Energy and development blogs

Students taking the Energy, Environment and Resources in Developing Countries module tackle real-world challenges by crafting compelling blogs on critical energy, environment, and resource issues in developing countries. This dynamic assessment sharpens their ability to build evidence-based perspectives, connect with external audiences through engaging informal writing, and showcase their work to a broader audience.

Explore the student's blogs 

Each year we publish a selection of the top blogs. Explore the diverse topics students have explored.

Is Russian nuclear energy a silver bullet or a poisoned chalice for electricity demand growth across Africa? 

by Lorne Milne

Beneath the blanket of Western sanctions, Russia’s state-owned nuclear company, Rosatom, have accelerated their nuclear energy offensive across Africa. 600 million [1] Africans still have no access to electricity and population growth is forecast to increase by 70% by 2050. Does the clean and reliable energy Rosatom are offering, therefore, provide the solution?

Can harvesting fog to improve water access empower women? 

by Natasha Savulescu

Fog harvesting can improve water access in dry regions and reduce the burden on women who collect water, offering time for education and empowerment. However, its impact is limited by local climate conditions and cultural norms. To be effective, it must be part of broader efforts that engage women directly and challenge structural inequalities.

Economic growth or environmental protection? The fading jewel of the southwest China plateau

by Yixnzi Wang

The blog explores the environmental decline of Dianchi Lake in Kunming, southwest China, due to decades of prioritising economic growth over ecological protection. Once a clean freshwater source, the lake has suffered severe pollution from urbanisation, farming, logging, and mining since the 1980s. This has caused algal blooms and the extinction of several species. Despite attempts at conservation, land around the lake continues to be sold for development. The article calls for better funding for environmental bodies, reforms to economic evaluation systems to include ecological costs, and greater public involvement to restore balance between growth and environmental care.

Flaws in Fast Fashion: the Atacama Desert Dumping Ground

by Esther Batt

The blog highlights the environmental impact of fast fashion, focusing on the Atacama Desert in Chile, where around 39,000 tonnes of unsold and discarded clothing pile up each year. Most of this waste is made from non-biodegradable materials like polyester, which can take over 200 years to break down. Although Chile has introduced a law to make importers responsible for the waste they produce, poor enforcement means illegal dumping continues. The article calls for more sustainable fashion practices and stronger waste management policies to reduce environmental harm.

Medellín: a new chapter of resilience 

by Matthew Stancliffe Bird

The article discusses Medellín’s transformation through its ‘green corridors’ initiative, implemented between 2016 and 2019 to combat climate change. This project involved planting trees and vegetation along roads, waterways, and underpasses, resulting in a 2°C reduction in ambient temperature, increased shade, and improved air quality. The initiative also led to a 34.6% rise in cycling, decreased respiratory infections, and enhanced biodiversity with over 90,000 plants and numerous butterfly species. While some question the long-term impact and suggest it may serve more as city branding than structural change, the project demonstrates the potential of integrating environmental and social benefits in urban planning.

Indonesian Palm Oil: Who are we exploiting? 

by Nadhira Ratnasari 

Indonesia, as the world’s leading palm oil producer, significantly boosts its economy but faces severe environmental and social challenges. In 2019, the industry was linked to the burning of 329,000 hectares of land, causing hazardous air quality levels. Despite contributing 4.5% to the national GDP, small-scale farmers earn as little as USD 35 per month, far below the regional minimum wage of USD 175. Additionally, communities like those in Seruat Dua Village experience rapid deforestation without consultation or compensation, leading to unresolved land disputes. Efforts such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification and a moratorium on peatland plantation expansion have been introduced, but challenges persist in effectively addressing these issues.

Hidden truths of ecotourism: Colombian case study

by Vivek Parekh

The article examines the unintended negative impacts of ecotourism in Colombia’s Tayrona National Natural Park. Originally home to local communities engaged in fishing and tourism, the park underwent significant changes due to government efforts to curb illegal crop production. These initiatives led to the militarisation and privatisation of the area, resulting in approximately 90% of the park becoming privately owned, often through illicit means. This process, known as ‘green grabbing’, displaced many local residents and undermined their livelihoods. The article advocates for ecotourism models that genuinely integrate and benefit local communities to prevent such adverse outcomes.

Carbon Taxes, Brazil and the Amazon 

by Sebastian Spiteri

Brazil’s significant greenhouse gas emissions largely stem from deforestation and unsustainable land use in the Amazon rainforest. To address this, implementing a carbon tax on fossil fuels is proposed to fund conservation and reforestation efforts. This approach draws inspiration from Costa Rica’s success, where a 3.5% fossil fuel tax financed environmental initiatives, leading to a substantial increase in forest cover. A similar carbon tax in Brazil could generate funds for environmental restoration and promote sustainable development in the Amazon region.

Why we need to talk about energy access and gender 

by Molly Tinker

Energy poverty disproportionately affects women, especially in developing countries, due to traditional gender roles that assign them responsibilities like fuel collection and cooking. This leads to significant time poverty, health risks from indoor air pollution, and increased vulnerability to violence. For instance, women in rural Nepal may spend up to six hours daily gathering fuel, limiting opportunities for education and income generation. Addressing energy access with a gender-sensitive approach is essential to improve women’s health, security, education, and economic opportunities.