As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, one voice stands out among the crowd- that of COP30 negotiator Malang Sambou Manneh. His belief that technology holds the key to countering the growth of fossil fuel development is not just a pipe dream, but a practical and achievable solution. And with the opportunity to showcase successful alternative energy practices, the global South has the potential to lead the way in renewable energy development.
Manneh’s perspective on tackling the pressing issue of climate change goes against the traditional notion of simply phasing out the use of fossil fuels. Instead, he emphasizes the need for a shift towards innovative and sustainable technologies that can provide us with the energy we need while reducing our carbon footprint. And this approach aligns perfectly with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
One may wonder, what exactly does Manneh mean by “technology”? It refers to the use of scientific knowledge and tools to find solutions to complex problems. In the context of energy, it involves developing and utilizing renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power, as well as improving energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industries. These advancements not only reduce our dependence on fossil fuels but also have numerous other benefits, including job creation, economic growth, and improved health and well-being.
When it comes to renewable energy sources, the global South has a wealth of resources waiting to be tapped into. Countries in this region, particularly in Africa, have abundant and diverse renewable energy potential, ranging from solar in the Sahara desert to wind in the Cape Verde archipelago and geothermal in East Africa. With the right policies and investment, these countries can showcase how renewable energy can power their development and contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change.
Manneh’s belief in the potential of technology is not without evidence. In recent years, we have witnessed remarkable progress in the renewable energy sector, with costs falling and deployment rates increasing. This has been made possible by advances in technology, such as improved solar panel efficiency, cost-effective wind turbines, and grid integration systems. And these innovations are not limited to developed countries. In fact, many developing countries have been early adopters of these technologies and have shown impressive results.
One shining example is Morocco’s Noor Solar Power Plant, the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant located in the Sahara desert. The plant provides clean energy to over a million people and has significantly reduced the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. Another success story is that of Kenya’s Lake Turkana Wind Park, one of the largest wind farms in Africa, providing electricity to over 1 million people and creating thousands of jobs in the process. These are just a few examples of how technology can transform the energy landscape in developing countries.
But it’s not just about the projects themselves, it’s also about creating an enabling environment for investment and innovation. This is where Manneh’s call for the global South to lead comes in. By showcasing successful renewable energy practices, we can inspire and motivate other countries to follow suit. We can also create a platform for knowledge sharing and learning from each other’s experiences. This will not only benefit individual countries but also contribute to the global efforts in combatting climate change.
It is clear that the potential for renewable energy in the global South is vast. But to fully harness this potential, we need the right policies, incentives, and investments. The Paris Agreement has set a target for developed countries to provide $100 billion annually to support climate action in developing countries. This financial support, coupled with technology transfer and capacity building, can accelerate the growth of renewable energy in the global South and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
In conclusion, Malang Sambou Manneh’s belief in the power of technology to counter the growth of fossil fuel development is not just a theory, but a practical and achievable solution. By showcasing successful alternative energy practices, the global South has the opportunity to lead the way in renewable energy development and contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change. Let us embrace technology and work towards a greener and more sustainable world for all.
