energy prices, while seven major fossil fuel companies operating in Europe took in almost €100 billion in 2021. Meanwhile, an estimated 80 million people across the EU struggle to afford to heat their homes.
Reducing energy demand through energy efficiency improvements and switching to sustainable heating and cooling is key to fight climate change. The most vulnerable parts of our society must be supported when shifting away from fossil systems that have been fuelling environmental crisis and social injustice.
This is why today a large coalition of climate and environment groups launched the “Renewable Heat for All”, a first-of-its-kind civil society manifesto for the future of heating and cooling in Europe.
The decarbonisation of heating is at a turning point. Every newly sold fossil fuel boiler locks us into 25 years of emissions, making many people dependent on volatile gas prices for a long time to come. Renewable alternatives are feasible, efficient and will help us meet the Paris Agreement goals. The time for transition is now – and policymakers must give it a strong push!
The manifesto, co-signed by Bankwatch, CAN Europe, ECOS – Environmental Coalition on Standards, EEB – European Environmental Bureau, Friends of the Earth Europe, Global Witness and Greenpeace, calls on the EU to support and implement a massive and fast roll-out of renewable heating and energy efficiency solutions across Europe to ensure that everyone – and low-income households in particular – can afford the switch to renewable heating and enjoy the benefits.
Access the manifesto here.
