Shifting Power: Transitioning to Renewable Energy in United Nations Peace Operations
Publisher: Henry L. Stimson Center
Author(s): Victoria K. Holt, Alexander R. Hopkins, David Mozersky, and Sherwin Das
Date: 2021
Topics: Climate Change, Extractive Resources, Peace and Security Operations, Renewable Resources
The activities of the UN Secretariat constitute approximately 60% of the UN System’s greenhouse gas emissions, with the largest share coming from UN-led peace operations. Those operations deploy around the world to prevent conflict, protect civilians, facilitate peace processes, and support peacebuilding activities. To meet its ambitious carbon-reduction and renewable-energy targets by 2030, the UN will need to transform its approach to sourcing and generating power, and rapidly move away from its current heavy reliance on diesel generators in field missions.
The transformation required for UN peace operations to reduce emissions is complex. Successful renewable-energy transitions in peace operations have grown, but they remain the exception rather than the rule. The system as a whole is not yet designed to support renewable energy in the field at scale — and several missions have overcome internal obstacles to deploy renewables. Through an examination of the UN’s vision, policy, and action in the field, this report finds that certain areas need change and that targeted, manageable measures will go a long way in meeting mission goals and UN climate targets.