Nazioarteko Sozio-Ingurumen Aztarnei buruzko Konferentzia (ICSEF): energia, materialak, justizia eta hondakinak.
Datak: 2027ko ekainaren 10a-11
This conference aims to disseminate knowledge and generate analysis regarding energy justice, taking into consideration the global implications that the current economic model generates at both the social level (especially in health and gender) and the environmental level.
Across its four thematic areas (Energy System Footprints, Sustainable Materials and Certifications, International Justice and National Footprints and Waste Management towards cero waste), we will explore the uneven impact that the system imposes on both affluent and impoverished nations.
The organization of this event is a collaborative effort involving the Life Cycle Research Group at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and the non-governmental organizations medicusmundi Araba and medicusmundi Gipuzkoa. Financial support for the conference is provided by the Basque Agency for Development Cooperation.
Renewable ENERGY model
The current global energy model is based on fossil fuels. Its eco-social impact has been described as devastating, both for the environment—leading to an irreversible loss of biodiversity—and for people. This pressure is particularly acute in countries of the Global South, where there is massive continued extraction of resources such as oil and gas.
Reversing this model to move towards one based on renewable energy and electrification is not, however, a harmless process. It must therefore be accompanied by rigorous assessment of the impacts, throughout the entire life cycle, of the consumption of lithium, copper, rare earth elements, and other minerals essential to the transition. Science must contribute to the development of informed policies for a truly sustainable transition.
BIO-MATERIALS, waste and recycling
Under the current model, goods and food are produced and consumed on a massive scale within a linear system that involves the exploitation of raw materials—particularly from the poorest countries—without any positive return.
Faced with this reality, we must move towards a less materialistic model, with circular processes involving the continuous or circular use of materials that have already been integrated into value chains. A model with low socio-environmental impact that takes into account the limits of the Earth’s resources.
At the same time, the planet is becoming a dumping ground for waste, which poses a serious threat to all forms of life and biodiversity. From the macro to the micro level, living organisms are accumulating petrochemical derivatives. This model must be reversed and cleansed.
Environmental and gender JUSTICE
Environmental footprints are unevenly distributed in today's globalized world. It is necessary to analyse which countries and social segments consume the benefits and who suffers the environmental impacts and economic and social degradation.
Hidden energy flows, emissions embedded in the goods and services we import, are not being accounted for by international agencies.
"Developed" countries have outsourced heavy industries and cheap labour in sectors such as textiles and agriculture to "developing" countries. This phenomenon makes net-producing countries appear to be major polluters and energy consumers. But, in reality, it is still the wealthy states that have outsourced their consumption.
It is vital to move towards fair international recognition and redistribution across countries, among different economic and racial classes. In this new model, gender equality must be a cornerstone, as well as racial equality and balance to the diverse ways of being on this planet.
DEGROWTH and Reduced consumption
To transition to a new model, generating aligned values is vital. Care among beings and ecosystems must become central. Well-being must be measured, and the causes and effects of material, economic, and energy consumption regarding perceived well-being must be understood.
Adjusting the consumption model to use and understand available resources into account is a priority. This must involve material degrowth in the Global North and a rebalancing of consumption in the Global South that acknowledges planetary limits.
Based on an awareness of human interdependence and ecodependence, alternatives must be guaranteed in various fields to achieve dignified living conditions for all people. Valuing the common, the sustainability of life, equitable redistribution, dematerialization, and democratization become imperative.
