Energy and the green transition.

 

It is indisputable that human activity is inflicting significant harm on our planet’s ecosystem. Not only has the scientific community reached a strong consensus on this, but it is also reflected in The growing impacts of climate change and our unsustainable consumption of natural resources. We are now witnessing the consequences of these activities through extreme climate events, including heatwaves, wildfires, rising sea levels, and increasingly severe storms. Furthermore, the overexploitation of essential natural resources such as biomass, metals, non-metallic minerals and fossil fuels is contributing to deforestation, soil degradation, and the extinction of species. Addressing the consequences of human-induced environmental degradation, particularly in relation to climate change, has become the greatest challenge global society is facing today. This is of particular relevance given that developing countries, especially SIDS, which face heightened risks from rising sea levels, droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events linked to climate change, are bearing the biggest brunt. In terms ofindustrial development, this challenge calls for a transition towards green industrialization, a prioritization of public health, and the promotion of clean technologies that reduce emissions and resource use. The shift towards greener productionprocesses requires coordinated action across industries and countries, making it one of the defining issues for the future of industrialization. The energy transition, characterized by the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, is central to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. 

This transition is gaining momentum, with renewable energy capacity expanding at a record pace for the 22nd consecutive year in 2023. By 2028, renewable sources are projected to account for over 42%  of global electricity generation.While reducing GHG emissions through cleanenergy is crucial, it cannot on its own address the broader issue of resource overuse or meet the growing energy demands of developing countries.

The production of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and electric vehicles (EVs), for instance, relies heavily on metals such as cobalt and lithium. This surge in demand for minerals presents a sustainability challenge, as the current mining rates of these resources risks straining ecosystems and depleting critical natural reserves. There is therefore a growing need to focus not only on clean energy but also on reducing overall resource consumption by embracing principles such as circular economy and efficient resource use to ensure long-term sustainability. However, relying solely on renewable energy sources will not be enough to power the economies of many developing countries. 

For instance, in Africa, charcoal remains a primary energy source for households, while diesel generators continue to supply power for many small andmedium enterprises (SMEs) in countries such as Nigeria. Abruptly discontinuing the use of these fossil fuels could lead to economic stagnation. Consequently, integrating the greening and cleaning of fossil fuel use into any transitional strategyis key.