Date : 28/09/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 3 – Environment and Ecology

Keywords – G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, Infrastructure Development, Climate Action

Context

The disappointment stemming from the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, with its vague commitments to reducing fossil fuel usage, underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing climate change and energy inequality on a global scale.

Historical Background

Around forty years ago, the global agenda was primarily centered on ensuring a stable supply of crude oil and managing its prices, with little attention to the emerging issue of climate change. During this era, policymakers and experts suggested that coal and nuclear energy represented the most suitable energy sources for the developing world. The aim was to curtail the developing nations' consumption of crude oil, thereby safeguarding a consistent supply for the industrialized nations.

However, these strategies, motivated largely by self-interest, have led to unforeseen and adverse outcomes. Most notably, they have contributed to the substantial increase in carbon emissions from the developing world.

Understanding Energy Projections and a Fair Transition:

Energy Projections and Concerns:

• Reports from the early 1980s depicted exponential growth in the energy needs of the developing world by the 21st century. These projections were rooted in concerns about a potential vicious cycle of energy growth, rising oil prices, economic instability, and limited growth in oil-importing developing nations. As a response, there were calls to accelerate nuclear programs and coal exploitation in the developing world.

Misconceptions and Oversights:

• However, these projections were marred by misconceptions and oversights. The vision of energy growth in the developing world often overlooked their specific energy service needs. Energy was treated as a homogeneous product, neglecting its diverse applications, and the versatility of oil as a fuel was underestimated. These perspectives hindered the accuracy of projections and effective modulation of energy profiles.

The Unforeseen Energy Landscape:

• Contrary to projections, OPEC nations retained their status as net energy exporters with undiminished influence. Meanwhile, non-OPEC countries in the Global South increasingly relied on imported oil for transportation. Moreover, a significant portion of the Global South's population continued to depend on non-commercial fuels for their essential energy needs.

Persistent Energy Inequalities:

• Recent IPCC models show that the Global North's energy advantage will persist, with per-person consumption expected to be 2.3 times higher than the Global South by 2100. In this scenario, the Global North would consume 119 GJ per person per year, while the Global South would have an average of 52 GJ per person per year. African countries, in particular, face limitations, with their per-person energy consumption projected to remain under 30 GJ per year. This disparity poses significant challenges to achieving climate goals and highlights the need for equitable energy reform.

A Just Transition and the Path Forward:

• To address these issues, a just transition is imperative. It involves achieving energy convergence by reducing energy use in the Global North to achieve emissions reductions. Simultaneously, it ensures adequate energy for development in the Global South. Energy justice demands the scaling down of excess production and consumption, ultimately paving the way for a low-carbon world with equitable energy access for all.

Challenges and Opportunities for Energy Convergence:

While the goal of energy convergence is clear, achieving it presents significant challenges and opportunities.

1. Technological Advancements: Technological advancements, especially in renewable energy and energy efficiency, can play a pivotal role in achieving energy convergence. Solar, wind, and other clean energy sources have the potential to provide affordable and sustainable energy to the Global South.
2. Infrastructure Development: Investing in energy infrastructure in the Global South is critical. This includes the development of modern, efficient energy grids that can provide reliable electricity to communities that currently lack access.
3. Financial Support: Global financial institutions and developed nations can provide financial support and incentives for developing countries to transition to cleaner energy sources and improve energy efficiency. This could involve favorable loans, grants, and partnerships for technology transfer.
4. Education and Capacity Building: Building local capacity in developing countries to manage and implement clean energy projects is essential. Training and education programs can empower communities to harness their own renewable energy resources.

Climate Action and Global Equity:

Climate action must go hand in hand with global equity. Achieving a just transition to a low-carbon world means addressing not only energy disparities but also broader economic and social inequalities.

1. Redefining Development: The concept of development should be redefined to prioritize well-being and sustainability over GDP growth. This shift would require a new set of metrics that consider social, economic, and environmental factors.
2. Empowering Local Communities: Climate action should empower local communities to participate in decision-making processes regarding energy projects and resource management. This approach ensures that the benefits of sustainable development are shared equitably.
3. Cross-Border Cooperation: International cooperation is essential in addressing climate change and energy inequalities. Developed nations should support developing countries in their efforts to transition to clean energy and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
4. Technology Transfer: Developed countries can facilitate the transfer of clean energy technologies to developing nations. This technology transfer can accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.

Conclusion:

The world's energy landscape carries a historical burden of pursuing self-interest and making errors, which have led to long-lasting disparities in energy access. To effectively address climate change, it is essential to embark on a just transition that places a strong emphasis on ensuring fairness in how energy is accessed and consumed.

The recent G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need to overhaul global energy strategies. The goal is to promote sustainable energy solutions that can be enjoyed by everyone worldwide. Achieving this requires a firm commitment to fairness and a shared responsibility among nations.

It's crucial to understand that this journey toward a just transition isn't solely an environmental imperative but also a matter of morality and ethics. By collaborating to bridge the energy gap, we can lay the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.

Source – ORF