Geo 5.6

What are the 3 main resource debates?

Geopolitical, climate change, sustainability

Geopolitical debate

Europe depends on imported energy, mainly oil and natural gas; vast pipeline network transports gas and oil from Russia and the Middle East, reliance on foreign energy makes Europe vulnerable so there is need for alternative energy production to reduce dependency/become less vulnerable

Climate change debate

IPCC says we must reduce CO2 emissions to limit global warming, countries aim to do this by switching to renewable resources

Sustainability debate

Current resource use is unsustainable, resource extraction methods continue to improve, but solutions are needed for future generations.

Trends in resource demand

Demographic growth, economic growth, electrification

Demographic growth

Population will grow, leading to higher demand for food, water, energy, and other resources

Economic growth

Poverty rates are falling, and economies are industrializing; middle-class expansion in Asia, South America, and Africa increases demand for luxury goods. Higher incomes = increased mobility, leading to higher energy consumption (more travelling by plane) leading to more demand for energy and (non) metallic resources

Electrification

Transition from fossil fuels to an electricity-based economy is accelerating, demand for lithium, cobalt, and copper is increasing; essential for batteries in electric cars, smartphones, home appliances etc. often mined in Africa

Circular economy

Economy based on reuse/recycling