GLOBAL CURRENT AFFAIRS Flashcards
Move away from fossil fuels and the impact on the geopolitical landscape
For most of the past century geopolitics and fossil fuels have had a very intimate relationship.
A fear of an oil embargo or gas shortage was enough to forge alliances, force policy changes and start wars.
Now as we move to green alternatives, a new political landscape is starting to emerge.
Is this new world, countries who are early adopters of the ‘green tech’ stand to gain massively, whilst countries who cling to the old ways will be left behind.
At the the moment China is clearly in the lead, they are the top user/producer of both wind and solar power world wide. The UK is sat in 4th and 6th respectively.
China are also responsible for the production of 70% of all solar panels, 50% of the worlds electric cars and 30% of all wind power produced world wide.
China is also the largest battery producer and owns the majority of supply chains, and raw materials crucial for green technology production.
In the new systems there will be three ways to get ahead:
- Exporting green fuels
- Controlling raw materials
- Developing/producing new technologies.
For the UK to get ahead/maintain its current role we need to become early adopters and producers of green technologies.
Due to the natural resources required for green fuels being so abundant, it is possible (theoretically) for everyone country to become self sufficient.
We need to focus on the production of equipment required to harness these natural resources.
We need to provide subsidies through the form of government grants, and tax reliefs for new and existing companies working in the RnD and production of this tech.
The more relied upon we are for the production of green fuels, the heavier our influence will be in this new system.
China launching a government backed satilitle program to rival one web and spaceX
Recently one web completed its final launch of 36 satellites to complete its array of 618 total.
This will allow One Web to provide global coverage for its data communications. Once the ground infrastructure has been implemented by the end of 2023.
This enterprise has been a huge success, and put the UK to put the map in regards to space capabilities.
The real world applications of this are fantastic, with recent trials for mountain rescue being hugely successful.
China has recently launched its own government backed and funded low earth orbit satellites designed to provide cell and data services worldwide. This is a key part of China’s goal of being a leader in advanced technology across the globe.
This will provide a direct rival to the british firm, of which our government owns 50% off One Web. We have to maintain our current constellation, to ensure that we can not only maintain OneWebs current customer base, but also to ensure that we are move advanced technologically in the Space sector.
There is also the concern that with china’s recent actions, and their intent moving forward as mentioned in the recent speeches by the leader of the communist party, that these may be being installed to enhance their military capabilities. There is also the touchy subject of weaponised satellites, which is a huge legal drama.
It will also make more countries relied upon by china, providing secure communication services to remote parts of the world. This could be used in exchange for permission to mine raw materials to further the goals to become the main ‘Green Tech’ supplier world wide.
