Opinion article by Anwar Zibaoui, General Coordinator of ASCAME

Barcelona, 22 may 2020 – Another of the consequences of this COVID-19 pandemic in the world are blue skies, green trees and starry nights. The reduction in vehicle circulation and industrial activities has cleared the air in habitually polluted cities, leaving residents amazed. This does not necessarily mean that we are making progress to mitigate climate change, but it does demonstrate to what extent our actions affect nature.

COVID-19 has disrupted supply chains and financing, and will also affect new solar and wind energy projects. However, renewable energy will be the only energy sector to show growth in demand this year. In fact, coal will see its biggest decline in demand since World War II.

We are in a particular and complex context, marked by growing economic, political, security and geostrategic uncertainties. That is why it is imperative to formulate urgent responses and effective solutions to face together the great common challenges. It is time to rethink the Mediterranean so that it becomes a positive and reactive actor on the international scene. It is necessary to establish a suitable Mediterranean reflection for the region as a whole because it is not just about clean energy, but about a different way of operating, a different normality.

The region lives immersed in multiple challenges: the pandemic, economic development, climate change, demography, youth, the inclusion of women, unemployment, urbanisation, education, democracy, … And despite everything, we are doomed to succeed. The Mediterranean region has one of the youngest populations in the world. Almost 50% are under 30 years old. This is incredibly exciting and forces us to look to the future. We need new ideas that meet the needs of that young population.

There are many challenges at stake, particularly in tourism management and the fight against pollution. Climate change is a serious threat to development and sustainability. Resources must be managed, energy policies must be promoted, and our great common historical heritage must be preserved.

The roadmap to follow can be based on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The scope is ambitious: end poverty, achieve inclusive education, sustainable cities, access to clean water, gender equality, access to clean energy, … The problem is that many governments have already breached all previous commitments and, without business participation, these objectives will continue to be unattainable. It is necessary to involve the private sector, let us not forget that it contributes 60% of world GDP and 90% of jobs.

Climate change and water scarcity in the Mediterranean will increase the impact of different conflicts and challenges. Most countries have begun to suffer the consequences of pollution and its effects on the population and other aspects of life. There is a growing awareness that this situation affects everyone: it is not subject to nationality, religion, or political ideas. Therefore, the situation requires us to mobilise and build a sustainable environment together.

In the Mediterranean, it is urgent to promote the creation of resource efficient and climate resistant economies. It is the first step towards a future that must increase cooperation between its two shores and for this, measures are required to protect the ecosystem.

Green economy provides a great opportunity to foster global development with sustainable growth and in line with the 2030 Agenda. It is present in clean technologies, renewable energies, water services, green transport, circular economy, green building, sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, among others. Green jobs are no longer a mirage but a reality whose time seems to have come. All this will only offer business and employment opportunities.

The potential of the region is considerable. Renewable energies can be the catalyst to stimulate this sustainable growth in the Mediterranean. In addition to hydroelectric power and wind resources, the region has the highest solar radiation in the world and also large stretches of desert. Technically, the region could cover its own needs and those of the rest of the world only with solar energy. The total investment planned in the renewable energy sector until 2030 will be 250,000 million euros. Wealth must be at the service of the Mediterranean, its economies and its peoples.

Industry can take off from a massive recession, although efforts to do so have not yet begun. It is essential to have ambition and formulate a new Mediterranean global vision for the region to become a leader in green economy. Large-scale solar parks and onshore wind farms offer the cheapest source of electricity for approximately two-thirds of the world’s population. The future is optimistic.

The impact of COVID-19 should accelerate a global transition to 100% renewable energy with a regional strategy to achieve this goal. We must create sustainable energy systems and tackle CO2 emissions.

We will come out of this pandemic stronger and we must also take advantage of it to be smarter. Sustainability has to be an important part of the post COVID-19 era on the global agenda. From individual decisions to corporate and government actions, we must adopt a green, renewable and circular economy.

To guarantee sustainable development, Mediterranean countries must invest in human resources by providing financing for their development. Climate change affects all aspects of our lives: our environment, our economy and our health. The time for talking is over. It is time to take action.

A new era dawns for this sector, placing this region at the heart of the global industry. Long-term planning and a shared vision are essential to mobilise the necessary resources to develop energy cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean. We are all aware of the mutual dependence on energy between Europe and the Mediterranean. There are options.