Climate change, renewable energy, low carbon development – ​​what do these terms mean?

MANY consumers, and citizens in general, express confusion about the terms climate change, renewable energy, low-carbon development and clean energy, which are often mentioned in the media, but often without precise definitions.

Many volumes have been written about these concepts; here we will try to briefly explain them and discuss Guyana’s role in addressing climate change.

The term “climate change” is a relatively new term, but describes a phenomenon that planet Earth has been experiencing for millennia. Parts of the planet that were once hot became cold and vice versa, and areas that were once lush with forests and rivers became deserts. The Sahara Desert is one such example. Climate change has also led to the destruction of civilizations.

Mohenjo-daro, a civilization as great as Egypt and Babylon, disappeared because its rivers dried up, its climate became hotter, and its soils became sandy and less fertile, making it uninhabitable. These ancient climate changes occurred due to natural causes and were gradual.
However, over the past 300 years, climate change has accelerated much faster than before, primarily due to human activities. Many areas that were never flooded are now experiencing floods that are destroying agriculture and threatening the survival of people and animals. Heat waves are occurring more frequently, and many low-lying coasts such as Guyana and islands such as the Maldives are facing rising sea levels.

The mid-18th century saw the Industrial Revolution, when coal and then fossil fuels began to be consumed to power new technology and for social needs. These fuels release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and billions of tons of carbon have been released over the past two centuries, causing climate change. This effect is exacerbated by deforestation across much of the planet.

Trees absorb carbon, which is why forests are called carbon sinks. Governments and people around the world now recognize that climate change will worsen the quality of life and make some parts of the world uninhabitable unless concerted efforts are made to stop or reverse the phenomenon. One solution is to replace coal and fossil fuels with carbon-free energy sources such as wind, solar and hydropower. Guyana has committed to using a combination of solar, hydro and gas, with hydroelectric power expected to be the main source of power, while isolated communities in the interior can continue to use solar power.

Solar and hydropower are called “renewable energy” or “clean energy” because they come from nature, produce no carbon, and leave no impact on the environment.
Along with this energy transition, efforts to restore forests and conserve existing forests are critical. In Guyana, forests are maintained and protected, serving as a carbon sink to balance emissions from oil production.

Guyana’s fight against climate change led to the creation of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), which promotes the use of clean and renewable energy. Dr. Mahender Sharma, Director of GEA, noted several achievements: 30,000 solar panels, each equipped with two nine-watt LED bulbs, a twelve-watt fan and a charger, have been installed in homes along the rivers and in remote areas. Solar power plants have been established, including a 1 MW farm in Linden, a 1.5 MW farm in Bartica and a 0.6 MW farm in Leguan, as well as hydroelectric power plants in Kumu (1.5 MW) and Moko-Moko (0 .7 MW).

Access to electricity has significantly improved the quality of life in the interior regions. Mobile phones can now be charged, schools have access to television and educational channels, and people can use the Internet. Health centers that were previously limited to night hours are now receiving electricity.

Guyana’s commitment to renewable energy and forest conservation effectively balances carbon dioxide emissions from oil production, giving it proud status as a carbon-neutral country.
It is vital for Guyanese citizens to understand these terms as climate change and related concepts become increasingly important to their future.