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Since the 2015 Paris Agreement, countries have shown interest in transitioning from fossil-based technology (e.g., coal or diesel powered vehicles and industries) to renewable or clean energy sources (e.g., solar, hydrogen, Lithium-batteries). Whilst the idea of abandoning fossil has not been without controversy as demonstrated during tense negotiations at successive UNFCCC Converence of Parties, there is consensus that renewable energy is the future of technology if sustainability is the goal of global futures.

There is an emerging movement of countries that are fastracking their transitions to net zero, which means that they are aiming to drastically reduce their reliance on fossil technologies whilst simultaneously embracing renewable technology. However, this has had socio-cultural consequences, often framed in the realms of ‘justice’, due to three main factors. First, the critical minerals needed for renewable technology are disproportionately found in few countries, heightening a scramble without proportionate compensation for mining communities that are impacted by the mining. Second, countries that have to abandone their reliance on fossil are not supported adequately to cushion the shocks, which has political economy implications leading to implicit reluctance to transition quickly. Third, the distribution of the benefits of the transitions is disproportionate such that global south countries are not equipped to transition at the same pace as industrial countries.

This panel discussion would interrogate the justice implications of the global surge of appetite for transitioning to net zero carbon emission. The case studies from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Namibia would especially be discussed based on ongoing research and engagements. The panel would focus on the place of justice in the governance of the transitions to net zero, delving into the security, political economy, and geopolitical implications within the spheres of climate and sustainability.

About the chair

Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko

Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko is an expert in research design and methodology, focusing on resource governance and energy transitions in Africa and Australia. He is co-investigator of the ARUA-The Guild Centre of Excellence on Interdisciplinary Peace Research. His recent work addresses National Energy Transition frameworks, leadership, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Sefa-Nyarko also leads impact and innovation initiatives at Global Institutes at King’s and is researching critical minerals governance for energy transitions.

About the panelists

Dr Matthew Tyce

Dr Matthew Tyce is a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow and Lecturer in International Political Economy at King's College London. Matthew's research sits at the intersection of development studies, comparative politics and international political economy. His research explores the political economy of state building and economic transformation under conditions of so-called ‘late’ (or ‘late-late’) development, with a particular focus on countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Matthew’s current British Academy research fellowship (2021-2024) is looking at the political economy of energy transition, renewable energy adoption and ‘green’ industrialisation in Ghana and Kenya.

Prof Eka Ikpe

Prof Eka Ikpe is Professor of Development Economics in Africa and a seasoned academic with over a decade’s experience in researching the intersections of economic development and social imperatives. She brings expertise in critical socio-economic transformation processes and outcomes with a focus on Africa and interactions within the Global South. She draws on the value of respect for diversity in all its forms to build commitment to self-development, development of others, and understanding the world from a range of perspectives. Eka currently co-leads two Africa-Europe (African Research Universities Alliance-The Guild) Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRE) on Creative Economies and Interdisciplinary peace. Her ongoing research includes renewable energy economics in Nigeria and Ghana.

Dr Wale Ismail

Dr Wale Ismail researches on the intersections of youth, peacebuilding, violent extremism, terrorism, regional security, protests and mass action, leadership and international relations. His emerging research focuses on the interaction of energy transition minerals governance with youth grievances and participation. He bring interesting perspectives of young people’s conceptualisation of justice and implications for youth protests and policymaking in Nigeria and the Sahel region.

Dr Gloriana Rodriguez Alvarez

Dr Gloriana Rodriguez Alvarez brings expertise in decolonial thinking and cultural competency in governance of land and other natural resources needed for the energy transition minerals in Africa and South America. She is a Lecturer in Leadership, Development, Peace and Security Education and in Cultural Competency & Leadership Education. She has carried out policy-oriented research and human rights advocacy as a lawyer with psychology background. This background offers much needed perspectives for the discourse on justice in the transitions.

Carmella Munyuzangabo

Carmella is a PhD student in Public Policy at Northeastern's School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, with a concentration in Sustainability and Resilience. Carmella holds a BA in International Development Studies and Political Science from McGill University, and an MA in Sustainable Energy Policy from Carleton University. Currently, Carmella’s research explores the transformational potential of Nature-based Solutions in coastal Massachusetts. Simultaneously, her research interests encompass examining and understanding three key areas: (1) how frontline communities perceive justice, challenges, and opportunities in the energy transition, (2) the potential for international finance to support local and national priorities, and (3) the role of country ownership in climate finance, specifically as it pertains to African countries.

About King's Africa Week

Hosted by the African Leadership Centre and Africa research group, Africa Week is an annual celebration of research, education and outreach activities on Africa.

King's Africa Week brings together academics, researchers and students from across King's – and offers the opportunity to hear from African scholars, leaders and thinkers. It also showcases King's collaboration with African universities and partners.

Find out more about Africa Week