The climate crisis requires some important and immediate decisions. In order to mitigate its effects, the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference set global net zero emissions and a maximum temperature rise of 1.5°C by 2050 as essential targets to be reached. So how can we make sure that they will be? Most importantly, how will fighting climate change affect our lives? All too often we talk about the things we have to give up and the sacrifices we have to make in order to save the planet. But instead of that, let’s try and change the perspective. All crises entail major changes that often speed up certain processes that are already taking place in society. In this respect, the climate crisis is no different. A good example of this is the energy transition and the countless opportunities it brings. 1. The creation of new jobs The energy transition could lead to the creation of 20 million new jobs. How? By harnessing renewable energy sources. Or by putting in place mitigation and adaptation strategies against the disasters caused by climate change. Or by increasing investment in environmental research. These are the findings of the Decent Work in Nature-based Solutions report, which also emphasizes the importance of a fair, equitable and inclusive transition with significant new job opportunities. 2. Less pollution as a result of electrification Worldwide, industry and transport account for 24.2% and 16.2% of greenhouse gas emissions, respectively, with road transport taking the largest share at 11.9%. There is, however, some good news from this segment. This is because technologies are ripe for a full and rapid transition to all-electric for motorcycles, passenger cars, commercial vans, and regional heavy transport, thanks to the energy efficiency of batteries and their cost-effectiveness. This course is charted in the “Structure for a green transition for mobility and infrastructure” (STEMI) Report, which was prepared by a panel of experts appointed by the Italian Ministry of Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility. It was also published in the scientific journal Nature. The report explains that replacing gasoline, diesel and natural gas vehicles with electric vehicles would lead to a 50% reduction in emissions by light road transport. But electrification is not just about transportation. Industry is also poised to move away from fossil fuels, thanks to technologies such as industrial heat pumps for water heating, photovoltaic systems for the self-generation of electricity and batteries for its storage; and, in the near future, the use of green hydrogen for industries that consume larger amounts of energy. 3. Energy independence and savings The energy transition, new technologies and the circular economy can also play a key role in fostering energy independence, and this applies to developing countries as well. A good example comes in the form of the technology behind the Microgrid. This is a local energy grid that can produce and supply electricity to small communities. The idea is catching on all over Africa, with considerable benefits for local populations. Still on the subject of energy independence, renewables are facilitating and accelerating a trend that was triggered by the pandemic and then the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine: reshoring. This can be defined as bringing back –especially from Asia - the production of all components in the energy supply chain, from solar panels to batteries. Indeed, becoming a producer of your own energy all along the chain means lowering operating costs and increasing your competitive advantage in the market, and this is precisely what’s driving many companies to return to production in Europe and elsewhere. In addition to independence, other big opportunities include saving energy, thereby wasting fewer resources, becoming producers of the energy you consume (prosumers) and gaining economic as well as health and environmental benefits. This is according to the Circular Economy Network’s 2022 Circular Economy Report which, by using a series of metrics, developed a performance index for the circular economy to assess the actions taken by each country for the energy transition over time. In conclusion, when faced with an emergency such as climate change, we should not be discouraged and think that nothing can be done. On the contrary, it’s the small and large daily actions that will lead us out of the crisis and deliver a better planet to live on.
