Impacts of Energy Transitions and Mining Geographies in the Global South

Join us for a webinar by ERA examining Kenya’s journey toward net zero, focusing on environmental justice and sustainable practices.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/impacts-of-energy-transitions-and-mining-...

Overarching theme:

The Veil of Progress: Unveiling Overlooked and Unforeseen Impacts of Energy Transitions and Mining Geographies in the Global South.

Join us for a webinar examining Kenya’s journey toward net zero, focusing on environmental justice and sustainable practices. Charity Mbaka will discuss the impacts of Kenya’s renewable energy transitions on local communities and the need for equitable, place-based solutions. Lindah Nelimah Wakhungu will address the environmental and health consequences of small-scale mining, exploring sustainable practices that protect both ecosystems and communities. The session will conclude with a Q&A and panel discussion, offering insights into achieving net zero with justice and sustainability at the core.

Presentation 1

Bio of the Presenter:

Charity Mbaka is a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Leicester's School of Geography, Geology, and Environment. She is currently focusing on research project on Net Zero+ Nexus Geographies of Just Climate Transitions. Charity specializes in research and policy analysis in energy geographies, with an emphasis on just and equitable transitions and the Net Zero Nexus.

Topic: Navigating Just Transition pathways in Emerging Renewable Energy Geographies in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study of Kenya.

Kenya's commendable progress has garnered regional and global acclaim for its steadfast commitment to developing renewable energy sources such as geothermal, solar, and wind aimed at in advancing net zero transitions. The dilemma lies in the notion that while the advancement of renewable energy projects promises positive outcomes, it also has the potential to unleash a parallel wave of disruptive changes within host communities and ecosystems, often hidden, unforeseen or ignored. This dual dynamic can inadvertently perpetuate and exacerbate existing inequalities and injustices. In a seemingly oblivious manner, the negative externalities of renewable energy developments have been projected as mere collateral damage drawing attention to a siloed nature in understanding and managing the grassroots complexities associated with the deployment of renewables. This siloed approach underscores the urgent need for a more holistic understanding and management of the multifaceted challenges inherent in just renewable energy transitions. Therefore, the presentation will delve into exploring innovative, context-sensitive, and place-based approaches that prioritize just and equitable transitions to renewable energies in Kenya.

Presentation 2:

Bio of the presenter: Lindah Nelimah Wakhungu

Ms. Nelimah is presently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in criminology at the University of Leicester. Her research is in Green Criminology field and focuses on environmental degradation from small-scale gold mining in Kenya.

Topic: Green crimes, environmental degradation, and human impact from mining activities in Kenya.

Mining activities in Kenya have been a major cause of environmental degradation, leading to a range of health consequences for local communities. The extraction of minerals such as gold, copper, and titanium has resulted in deforestation, soil erosion, and contamination of water sources with toxic chemicals. These environmental impacts not only harm the surrounding ecosystems but also pose serious risks to the health of nearby residents.

Therefore, the presentation will explore sustainable alternatives to traditional mining practices that prioritize environmental preservation and community well-being working towards creating a more sustainable future for both the environment and the people who rely on it for their livelihoods.