20
V. R. Nalule
knowing that the number without access to modern energy is anticipated
to escalate in developing countries? Data shows that, globally, 1.2 billion
people have no access to modern energy such as electricity and nearly
3 billion people rely on traditional biomass (such as wood and charcoal) for cooking and heating. This number is high in SSA despite the
region’s richness in energy resources with an estimated 65 billion barrels
of proven oil reserves, equivalent to around 5% of the world total.
Taking stock of the discussion above, a question arises: as to how we
can have a just transition when most scholars, international organizations and financial institutions are focused on cutting down funding and
investments in fossil fuels which we know very well are crucial in developing countries. This is, therefore, an indication that we have to revisit
the term ‘energy transition’ to ensure that the global move to transition to a low-carbon economy does not in any way escalate poverty and
energy access challenges in developing countries.
1.3.2 Energy Progression
To be able to understand and appreciate this new term ‘Energy Progression’, we must have a clear understanding of the relevant words,
including progress, progression and progressive. The Cambridge English
dictionary defines the term ‘progress’ to mean a ‘movement to an
improved or more developed state or a forward position’.
41 In this
respect, the word ‘progression’ refers to ‘the process of developing or
moving gradually towards a more advanced state’.
42
Whereas the word ‘progression’ emphasizes the need to ‘improve’, the
word ‘transition’ on the other hand focuses on changing. It is possible for
someone to change from one condition to another without addressing
the critical circumstances. However, for someone to move forward to an
‘improved’ state, it is essential for that person to be ready and to work
towards achieving the ‘improved’ state. How are these words important
in energy terms? Well, we note that the global focus on energy transitions is reducing reliance on fossil fuels, without necessarily addressing
41 Cambridge English online Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/.
42 Ibid.
V. R. Nalule
knowing that the number without access to modern energy is anticipated
to escalate in developing countries? Data shows that, globally, 1.2 billion
people have no access to modern energy such as electricity and nearly
3 billion people rely on traditional biomass (such as wood and charcoal) for cooking and heating. This number is high in SSA despite the
region’s richness in energy resources with an estimated 65 billion barrels
of proven oil reserves, equivalent to around 5% of the world total.
Taking stock of the discussion above, a question arises: as to how we
can have a just transition when most scholars, international organizations and financial institutions are focused on cutting down funding and
investments in fossil fuels which we know very well are crucial in developing countries. This is, therefore, an indication that we have to revisit
the term ‘energy transition’ to ensure that the global move to transition to a low-carbon economy does not in any way escalate poverty and
energy access challenges in developing countries.
1.3.2 Energy Progression
To be able to understand and appreciate this new term ‘Energy Progression’, we must have a clear understanding of the relevant words,
including progress, progression and progressive. The Cambridge English
dictionary defines the term ‘progress’ to mean a ‘movement to an
improved or more developed state or a forward position’.
41 In this
respect, the word ‘progression’ refers to ‘the process of developing or
moving gradually towards a more advanced state’.
42
Whereas the word ‘progression’ emphasizes the need to ‘improve’, the
word ‘transition’ on the other hand focuses on changing. It is possible for
someone to change from one condition to another without addressing
the critical circumstances. However, for someone to move forward to an
‘improved’ state, it is essential for that person to be ready and to work
towards achieving the ‘improved’ state. How are these words important
in energy terms? Well, we note that the global focus on energy transitions is reducing reliance on fossil fuels, without necessarily addressing
41 Cambridge English online Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/.
42 Ibid.