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GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Environment Conservation
Source: IE
Context: The move to clean energy is complicated by geopolitical factors, particularly in the case of Indonesia’s nickel reserves, which are crucial for battery manufacturing.
What is geopolitics?
Geopolitics refers to the interplay between geography, political power, and international relations, shaping how nations interact, cooperate, and compete on the global stage.
Impact of geopolitics in a move to clean energy:
| Geopolitical Factor | Complications for Clean Energy | Examples |
| Resource Dependence | Reliance on specific countries for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. | China’s dominance in rare earth production impacts clean energy industries relying on these minerals. |
| Trade Disputes | Trade conflicts affecting supply chains for renewable energy components. | US-China trade tensions disrupt solar panel and wind turbine supply chains, increasing costs. |
| Investment Sources | Dependence on foreign investment for clean energy infrastructure. | Indonesia’s reliance on Chinese investment for nickel processing affects its clean energy plans. |
| Technology Transfer | Reliance on foreign technology for clean energy production. | Restrictions on technology transfer impact the development of advanced renewable energy technologies. |
| Political Stability | Instability in producing countries affecting energy security. | Political turmoil in oil-producing countries can disrupt global energy markets, impacting renewables. |
| Sanctions and Embargoes | Sanctions limiting access to clean energy technologies and resources. | US sanctions on Iran restrict its ability to access international clean energy technologies. |
| National Interests | National interests conflict with global clean energy goals. | Countries prioritize fossil fuel industries for economic reasons, hampering renewable energy efforts. |
| Climate Policy Agendas | Differing climate policies affecting international cooperation. | Countries with divergent climate policies may resist cooperating on global clean energy initiatives. |
| Access to Finance | Limited access to international funding for renewable projects. | Developing countries face challenges in securing financing for large-scale clean energy projects. |
Measures that need to be taken:
- Diversification of Supply Chains: Develop partnerships with multiple countries to ensure a stable and diversified supply of key materials.
- International Collaboration, strategic alliances and technology transfer
- Promote Fair Trade Practices: Advocate for fair trade practices and open markets to prevent trade disputes that disrupt clean energy supply chains.
- Investment in Domestic Production: Provide incentives and subsidies for local manufacturing of renewable energy equipment.
- Innovation and Research
- Capacity Building: Support training and knowledge sharing to enhance local expertise in renewable energy technologies.
- Climate Agreements: Encourage countries to set ambitious renewable energy targets and contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
- Financial Mechanisms: Facilitate access to green bonds and other sustainable financing options for clean energy initiatives.
- Sustainable Sourcing Guidelines: Develop and promote guidelines for sustainable sourcing of materials used in renewable energy technologies.
Conclusion:
In the pursuit of a cleaner and sustainable energy future, the intricate interplay of geopolitics presents both challenges and opportunities. By fostering collaborative partnerships, diversifying supply chains, and investing in research, countries can mitigate geopolitical barriers and pave the way for a greener tomorrow.
Insta Links:
Global Financial Pact on Climate Change: Key Takeaways
Mains Links:
Discuss the significance of climate finance for developing countries and the key challenges they face in accessing climate finance. (15M)
Prelims Links:
“Climate Action Tracker” which emission reduction pledges of different countries are a: (UPSC 2022)
(a) Database created by a coalition of research organisations
(b) Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
(c) Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”
(d) Agency promoted and financed by the United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank.
Answer – A
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