2024: A Year Where Ballots Battle for the Planet's Future

Did you know that between February 2024 and November 2024, 50% of world population will vote ?

2024 is shaping up to be a critical year for global warming. With the planet experiencing its hottest January ever (Latest International Energy Agency (IEA) report)and a high likelihood of ranking among the top five hottest years on record, the urgency to address climate change has never been greater. This urgency is compounded by the upcoming #US elections where we don’t know if climate policy will be a major point of contention, and ongoing situation both in Ukraine in Middle East. During the last three months, #geopolitical situation erased completely global warming topics from mostly all media and social networks.

In fact, if war in #Ukraine underlined gas supply chain issues for Asian and European markets, situation in Middle East presents also a very complex challenge. In the next months, and maybe weeks, situation in the Red Sea and in the Persian Gulf could bring new disruptions to energy supplies. Weapons demand could also jeopardize emissions reduction efforts.

The year 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the environment. With nearly half the global population eligible to vote in various elections, the choices made at the ballot box will have a significant impact on how we address climate change and transition towards a clean energy future. I propose you to open a discussion on the intersection of global elections, the ongoing geopolitical turmoil, and the crucial need for continued investment in clean energy solutions.

A Global Election Season: Potential Shifts in Environmental Leadership

2024 is witnessing a flurry of elections worldwide. Here are some key countries to watch:

• The United States:?The upcoming US presidential election will be closely watched as a potential change in leadership could significantly impact global climate action. A reelection of Joe Biden could strengthen international cooperation on emissions reduction while a reelection of Donald Trump could weaken existing COP commitments. Elections in the US could, afterward, influence #transitioning policies in large exporting countries like Korea or Japan. In clear, why should they put additional costs on their economies to decarbonize if their main customer (The US) are going in another direction ?
• European Union:?The upcoming EU Parliament elections hold significant weight. A potential shift towards a populist right-wing coalition could hinder ambitious EU environmental policies. Following current debates in my home country France, I remain impressed by the omnipresence of religion, immigration and unemployment in all discussions. I do hope that my Europeans peers will not mix this highly important election with our domestic situations.
• Emerging Economies:?Countries like Indonesia, South Africa, and India, with their large populations and growing energy demands, are crucial players. These nations face the challenge of balancing clean energy transition with energy security concerns. The outcome of their elections will influence their approach to reducing reliance on fossil fuels like coal. Elections in Indonesia just happened while the country achieved, in 2023, its best year ever of production of coal. Global warming was not really discussed.

War and its Shadow: Will the Environment Take a Back Seat?

Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have undoubtedly captured global attention, understandably shifting some focus away from environmental issues. However, the environment remains a critical long-term concern even amidst geopolitical turmoil.

In fact, in Europe, despite the war in Ukraine, the EU's Green Deal, a roadmap for achieving climate neutrality, is likely to remain a central point for the next years. Any deviation from this goal could bring to a new dependencies like imported LNG.

In addition, in the US, the situation in Israel and Gaza, the issue with Iran and the on-going war in Ukraine could potentially influence energy policy discussions. However, climate has still not reach any momentum in current agressive debates in the White House race.

Maintaining Momentum: Clean Energy Investments Hold the Key

Despite the challenges posed by global conflicts, the urgency of addressing climate change necessitates continued investment in clean energy solutions. Global investments in renewable energy surged past fossil fuels in 2023 for the first time ever. This positive trend highlights a growing commitment to clean energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal.

The year 2024 presents a unique confluence of global elections, geopolitical tensions, and the ever-present threat of climate change. While wars and conflicts may demand immediate attention, we cannot afford to neglect the long-term environmental challenges facing our planet.

The upcoming elections offer an opportunity for voters to choose leaders who will prioritize clean energy development, implement effective climate policies, and continue the global shift towards a sustainable future. By maintaining momentum in clean energy investments, fostering technological innovation, and ensuring proper infrastructure development, we can ensure a healthy planet for generations to come. It is a critical time for collective action, and the choices we make today will reverberate for decades to follow.