The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is a global imperative. Resource rich countries must adapt their model of economic governance to manage their resources more effectively and become more resilient to global changes that threaten to leave citizens behind. Although the current energy transition is mainly driven by environmental sustainability concerns, it will only succeed if it simultaneously provides energy security and access, and facilitates economic growth and development.
Mozambique faces the most severe effects of climate change
This year’s news have been dominated by concerns over urgent need for a global energy system transformation. The energy transition is a pathway toward to reduce energy-related CO2 emissions to limit climate change. Mozambique faces the most severe effects of climate change, despite having the least responsibility for the problem. Intense and frequent droughts, floods and storms have already affected the lives of 70 percent of the population. In March and April 2019, two devastating cyclones affected Mozambique, namely Idai and Kenneth. Hundreds of people died and millions were in need of humanitarian support such as access to clean water, food and shelter. Idai was considered the second deadliest cyclone to hit the Southern Hemisphere, while Kenneth was the strongest to hit Africa.
Among other emerging measures, adaptation to climate change involves embracing an adequate model of energy transition in the formulation of policies. An inclusive energy supply can only be accomplished through a fair participation on all stages of Energy Transitions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and universal access to modern energy by 2030 (SDG7).
Despite being endowed with important sources of renewable energy (hydro, biomass, solar and wind) as well as fossil fuels (natural gas and coal), Mozambique’s national grid only serves around 31 percent of the population. The country still faces the challenge of boosting economic development and creating employment opportunities for a growing young population. This objective cannot be achieved without energy. Without decentralized systems of renewable energy, Mozambique will be vulnerable to underdevelopment, high levels of unemployment, migration crisis and instability.
On the other hand, lower global demand for non-renewable energy commodities (especially fossil fuels) due to decarbonization will reduce the international price of these commodities and jeopardize the value of Mozambique’s wealth. The transition to low carbon involves a substantial transformation of the economy that will need public policy support to overcome the presence of potential market fail.
CDD brings actors from different disciplines together with organisations from the wider world to zoom in and find together synergies to accelerate action towards Just Energy Transition.
