Globalization of environmental risks in Africa in the context of the energy transition
The aim of this article is to reflect on the globalization of environmental risks in Africa in the context of the contemporary energy transition. The data collection methods were based on bibliographical and documentary research, which provided support for reflection on the subject under study, using a qualitative analysis and exploratory research approach. Thus, in order to better frame the reflection, a summary was first made of the genesis of environmental preservation concerns; then, to understand the biases of energy policies in the face of environmental risks; and finally, to reflect on the globalization of environmental risks in Africa and the location of national economic and social benefits in oil exporting and consuming countries. The results indicate that the participation of African countries in greenhouse gas emissions is almost insignificant compared to the nations that have been exploiting and using fossil fuels for thousands of years, and that they are therefore mere participants in the sharing or globalization of environmental risks caused by countries in developed and emerging economies. We therefore believe that Africa must pay attention to its internal economic needs, rather than simply adhering to energy transition agreements. This finding is in line with the assumption of the theory of ecological modernization, which advocates a certain caution in the energy transition process, given the enormous challenges that arise from this process, hence we argue the need for a pre-assessment of economic and political convergence whenever measures and agreements on environmental preservation have an impact on the energy security of countries and on the economic conditions of corporations and their peoples, as is the case in African countries.
Globalization of environmental risks in Africa in the context of the energy transition
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.2165725090510
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Palavras-chave: Globalization of environmental risk; Energy transition; Localization of benefits; Emissions reductions; Africa.
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Keywords: Globalization of environmental risk; Energy transition; Localization of benefits; Emissions reductions; Africa.
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Abstract:
The aim of this article is to reflect on the globalization of environmental risks in Africa in the context of the contemporary energy transition. The data collection methods were based on bibliographical and documentary research, which provided support for reflection on the subject under study, using a qualitative analysis and exploratory research approach. Thus, in order to better frame the reflection, a summary was first made of the genesis of environmental preservation concerns; then, to understand the biases of energy policies in the face of environmental risks; and finally, to reflect on the globalization of environmental risks in Africa and the location of national economic and social benefits in oil exporting and consuming countries. The results indicate that the participation of African countries in greenhouse gas emissions is almost insignificant compared to the nations that have been exploiting and using fossil fuels for thousands of years, and that they are therefore mere participants in the sharing or globalization of environmental risks caused by countries in developed and emerging economies. We therefore believe that Africa must pay attention to its internal economic needs, rather than simply adhering to energy transition agreements. This finding is in line with the assumption of the theory of ecological modernization, which advocates a certain caution in the energy transition process, given the enormous challenges that arise from this process, hence we argue the need for a pre-assessment of economic and political convergence whenever measures and agreements on environmental preservation have an impact on the energy security of countries and on the economic conditions of corporations and their peoples, as is the case in African countries.
- Absalão José Selemane
