There is a movement among young scientists and engineers working in the energy and resources industries to develop new ways of thinking in innovation and research, to develop resources sustainably.

 Fig. 1. The Green Shift is a movement among young scientists and engineers working in the energy and resources industries to develop new ways of thinking, innovation, and research, to develop resources sustainably

Sudanese researcher and activist Salma Hamed is interested in this trend and is developing a new DDE-supported podcast series to interview specialists in the area of resources and climate change to understand how they see the transition: both the research and innovation required, and the change in mindset that’s needed amongst our leaders.

The podcast series will provide information - but also we think - inspire young people hoping to work as scientists and engineers in the energy and resources industries. Young people, particularly those entering the job market and education in  the developing world (the Global South), are the key to where the world will go in the future – whether it gets the energy it needs, and whether it uses its resources sustainably. The Global South is set to rise in population more than the North and to experience an enormous rise in the need for energy and power. The IEA’s 2022 World Energy Outlook forecast scenarios predict a huge increase in energy demand between now and 2030, and most of this increase will be in the Global South, particularly in Asia and Africa. The drive for development, poverty alleviation (SDG 1), and improved health (SDG 3) are all connected with these greater energy requirements.

Fig. 2.  Salma Hamed, a Sudanese researcher and activist, is developing a new podcast series to interview specialists in the area of resources and climate change

The podcast series’ main topics will be the role of geoscience in sustainable development, the energy sector, just development, and the role of geoscience in climate change.

In the first topic, the aim is to shed light on the possible paths that young geoscientists can contribute to sustainable development, particularly in the Global South and countries such as Sudan, where there is a scarcity of information in Arabic, and a low level of appreciation of sustainable development.

Fig. 3.  geology students from Sudan. What’s the future for students from the Global South wishing to work in the energy transition?

The second topic of the series we will pay special attention to SDG7, where the podcast will navigate the various terminologies linked with energy transition, the so-called just transition, clean energy efficiency, energy security, and related issues. The podcast will go into technological solutions for clean energy and associated difficulties, with several study cases from various regions throughout the world.

The third topic will cover the difficult issue of resource and energy governance. How is that so many resource-rich countries have poor populations, and how do countries develop responsible resource development. What are the key steps forward and the pitfalls involved?

The final topic will look at how geoscientists might be involved in the green transition. What are the green jobs opportunities and how do we connect young scientists and engineers to these opportunities, particularly those in the Global South.

The podcast series will be streamed via Spotify, YouTube and other streaming services, with episodes around 15 to 20 minutes in English with Arabic subtitles. A summary of episodes will be issued in English and Arabic and will be distributed via social media platforms. The first podcast will be in November 2023. Contributors will include experts from universities, institutes and consulting companies.

More details will be available from the Green shift LinkedIn page and from the PetroNile Academy website.

Ms Hamed is currently developing the podcast series aided by DDE. Watch this space!