"معلومات الوزراء" يستعرض تحديات وفرص التحول فى مجال الطاقة من منظور المدن الخضراء

The Information and Decision Support Center of the Council of Ministers issued a new analysis in which it addressed the results of the energy transition index in 2024, the requirements of this transformation, the most important environmentally friendly cities through the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index in 2024, and Egypt’s experience in implementing the green cities program, pointing to As the world continues to deal with the effects of changing environmental conditions, many cities are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly, while reducing the use and production of HFCs and encouraging the use of renewable energy.

The center explained that the concept of “green cities” has become increasingly important as we seek to create more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban areas, and a green city is one that gives priority to the health and well-being of its residents, as well as the preservation of natural resources, and this can include measures, such as: implementing Green transportation options, promoting energy efficiency, and protecting local ecosystems.

The analysis showed that despite the record results of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Energy Transition Index during 2024 – where the global Energy Transition Index (ETI) scores reached their highest levels, 107 out of 120 countries made progress over… The past decade – the global landscape continues to be characterized by economic volatility, increasing geopolitical tensions and technological transformations, and this uncertainty is reflected in the index results, as the rate of improvement has declined over the past three years, adding complexity to The environment in which countries operate and the path of their energy transition. Geopolitical tensions also pose risks to energy security and hinder international cooperation. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East threaten to exacerbate volatility in oil markets, which could lead to higher oil prices.

Volatility in commodity markets increased as a result of the war in Gaza, and led to an increase in the prices of Brent crude oil and European natural gas by 9% and 34% at the peak.

The analysis indicated that the Energy Transition Index (ETI) represents an evolution of fourteen years of comparing energy systems at the country level, and provides a data-based framework to enhance understanding of the performance and readiness of global energy systems for transformation. The Energy Transition Index covers 120 countries in terms of performance. Current energy systems have three aspects of energy (energy triangle), which are:

Equity: Ensuring equitable distribution and access to affordable energy for all, combined with joint efforts and sustainability benefits, to promote equitable economic growth and improved living standards.

-Security: Ensuring security of supply through diversification in three areas: the energy mix, energy trade partners, and electricity generation sources. In addition to flexibility, whether in gas supply or the energy system, it is also essential for energy security.

-Sustainability: Integrating demand and supply side measures to reduce carbon dioxide and methane intensity in energy supplies, enhance energy efficiency, promote responsible consumption by reducing per capita energy footprint and emissions, and increasing the share of clean energy in final demand.

The analysis showed that the top 10 countries in the Energy Transition Index account for only 1% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, 3% of total energy supply, 3% of energy demand, and 2% of the global population. Only 28% of countries showed strong improvement in the dimension with the lowest score, indicating progress towards a more balanced system.

The analysis reported that although the volume of investments in clean energy will reach $1.8 trillion in 2023, as global investments in clean energy have increased by 40% since 2020, they remain concentrated in advanced economies and China. In contrast, emerging and developing economies have received The other represents less than 15% of total investment in clean energy, even though it represents 65% of the world’s population and generates about a third of global GDP.

The analysis indicated that this disparity highlights a worrying trend in financing the energy transition in emerging and developing economies. To align with efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, “clean energy investment in these economies outside China must increase more than six-fold, from the current $270 billion to $1.6 trillion by the early 2030s,” with This investment prioritizes utility-scale solar and wind projects, strengthening power grids, and spending on energy-efficient building designs and appliances.

The analysis reviewed the requirements of the energy transition, including:

-Shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

– Increasing investments and financing in the field of renewable energy by three times in countries around the world through responsibility and commitment to directing financing to the field of energy conversion.

-Making renewable energy technology a global public good by making it available to all classes.

Striving towards building green cities that operate using sustainable means of transportation.

– Adopting the concept of green industry as a basic condition for new industrial companies to obtain the necessary licenses.

-Collecting data on energy indicators to evaluate progress achieved and identify improvement needs.

-Introducing automation into transportation systems.

-Accelerating the decision-making process regarding establishing energy infrastructure.

The Information and Decision Support Center indicated that, over the past decade, Arcadis has conducted research on hundreds of global cities and revealed the true measure of their sustainability, and with only about 2,000 days remaining to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, countries must act now. In order to build a resilient, just and sustainable world.

He added that since the index was established in 2015, it has served as a standard for measuring the environmental, social and economic health of cities, through 3 basic pillars:

-Planet Pillar: It measures environmental factors, through sub-indicators, which are: air pollution, green spaces, waste management, energy production and consumption, global greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, sustainable mobility, natural disaster risks and resilience, and green policy.

-People Pillar: Measures the social performance and quality of life of citizens, through sub-indicators, to assess the performance of the following: health, education, crime levels, income inequality, work-life balance, and urban living.

-Profit pillar: It measures business environment factors, through sub-indices, which are: affordability and living standards, ease of movement, connectivity to the city, and congestion, in addition to indicators related to business infrastructure, such as: access to electricity, quality of the Internet, and ease of doing business. , economic development, and employment.

The analysis confirmed that these pillars align with the overarching goals of the Sustainable Development Goals, providing valuable insights into cities’ progress towards achieving these ambitious goals. This year, for the first time, a fourth pillar was added, Progress, which looks at the extent to which cities are making sustainable progress, using key indicators from the Planet Pillar (drinking water, sanitation, air pollution, and energy) and the People Pillar (health, income inequality, and public transportation services). and education), and profit (income, living standards and employment), which can be tracked over a 10-year period. The Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index promotes resilience, the transition to renewable energy sources, and ensuring equitable access to basic services. Sustainable housing and transportation, promoting green spaces, biodiversity and efficient use of resources.

