Energy transition: why is this change necessary?

This briefing by Somos El Cambio explains the necessity of the energy transition, defined as phasing out fossil fuels in favor of renewable sources and more efficient energy use to mitigate global warming. It highlights the economic and environmental benefits of this shift, particularly for Latin America and the Caribbean, while emphasizing the need for fairness and equity to avoid repeating the extractivist patterns of the fossil fuel era.

• The energy transition involves shifting from non-renewable to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency to mitigate global warming. This process requires changes in society and the economy and must prioritize fairness and equity to avoid the "extractivism promoted by fossil fuels".
• Transitioning to renewables like air, sun, and water reduces the exploration of coal, gas, and oil, thereby decreasing pollution that causes extreme climate events and health issues. Economically, the Economic Commission for Latin America and Caribbean (CEPAL) notes that clean, affordable energy can act as a catalyst for productive sector growth and reduce social gaps, such as the 16.7 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean who lack electricity access.
• The Renewables in Latin America and the Caribbean (RELAC) initiative, comprising 15 member countries, aims for at least 70% of energy consumption in the region to be based on renewable energy by 2030 to accelerate carbon neutrality.
• Latin America and the Caribbean possess critical resources for the transition, including lithium, copper, wind, and solar energy, and have the lowest percentage of carbon emissions. While the region has strong infrastructure and installed capacity, it needs to improve governance and institutional strength for efficient energy use.
• Specific countries in the region show varying levels of progress: Paraguay and Guatemala have reached 100% renewables in their electricity generation matrix via hydroelectric power, while Chile and Colombia lead in wind energy. According to the World Forum’s Energy Transition Index 2021, leaders in the transition include Uruguay (70%), Costa Rica (66%), Colombia (66%), Brazil (66%), and Chile (65%).

APA

GuadalupeS (2024). Energy transition: why is this change necessary? Somos El Cambio. https://cambio.com.co/articulo/energy-transition-why-is-this-change-necessary/

Chicago

GuadalupeS. Energy transition: why is this change necessary? Somos El Cambio, 2024. https://cambio.com.co/articulo/energy-transition-why-is-this-change-necessary/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=GuadalupeS |title=Energy transition: why is this change necessary? |publisher=Somos El Cambio |date=6 January 2024 |url=https://cambio.com.co/articulo/energy-transition-why-is-this-change-necessary/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{guadalupes2024energy, author = {GuadalupeS}, title = {{Energy transition: why is this change necessary?}}, institution = {Somos El Cambio}, year = {2024}, month = jan, url = {https://cambio.com.co/articulo/energy-transition-why-is-this-change-necessary/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }