PODCAST TTI.5 #2 « Planète en transition » - Breaking Free from Fossil Fuels
Discover « Planète en transition », the podcast by The Transition Institute 1.5. The second episode, “Breaking Free from Fossil Fuels: Focus on the Challenges in the Middle East and North Africa” is now live! [Original title in French: « Se libérer des énergies fossiles : focus sur les enjeux de la région Moyen-Orient et Afrique du Nord »]. The podcast is in French.
In this episode, Nadia MAÏZI, Director of The Transition Institute 1.5 and of the CMA Mines Paris – PSL – engages in a dialogue with, Charlène BARNET a PhD Student in the CMA Mines Paris – PSL.
Breaking Free from Fossil Fuels: Focus on the Challenges in the Middle East and North Africa
During COP28 in the United Arab Emirates, where The Transition Institute 1.5 was present, climate negotiations led to the adoption of a final political decision emphasizing the imperative of “transitioning towards the abandonment of fossil fuels in energy systems.”
Fossil fuels—namely gas, oil, and coal in all their forms—currently account for 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This decision has sparked extremely contrasting reactions, reflecting the diversity of perspectives: it has disheartened scientists, disappointed representatives of the most vulnerable regions, and caused concern among countries heavily dependent on hydrocarbons. Reconciling these viewpoints requires understanding their origins, which is why in the Podcast TTI.5 #1 « Planète en transition », we delve into the issues facing the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region.
Testimonial
Charlène BARNET | PhD Candidate at TTI.5, CMA Mines Paris – PSL:
Why did you choose to focus your research and thesis on the MENA region?
“The MENA region is one of the largest producers of hydrocarbons in the world, and paradoxically, it is also extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. My research focuses on this region because it stands at a critical crossroads: how to turn its reliance on fossil fuels into an opportunity to diversify towards renewable energy sources, while addressing complex social and economic challenges.”
What are the main challenges the MENA region faces in its transition to renewable energy sources?
“The MENA region faces several challenges in its energy transition: a historical dependency on hydrocarbon revenues, political instability in some areas, and a lack of infrastructure to integrate renewable energy. There are also social barriers, such as the need to create new jobs for younger generations, often in sectors unrelated to hydrocarbons.”
« Planète en Transition », the Podcast of The Transition Institute 1.5
The Podcast TTI.5 « Planète en transition » is available on the main audio streaming platforms (Spotify, Deezer, YouTube, etc.) as well as on our website. The Podcast TTI.5 « Planète en transition » is produced by The Transition Institute 1.5 and directed with Nadia MAÏZI.
Our societies must commit to addressing the climate emergency and follow the IPCC‘s recommendation to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. For Mines Paris – PSL, addressing climate challenges means integrating interdisciplinary research in interaction with all societal actors. This research offers a systemic vision to better incorporate the social, political, economic, and technical constraints of climate issues.
For us, researchers from all disciplines, it is about meeting this ambition so that the solutions of some do not become the problems of others. Produced by scientists, the Podcast TTI.5 « Planète en transition » helps you decipher the complexity of climate issues.
Sound engineer: Mourad LOUANCHI and Technical support: CHUUUT! FILMS