The analysis indicated that European cities dominate the top ten positions in the Sustainable Cities Index in 2024, with Amsterdam (Netherlands) topping the first place, and also ranked sixth in the planet pillar, 42nd in the people pillar, and is first in the profit pillar, and occupies 11th place. In the new pillar of progress. The Dutch capital’s strong performance is a clear example of how sustainable developments can continue. One of the driving forces behind Amsterdam’s success is the Climate Neutrality 2050 Roadmap, which sets out a strategy to reduce the city’s carbon emissions by 95% compared to 1990 levels. This document sets out the actions needed to reduce Energy consumption and emissions in key areas – environment, mobility, electricity, industry – and calls on the population to share responsibility for achieving this goal.

The analysis highlighted the results of the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index according to each pillar:

-Planet pillar: Europe’s dominance is evident in the planet pillar, which is concerned with measuring environmental factors. Oslo retains the top spot, often referred to as the “EV Capital of the World,” as an example of sustainable green transportation. However, Oslo’s future sustainable progress will address the most difficult elements of development. In order to achieve its goal of being net-zero emissions by 2030, the city will have to respond to challenges, including creating a circular materials economy and wider promotion of low-carbon construction.

In addition; All four German cities included in the index – Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg – occupy a place in the top ten, supported by achievements in water sanitation and waste management. Germany’s energy transition plan aims to significantly increase renewable energy production from sources – such as wind and energy. Solar – by 2050, and the strategy depends on strengthening and developing the energy distribution network throughout the country.

-People Pillar: Comprehensive development strategies are essential to ensure that all members of society benefit from urban progress. Paris leads this pillar, showing strengths in public transport, cultural amenities and work-life balance. Paris’s innovative “15-minute city” initiative has succeeded in significantly reducing vehicle traffic and emissions, while enhancing access to basic services and green spaces. Overall, Europe sits at the top of the people pillar, excelling in health, education and public transport infrastructure.

-Profit pillar: It is based on economic success capable of supporting sustainable development when combined with initiatives that benefit communities and the environment. A thriving economy must foster innovation and facilitate investment in critical infrastructure, green initiatives and social programs. This year’s Environmental Sustainability Index indicates a growing convergence between the planet and profit pillars, highlighting the intertwining of environmental action and economic prosperity. As the ramifications of fossil fuel use become clearer, many companies are rushing to embrace alternative energy sources as part of a more sustainable energy mix. On the other hand, investing in environmental initiatives generates economic opportunities, including job creation in renewable energy, energy efficiency and green technologies. So prioritizing environmental sustainability not only protects the planet; It is even beneficial for cities’ economies. Amsterdam ranked first in the profit pillar, excelling in income, living standards, employment and transport infrastructure. Brussels, Copenhagen and Berlin followed suit.

-The Progress Pillar: This year, the index is not only concerned with the position that cities currently occupy in their sustainability journeys, but also the extent to which they have come, as it introduced a new pillar, “Progress”, which measures change over time through key sustainability performance metrics, and tracks achievements. Cities in 10 years. As a result, the index concluded in the comprehensive assessment that there are four groups of cities that are particularly interesting to consider:

-Sustainably performing cities: Cities that perform well across the basic and progress pillars.

-Underperforming cities: Cities that perform well across key pillars, but less well on progress.

-Early Performing Cities: Cities that achieve high progress scores but have low baseline ratings.

-Cities that lack good performance at both levels: Cities that score lower in the Basic Pillars classification and the Progress Pillar classification.

In a related context, the analysis referred to Egypt’s experience in implementing the Green Cities Program with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to transform 6th of October City into a green city, which comes within the framework of implementing the joint strategy with the Bank for the period (2022-2026), which is based on three pillars. These include accelerating the pace of green transformation in Egypt, as well as national priorities for the transition to comprehensive and sustainable green growth, and the state’s keenness to implement the green and sustainable cities program implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The analysis showed that 6th of October City is working through the action plan to address environmental issues and challenges related to infrastructure and support the transition to a green, low-carbon future capable of resilience and responding to crises. It serves as a strategic roadmap designed to achieve the city’s vision through the implementation of “core pivotal projects.” The Green City Action Plan identified 14 major projects in key sectors: Supported by 17 long-term initiatives, with the aim of transforming 6th of October City into a leading Egyptian city that supports sustainability, green investment, digital transformation, and comprehensive growth.

In its conclusion, the analysis explained that cities face escalating threats from the effects of climate change and extreme weather events, which necessitates urgent action to enhance resilience and mitigate risks. Moreover, they must integrate climate change considerations into infrastructure planning, such as stormwater management systems and flood barriers. , to bear climate-related risks. In addition, promoting urban green spaces can improve air quality and reduce the risk of heat-related diseases during heatwaves. Investing in sustainable transport is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals within about 2,000 days, and cities must prioritize To address the affordability crisis to ensure equitable access to basic services and opportunities for all residents, to leverage digital and technological innovation to overcome pressing sustainability challenges, and to improve the quality of life of residents by embracing digitalization, as digital transformation changes the way we understand and interact with the physical world, And it can Contributes to achieving sustainable development goals.