The global race to become a leader in the manufacturing of green technologies is well underway. Many developed countries are pumping huge amounts of money into their respective green economies. How could this influence green economic growth in the Global South? Rebecca Bertram reports.
Author: Rebecca Bertram
Why Mexico is lagging behind in the energy transition
Mexico could be a renewable energy champion yet wind and solar make up only about ten percent of the country’s electricity mix. Rebecca Bertram has taken a closer look to find out why Mexico’s energy transition is lagging behind.
Why Latin America’s mining industry is embracing renewables
The Latin American mining industry has historically been a cornerstone of the region’s economy, providing essential resources for global development. However, it has faced mounting criticism due to its significant environmental impact. Recognizing the need for change, many mining companies in Latin America are beginning to take proactive steps to mitigate their environmental footprint. Rebecca Bertram reports.
Challenges to Latin America’s geothermal boom
Geothermal energy prospects remain largely untapped in many parts of the world. Latin America with its numerous volcanos and seismic activities along the Pacific Ocean has a particularly high potential to develop this renewable resource. What is holding it back? Rebecca Bertram reports.
Challenges to Chile becoming a green hydrogen superpower
Chile has announced that it wants to become one of the top three biggest exporters of green hydrogen by 2040. Yet some major hurdles remain. Does the country have the ability to cross them? Rebecca Bertram takes a closer look. Read More
How “green corridors” are driving sustainable policies in Medellín
Climate change impacts key parts of urban life, making climate resilience more important than ever. Rebecca Bertram looks at the Colombian city Medellín, exploring how smart climate resilience measures are boosting electric mobility and making it an example for the rest of the Latin American continent. Read More
Why China is increasing its presence in the Latin American energy sector
China’s interest in Latin America has grown significantly in recent years. The country is now the continent´s second largest trading partner after the United States. Rebecca Bertram examines the reasons for this rapprochement and what it means for Latin America’s energy sector.
Green hydrogen advocates in denial about looming material problem
Renewable energy, electric vehicles and green hydrogen all offer ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Recent years have seen rising interest in how these technologies impact the demand and mining of critical materials. Lithium mining for electric batteries, in particular, has been scrutinised by environmental groups. Yet less discussed is green hydrogen which requires scarce materials, writes Rebecca Bertram.
It’s the Women, stupid!
When writing about the energy transition, one generally forgets that it’s not always about hard facts and debating the best policy solution that reaches a desired outcome, but that it’s the people who make the transition – the people who make the story. Rececca Bertram tells such a story of three indigenous women from remote areas in Costa Rica who push for an energy transition thereby increasing the quality of life in their entire respective communities.
The Caribbean’s energy conundrum
Small island states tend to face a double challenge when it comes to energy: Securing sufficient energy supplies and dealing with the immediate impacts of climate change. The Caribbean – comprised of 31 individual island states – is facing the brunt of energy and climate insecurity. As the region suffers a Covid-induced economic slump in its all-important tourism industry, it is also witnessing increasing extreme weather events, rising sea levels and extremely high electricity and energy prices. The latter three phenomena have been around for years, so why has the Caribbean not adapted a more sustainable energy policy? Rebecca Bertram has the Details.