ENERGY TRANSITION IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Abstract

Contextualization: The paper approaches certain sensitive aspects that hinder the energy transition towards renewable energies in Latin America and the Caribbean. The geopolitical of the region and its limitations confirm that a mercantilist vision of energy does not offer elements for the intended fair and equitable energy transition. The background reference for this paper is the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) High-Level Meeting on renewable energies for adaptation and regional integration (February 10-11, 2022), and in accordance with Objective 7 of the SDGs 2030. Objectives: The study analyzes priority aspects for a sustainable energy transition model: the social inclusion, democracy and energy sovereignty, regional integration, and the fight against social inequalities, based on the understanding of equality and individual freedom. Methodology: The research uses the inductive method and a literature review. Results: The result consists of the contribution of elements for reflection and academic debate, about the current regional difficulties, in a context of climatic, environmental, and human emergency. This is expected to contribute to the foundations of what we call cultural geopolitics of sustainable energy, which benefits the population of Latin America and the Caribbean, while being capable of influencing on a global scale.