colonialism
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Rewriting the Arab world's energy future
The Arab world is exploring renewable energy alternatives, moving away from fossil fuels while avoiding exploitative practices.
Lylla Younes reports for Grist in partnership with The Public Source.
In short:
- The Arab world, rich in oil and gas, is also a potential hub for renewable energy, with vast deserts ideal for solar power.
- Concerns arise over replicating exploitative fossil fuel practices in renewable energy projects, like land grabbing and disenfranchisement of local communities.
- Hamza Hamouchene's research and new book highlight the need for equitable energy transitions that benefit local populations.
Key quote:
"We want to move away from an extractivist, fossil fuel, environmentally destructive, socially exploitative system, to a more sustainable, just, and equitable system for all its members."
— Hamza Hamouchene, researcher and activist
Why this matters:
The transition to renewable energy in the Arab world is crucial for global climate goals and regional stability. It represents a significant shift in energy policy, with potential health benefits from reduced pollution and a more sustainable environment. How can this transition be made equitable for local communities, ensuring they aren't sidelined in the global push for green energy?
Be sure to read: Colonialism, the climate crisis, and the need to center Indigenous voices
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Rich countries ‘trap’ poor nations into relying on fossil fuels
Kaamil Ahmed reports for The Guardian that campaigners are criticizing a ‘new form of colonialism’, where countries in the global south are forced to invest in fossil fuel projects to repay debts.
In a nutshell:
Wealthier nations and private lenders are ensnaring heavily indebted countries in a cycle of fossil fuel dependence, asserts a recent study. The report reveals that mounting debt pressures are compelling impoverished nations to persist in fossil fuel projects to meet repayment obligations stemming from loans extended by more affluent countries and financial institutions. Debt Justice and their partners in affected nations are urging creditors to absolve indebted countries, particularly those associated with fossil fuel ventures. The study discloses that debt owed by developing nations has surged by 150% since 2011, with 54 countries now grappling with debt crises that divert resources away from climate crisis mitigation.
Key quote:
“High debt levels are a major barrier to phasing out fossil fuels for many global south countries,” said Tess Woolfenden, a senior policy officer at Debt Justice. “Many countries are trapped exploiting fossil fuels to generate revenue to repay debt while, at the same time, fossil fuel projects often do not generate the revenues expected and can leave countries further indebted than when they started. This toxic trap must end.”
The big picture:
Heavy reliance on fossil fuels often takes a toll on public health. The burning of these fuels releases noxious pollutants and greenhouse gases that diminish air quality, contributing to a surge in respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases and premature deaths. Often lacking the resources for proper pollution control and healthcare, poor countries bear the brunt of the health impacts as the toxic cocktails of pollutants impact vulnerable populations and create entrenched health disparities.
Read the article in The Guardian.
Go deeper: Last year, Agents of Change fellow Daniel Carrión argued that combating energy poverty and energy insecurity are critical elements to achieving environmental health equity for billions worldwide.
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Top Story
Photo by Dibakar Roy on Unsplash
Rich countries ‘trap’ poor nations into relying on fossil fuels
Campaigners criticise ‘new form of colonialism’, where countries in the global south are forced to invest in fossil fuel projects to repay debts.
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