The List Issue 9

The Green Energy Transition Ethical Dilemma on European Islands

In the realm of environmental ethics, the pursuit of a sustainable future often presents us with complex moral dilemmas. One such dilemma arises when considering the transition to green energy on the many islands in the European Union. Should we, in our endeavour to mitigate climate change, proceed with green energy projects even if they alter the landscape and wildlife habitats of these islands?

German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724 – 1804), wrote in his “Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals” (1785) that one should "act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."

When applying this categorical imperative to the green energy transition, we are challenged to consider whether our actions align with principles that could be universally adopted.

By this logic, the imperative to combat climate change emerges as an ethical duty, transcending individual concerns about landscape alteration and wildlife habitats. By working towards a green energy transition, we are striving towards a collective good that benefits not only present generations but also those yet to come.

This is what the EU Commission’s “Green Energy for Islands Initiative” is trying to accomplish.

On the other hand, we have the utilitarian approach, advocated by philosophers like John Stuart Mill (1806 – 1873). Utilitarianism teaches us that the morally right action is the action that produces the most good.

Applied in the context of European islands, it urges us to consider that, although the transition to green energy promises long-term ecological advantages, we must carefully weigh these against the immediate impact on island landscapes and wildlife habitats.

Aldo Leopold's (1887 – 1948) concept of a land ethic takes us one step further, by encouraging us to expand our moral community to include not only human beings but also the land and its inhabitants (plants, and non-human animals alike). Leopold famously stated in his essay “The Land Ethic” (published posthumously in 1949) that "a thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community."

When contemplating the green energy transition, we are compelled to consider not only human interests but also the intrinsic value of natural ecosystems.

This is exactly what the Sami people in Norway are doing, by protesting the creation of a wind farm on their reindeer herding land.

I believe that, at its core, the dilemma of the green energy transition on European islands is very much aligned with the tension between anthropocentrism and ecocentrism in environmental ethics.

Anthropocentrism is prioritising human interests and well-being, viewing nature primarily as a resource to be exploited for human benefit. Ecocentrism is advocating for the intrinsic value of nature, emphasising the interconnectedness and interdependence of all living beings.

Perhaps the answer to this dilemma lies somewhere between the two. What do you think?

As for us, our aim is to stay on top of these issues, and deliver to you the latest dilemmas, debates, and analysis from the world of the Energy Union and the projects that are our first line of defense against climate change.

Our podcast series, that is getting a revamp in format, focusing on hot issues and the projects that present a solution to them. It is also getting a new name, The List, connecting it to this newsletter, as well as to the list of the topics that the EU energy community will focus on in 2024. 

You can listen to the first episode already. Let us know what you think.

Cheers, Areti

With over 2400 islands scattered across the territory of the European Union, each boasting its unique charm and ecological significance, the need for sustainable energy solutions has never been more pressing. Listen here.

The European Union’s Space Programme, through its flagship components Copernicus and Galileo, provides invaluable tools and data to renewable energy projects to expedite the energy transition. Read now.

Both in concept and practice, energy communities have had a rapid surge in interest. Yusuf Latief investigates their value case and looks at how financing challenges rewired might just add spark to their speed. Read now.

A 42-months Innovation project funded by the EU within the Horizon Europe programme, SYNERGIES focuses on cultivating a data sharing ecosystem, involving the energy data value chain stakeholders in data exchanges for safeguarding the green and resilient operation of the energy system.

In this video, you can get a better idea of the challenge that SYNERGIES aims to tackle and the solution it brings forward.

Eurostat: Fossil fuel reliance in EU increased slightly in 2022.

In 2022, the EU’s reliance on fossil fuels for its overall energy supply stood at 70.9%, as illustrated by the ratio of fossil fuels in gross available energy (the total energy demand of a country or region). This is a slight increase from the levels in 2021, where it stood at 69.9%.

EU Commission: Nearly €600 million for energy infrastructure projects

The Commission has awarded €594 million from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to eight cross-border energy infrastructure projects contributing to decarbonisation and security of supply. The projects were granted the status of Projects of Common Interest in 2022.