Decarbonization, population disruption and resource inventories in the global energy transition

Abstract

We develop a novel approach to analysing decarbonisation strategies by linking global resource inventories with demographic systems. Our ‘mine-town systems’ approach establishes an empirical basis for examining the spatial extent of the transition and demographic effects of changing energy systems. The research highlights an urgent need for targeted macro-level planning as global markets see a decline in thermal coal and a ramp up of other mining commodities. Our findings suggest that ramping up energy transition metals (ETM) could be more disruptive to demographic systems than ramping down coal. The data shows asymmetry in the distribution of risks: mine-town systems within the United States are most sensitive to coal phase-out, while systems in Australia and Canada are most sensitive to ETM phase-in. A complete phase-out of coal could disrupt demographic systems with a minimum of 33.5 million people, and another 115.7 million people if all available ETM projects enter production.

Systematic Review of GIS and Remote Sensing Applications for Assessing the Socioeconomic Impacts of Mining

“…This change can be observed in the recent increase in studies on energy transition mineral and metals (ETM) associated with the rise in demand for low-carbon energy technologies (Herrington, 2021; Owen, Kemp, Harris, et al, 2022). Of the coal studies reviewed, only two studies considered the post-mining phase; hence, coal phase-out effects are currently not well captured by the literature (Svobodova et al, 2022).…”

Differential microthermometry enables high-throughput calorimetry

“…Thermal fluids are central to the current energy system 1,2 and to realizing the potential of industrial electrification, highpower computing, renewable energy generation, and energy storage. 3,4 The demands of these applications are distinct from those of the internal combustion engines that have driven the development of coolants for over a century.…”

Synthesis of Pure and Bi‐Doped Lead Oxides via Microwave‐Assisted Solvothermal Methodology and their Electrochemical Characterization

“…Another study shows that population growth is likely to reach 9300 million till 2050. [3] Their consumption during this long time have brought it to their depletion although the demand has gone higher due to sharp human population growth. To overcome such increasing energy problem, we must think about energy production and its storage.…”

“…The upsurge in demand of energy were fulfilled from fossil fuels with some consequent change in environment. Another study shows that population growth is likely to reach 9300 million till 2050 [3] . Their consumption during this long time have brought it to their depletion although the demand has gone higher due to sharp human population growth.…”