Climate change is a problem that affects humanity as a whole. In the short term, some to a greater extent than others, but in the long term, all to a similar extent. If we look at the different causes of climate change, we can infer that the main one is the greenhouse effect, i.e. the presence of gases in the atmosphere that maintain a fraction of the thermal radiation, thus producing global warming.
It is important to note that the existence of these gases is not exclusively generated by human activity, but is inherent to nature itself. However, certain actions we have taken have led to an increase in the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere. Among them, Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
There are many actions we can take to mitigate the effects of human activity. One of the most important of these is the energy transition, i.e. the modification of energy production, distribution and consumption systems with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy has both social and economic functions. The social function is to ensure supply and avoid shortages, as this would mainly affect the lowest income deciles of the population, and the economic function consists of being a support and fundamental part of the production of goods and services.
The energy transition implies focusing on responsible and sustainable energy consumption at both the microeconomic and macroeconomic levels. At the microeconomic level, one could mention the awareness of energy care by individual users and the adoption of sustainable consumption. At the macroeconomic level, the benchmark would be to shift the production model to one in which energy sources are renewable and/or recycled raw materials are used. Both levels, taken together, would allow the transformation from the linear economy model to the circular economy model, facilitating the reduction of gases that contribute to global warming.
The challenge that lies ahead is the challenge of change. The barrier of pre-existing habits, the costs of adapting to new technologies and the rigidity of certain processes whose aversion to variation is significant. Our task is to be increasingly aware of all the benefits of the energy transition for both our present and our future..
