The clean energy transition in developing countries faces significant geopolitical and structural challenges, compounded by resource scarcity, political instability, and global economic inequalities. Africa, despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions, disproportionately suffers from climate change, with 600 million people lacking energy access and receiving under 3% of global renewable energy investment. The continent relies heavily on external financing and resources like cobalt from the conflict-ridden Democratic Republic of the Congo, heightening dependency and inequality. Similarly, Asia, responsible for 44% of global emissions, needs $2 trillion annually to achieve net-zero by 2050. The region’s transition is hindered by reliance on critical mineral supply chains dominated by China and regional geopolitical tensions, which amplify vulnerabilities for countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, key nickel producers facing political and environmental risks.
We need to reopen the debate on managing these risks by focusing on targeted investment, fostering regional cooperation, diversifying supply chains, and developing innovative financing models to guarantee a fair and comprehensive shift to clean energy. This debate marks a crucial step toward navigating the clean energy transition amid geopolitical uncertainties.
The proposed session, “Navigating Uncertainty: Geopolitical Risks and the Path to Clean Energy Transition,” will explore the multifaceted aspects of economic, social, political, and environmental challenges. The session will discuss viable policies, their socio-economic and political economy impacts, as well as general issues related to geopolitical risks and green transition.
Project objectives:
- Facilitate the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and
The clean energy transition in developing countries faces significant geopolitical and structural challenges, compounded by resource scarcity, political instability, and global economic inequalities. Africa, despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions, disproportionately suffers from climate change, with 600 million people lacking energy access and receiving under 3% of global renewable energy investment. The continent relies heavily on external financing and resources like cobalt from the conflict-ridden Democratic Republic of the Congo, heightening dependency and inequality. Similarly, Asia, responsible for 44% of global emissions, needs $2 trillion annually to achieve net-zero by 2050. The region’s transition is hindered by reliance on critical mineral supply chains dominated by China and regional geopolitical tensions, which amplify vulnerabilities for countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, key nickel producers facing political and environmental risks.
We need to reopen the debate on managing these risks by focusing on targeted investment, fostering regional cooperation, diversifying supply chains, and developing innovative financing models to guarantee a fair and comprehensive shift to clean energy. This debate marks a crucial step toward navigating the clean energy transition amid geopolitical uncertainties.
The proposed session, “Navigating Uncertainty: Geopolitical Risks and the Path to Clean Energy Transition,” will explore the multifaceted aspects of economic, social, political, and environmental challenges. The session will discuss viable policies, their socio-economic and political economy impacts, as well as general issues related to geopolitical risks and green transition.
Project objectives:
- Facilitate the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and best practices among researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and professionals.
- Promote networking and collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the inclusive green energy transition collaboration ecosystem.
- Generate new insights to inform academic research, green economy practices, and policy formulation.
- Inspire actions to support and promote the green energy transition led by young researchers across multiple disciplines.
Who can apply and how:
We welcome submissions from the young scholars, masters and PhD students, early career scholars, and postdoctoral fellows by submitting an extended abstract of 500 words. We look forward to supporting the travel and accommodation of selected participants! We are looking for researchers in the United States and Canada working on the following subjects or on other topics related to the theme:
- The Role of International Cooperation in Mitigating Geopolitical Risks for Clean Energy Transition
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- This entails investigating how multinational alliances and collaborations might address energy security challenges while supporting global renewable energy projects.
- Balancing Energy Security and Sustainability in an Era of Geopolitical Tensions
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- This includes debating strategies that will guarantee a stable energy supply while shifting from fossil fuels to renewables in the face of global uncertainty.
- The Impact of Geopolitical Conflicts on Clean Energy Supply Chains
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- This encompasses investigating how geopolitical events impede crucial resource supply required for renewable energy technology such as batteries and solar panels.
- Geopolitics of Critical Minerals: Navigating Resource Nationalism in the Clean Energy Era
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- This includes investigating the increasing competitiveness for rare earth elements and its consequences for renewable energy development.
- Policy Innovations to Mitigate Geopolitical Risks in Clean Energy Investments
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- This requires assessing regulatory frameworks and financial tools designed to safeguard renewable energy projects in politically vulnerable places.
Submitted papers should adhere to the conference’s author guidelines. Applicants can also apply to be considered for a travel and accommodation scholarship from the YSI management. Also note that applicants are expected to pay WEAI conference fees (available at: https://www.weai.org/events/100th-annual-conference). For any inquiries or clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact the working groups via email at emharry22@yahoo.com
Submission Guidelines:
Abstract Length: Up to 500 words
Deadline for Abstract Submission: February 15, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: March 5, 2025
Full Paper Deadline: April 20, 2025
Word Count for Papers: 5,000 to 6,000 words
Start time: June 20 – 24, 2025
Location: Marriott Marquis San Francisco, California, United States.
Conference Type: YSI Pre-Conference Workshop @ 100th Annual Conference of the Western Economic Association International (WEAI)
External Presenters:
- Professor Abu Bakarr Bah (Northern Illinois University, NIU, United States)
Organizers:
- Emmanuel Umoru Haruna (Ph.D. Candidate, Kobe University, Japan)
- Oluwafemi Awopegba (Ph.D. Candidate, University of Manitoba, Canada)
- Emmanuel Eboigbe (Ph.D. Candidate, University of Manitoba, Canada)
