MANY consumers, and indeed citizens as a whole, have expressed confusion over the terms climate change, renewable energy, low carbon development, and clean energy, which are frequently mentioned in the media but often without precise definitions.

Numerous volumes have been written on these concepts; here, we will try to explain them briefly and discuss Guyana’s role in addressing climate change.

The term ‘Climate Change’ is relatively recent but describes a phenomenon planet Earth has experienced for thousands of years. Parts of the planet that were once hot have become cold and vice versa, and areas that once supported lush vegetation, forests, and rivers were transformed into deserts. The Sahara Desert is one such example. Climate Change has also led to the destruction of civilisations.

Mohenjodaro, a civilisation as grand as Egypt and Babylon, disappeared because its rivers dried up, its climate became hotter, and its soils turned sandy and less fertile, making it uninhabitable. These ancient climate changes were due to natural causes and were gradual.
In the past 300 years, however, Climate Change has accelerated much faster than before, primarily due to human activity. Many areas that never flooded are now experiencing floods that destroy agriculture and threaten human and animal survival. Heatwaves are more frequent, and many low-lying coasts, like Guyana’s, and islands, such as the Maldives, face rising sea levels.

The mid-18th century saw the advent of the Industrial Revolution, where coal and, later, fossil fuels began to be consumed to power new machinery and for social use. These fuels release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and, in the last two centuries, billions of tonnes of carbon have been emitted, driving the changing climate. This effect has been exacerbated by the deforestation of much of the planet.

Trees absorb carbon, so forests are termed a “carbon sink.” Now, governments and populations worldwide recognise that Climate Change will degrade the quality of life and make parts of the world uninhabitable unless concerted efforts are made to halt or reverse it. One solution is to replace coal and fossil fuels with carbon-free energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower. Guyana has committed to a mix of solar, hydro, and gas, with hydro expected to become the primary power source, while isolated hinterland communities may continue to use solar.

Solar and hydro are called “renewable power” or “clean energy” because they are supplied by nature and do not produce carbon or leave any environmental footprints.
Alongside this energy transition, reforestation efforts and the preservation of existing forests are critical. In Guyana, forests are maintained and protected, serving as a carbon sink to balance emissions from oil extraction.

Guyana’s drive against Climate Change led to the establishment of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), which encourages the use of clean and renewable energy. Dr Mahender Sharma, the GEA’s Director, has highlighted several achievements: 30,000 solar panels were installed in riverine and hinterland homes, each unit equipped with 2 nine-watt LED lamps, a twelve-watt fan, and a charger. Solar farms were set up, including a 1 MW farm in Linden, a 1.5 MW farm in Bartica, and a 0.6 MW farm in Leguan, as well as hydropower plants at Kumu (1.5 MW) and Moco Moco (0.7 MW).

This access to electricity has greatly improved the quality of life in hinterland regions. Mobile phones can now be charged, schools have access to TV and educational channels, and people can use the Internet. Health centres that were previously limited at night now benefit from electricity.

Guyana’s commitment to renewable energy and forest preservation effectively balances its carbon emissions from oil extraction, giving it the proud status of a carbon-neutral nation.
It is vital for Guyanese citizens to understand these terms, as climate change and its associated concepts are of growing importance to their future.