March 15 is commemorated as World Consumer Rights Day and on this day Consumer International and its 200 member organisations from over 100 countries around the world come together to highlight a critical issue affecting consumers globally.

This year’s theme Empowering Consumers through Clean Energy Transition encourages transition to clean energy by improving access to affordable, dependable and sustainable energy, that will contribute to mitigating climate change.

Climate change is a phenomenon which if not checked will eventually have a catastrophic impact on our planet and all life on it. One of the major causes of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels for energy. Extraction and burning fossil fuels increases CO2 level in the atmosphere leading to global warming and contaminates air, water and soil on which all life depends for procreation and survival. Throughout the world, economically vulnerable section of the population bear the maximum brunt of climate change.

However, as consumers of energy, collectively we wield change-inducing influence over how energy is generated, by demanding clean energy and switching to clean energy sources. We may take considerable time for complete transition to renewable energy, but, change we must, for our present and the future. We must consistently apply pressure on energy producing countries and governments and energy companies to provide cleaner alternatives. Where choices are available, we must as consumers consciously switch to clean energy and associated technologies.

Though the cost of generating and distributing clean energy are falling rapidly relative to fossil fuel due to improving economy of scale and technological advancements as a result of higher investment in R&D, it may take time before renewable energy completely replaces fossil fuel for all our needs. To achieve this faster and sustainably, it is critical to formulate progressive policies, incentivize investment in clean energy production and distribution and empower and assist consumers switch to clean energy through proactive government support.

Considering the collective demanding power of all consumers to bring change, I join all the members of Consumer International and call on all governments and its partners to make clean energy production, availability and affordability a top priority.

I urge all consumers also to choose clean energy as soon as you have the choice. Happy Consumer Rights Day and Tashi Delek to All!