The Dark Side of Energy: Climate, Crime, and Longreads on Copper's Role
Thursday, 22 August 2024, 10:00
The Impact of Copper in the Energy Transition
As the demand for copper surges due to the push for renewable energy, crime and violence are becoming rampant. Copper theft is now a major issue, crippling energy infrastructure across the globe.
Understanding the Scale of Theft
- Copper theft can disrupt infrastructure and even endanger lives.
- Thieves target essential wiring, leading to numerous outages in power and water supply.
Longreads Highlighting the Consequences
- The rise of zama zamas in South Africa shows how desperate populations are getting involved in copper theft.
- Governments are struggling to control this rampant crime, with laws failing to deter thieves.
Shifting to Renewables: A Double-Edged Sword
The transition to a clean energy future isn't without risks. Ultimately, the balance between the urgent need for energy and the escalation of criminal activity puts countries in a precarious position.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.