Introduction
We cannot talk about a Just Energy Transition without addressing the unique ethical challenges that arise with such in the Global South—namely Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. While solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass energy sources offer cleaner alternatives, their adoption must balance human development with environmental protection, ensuring communities and ecosystems are not harmed. Can renewable technologies coexist harmoniously with nature and human communities, or do they risk replicating the same injustices seen with fossil fuels?
Solar energy
It is one of the most promising resources in the Global South, particularly in sun-abundant areas like Africa and Latin America. Countries such as Brazil, Chile, and South Africa are leading investments in solar technology. However, large-scale solar farms can pose significant ethical concerns. These projects require vast tracts of land, which may compete with agriculture and displace communities, particularly in rural areas. As noted by energy experts, while solar power offers significant environmental benefits, large-scale projects need to prioritize local involvement and ensure minimal disruption to ecosystems and livelihoods. Solar energy in regions like Northern Africa and Chile’s Atacama Desert must strike a balance between maximizing efficiency and respecting land use for agriculture and conservation efforts
Wind Energy
Wind energy is also crucial for countries like Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa, with substantial wind resources in coastal and high-altitude regions. However, wind farms often raise ethical concerns, such as the disruption of local wildlife, particularly birds and bats, and invasion on indigenous lands. In Argentina’s Patagonia and South Africa, where wind energy is expanding rapidly, these projects must ensure that they do not fragment ecosystems or marginalize indigenous communities. Proper regulation is essential to mitigate the environmental impact, especially in biodiverse areas.
Hydropower
Hydropower has been a major energy source in countries like Brazil, Ethiopia, and Southeast Asia. While hydropower offers reliable energy, large dams can cause severe ecological and social disruptions, including displacing communities and damaging biodiversity. The Belo Monte Dam in Brazil, for instance, has been widely criticized for its environmental and social impacts. Small-scale hydropower projects, which have less invasive effects on ecosystems and local communities, offer a more sustainable approach.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy provides a consistent source of power in geologically active areas like East Africa. Kenya, for example, derives a significant portion of its electricity from geothermal sources. However, geothermal energy development can disturb local ecosystems and is often located near indigenous lands. Expansion in the East African Rift Valley must be carefully managed to protect biodiversity and respect the land rights of indigenous communities like the Maasai.
Biomass Energy
Biomass energy, which converts organic material into fuel, is widely used in agricultural economies such as Brazil and India. While biomass has the potential to be a sustainable energy source, large-scale production risks deforestation and competition with food production. Ensuring biomass projects are sustainable is crucial to prevent harm to the environment and vulnerable communities.
Conclusion
The energy transition in the Global South presents both opportunities and challenges. Renewable energy offers hope for a cleaner, more sustainable future, but it must be implemented ethically. Technological progress cannot come at the expense of ecosystems or marginalized communities. With the right regulatory frameworks and community-based approaches, it is possible to harness these resources without repeating the mistakes of the past
Sources:
- https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/11/energy-transition-global-south-cop28/
- https://rmi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2022/11/the_energy_transition_and_the_global_south.pdf
- https://www.spglobal.com/en/research-insights/special-reports/look-forward/one-planet-two-realities-realizing-energy-transition-in-the-global-south
- https://assets.ctfassets.net/zlnfaxb2lcqx/RnAVfCD64sTXCUfjrh9r6/8876abba4df903520c98d6c2c8c63ea6/Pathways_to_Net_Zero_Global_South_report.pdf
