Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries

École normale supérieure via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ecological-and-energetical-transitions-in-southern-countries

Introduction

**Course Review and Recommendation: Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries** In today's rapidly evolving world, the necessity for sustainable development has never been more pressing, particularly in developing regions. The course "Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries," presented by the Agence Française de Développement and the École normale supérieure, is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding and driving ecological and energy policy changes in these regions. ### Course Overview This MOOC, now in its fourth edition, tackles the significant issue of unsustainable development models in Southern countries that not only exacerbate social inequalities but also contribute to environmental degradation. The course, available in multiple languages including English, French, and Spanish, aims to foster a deep understanding of the necessary energy and ecological transitions needed to promote sustainable societal growth. ### Key Syllabus Highlights 1. **Welcome!** The course begins with an engaging introduction that sets the stage for the critical discussions to follow. 2. **Our Development Model is Ecologically Unsustainable** Participants are confronted with a stark diagnosis of current economic practices which severely overlook social disparities and environmental impacts. The course stresses the need for an energy and ecological transition to align economic growth with social equity not just in the Southern countries, but globally. 3. **The Dominant Economic Models Hinder Transition** Here, participants will learn about the importance of adopting new indicators that move beyond traditional GDP metrics. This section emphasizes the need for integrative public policies to address both positive and negative externalities of economic activities. 4. **The Energy Transition Path: Decarbonizing GDP** This module addresses carbon accounting and its vital role in promoting sustainable practices. It provides insights into how countries can shift focus from short-term gains to long-term ecological viability. 5. **Modeling Ecological Transition to New Prosperity** This part of the course highlights the impending risk of biodiversity loss and advocates for the preservation of ecosystems, framing them as essential for resilience against climate change. 6. **Governance of the Energy and Ecological Transition** Participants will engage with the multi-layered governance structures necessary for successful transitions, focusing on the unique roles of cities, states, and international financial institutions. 7. **Financing the Energy and Ecological Transition** This component links financial strategy with ecological outcomes, drawing from the insight of the Stern report. It emphasizes proactive investment over dealing with the repercussions of climate inaction. ### Why You Should Consider This Course 1. **Relevance and Impact**: The content is highly pertinent to current global challenges, making it an ideal choice for students, professionals, and activists hoping to affect positive change. 2. **Expert Insight**: The course is developed by reputable institutions, offering credibility and expert-led insights into complex socio-economic issues related to ecological transitions. 3. **Accessible Learning**: With the course being available in multiple languages, it brings a diverse range of perspectives and makes it accessible to a broader audience. 4. **Interactive and Engaging Format**: Expect a mix of theoretical frameworks and practical case studies, enhancing the learning experience through interactive learning materials. 5. **Networking Opportunities**: Engage with fellow learners from around the world who share a passion for sustainability, providing potential collaborative opportunities and discussions. ### Conclusion "Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries" is more than just an online course; it is a gateway to understanding and engaging with vital global issues. By tackling inequalities and promoting sustainable practices, this course empowers participants to make a real difference in their communities and beyond. Whether you are a budding environmentalist, a policy-maker, or simply someone interested in ecological issues, I wholeheartedly recommend this course on Coursera. Join in, and be part of the change towards a sustainable and equitable future. For more details or to enroll, visit the course link: [Ecological and Energy Transitions in Southern Countries](https://www.coursera.org/learn/transitions-energetiques-pays-du-sud/).

Syllabus

Welcome!

Our development model is ecologically unsustainable

The diagnosis of our current development model is clear: it does little to nothing to address inequalities. Worse, it participates in the aggravation of these, while degrading our planet. Only energy and ecological transitions can reconcile economic growth and the pursuit of the social agenda of all states, both in the North and in the South.

The dominant economic models hinder the energy and ecological transition

Freeing ourselves from market fundamentalism first of all requires the acceptance of new indicators that complement GDP. These go beyond the simple monetary aspect of well-being and take into account not only the positive externalities generated by social sectors, but also the negative environmental externalities associated with human activities. In this way, we will stop measuring fictitious growth and will be able to steer sustainable public policies. At the same time, the success of these policies depends on the ability of the players to base their strategy on the long term. However, without stricter regulation of the financial sphere, the countries of the South will not have the budgetary capacity to finance major projects of the transition.

The energy transition path: decarbonizing GDP

Carbon accounting aims to reconcile the time horizon of our actions with the challenges of the energy transition. It limits short-term behaviour by quantifying the externalities of sectoral activities and legitimises the development of punitive regulations. It facilitates cooperation strategies by making international comparisons possible and ensures the transparency of negotiations. In short, it enables country diagnostics to be established, climate-accounting projects to be identified and investments to be redirected towards green assets.

The model of an ecological transition to new prosperity

Human activities are on the verge of generating a 6th mass extinction! However, biodiversity, the diversity of marine and terrestrial fauna and flora, contributes to the resilience of our ecosystems in the face of climate change. Their preservation is imperative because they provide us with services that are essential to our daily lives, the supply of natural resources and the provision of cultural well-being.

Governance of the energy and ecological transition

COP21 underlines the importance of cities as a central part of the transitions. They are close to the local actors, which account for 70% of energy consumption, while the State is also a central actor. As a guarantor of the law, it can establish a favourable regulatory and tariff framework to attract the long-term external financing needed to achieve the transition, while the international financial institutions are beginning to take coordinated action in favour of climate policies. However, it is the regional development banks in the South that account for the bulk of transition investments.

Financing the energy and ecological transition

The Stern report published in 2006, reveals that by financing the transitions (1% of world GDP), we are saving money! What will turn out to be really expensive is our passivity, as we will have to mobilize more than 20% of the world's GDP to deal with climate change.