This is the smallest circle you can draw on a world map that contains half of the global population.
Known as the Valeriepieris circle, it covers an area of approximately 4,000km in radius, about 6.7% of the Earth’s total surface area, and yet home to more than 50% of the world’s population.
If the world is a greater democracy, then people in this circle would likely have more influence on matters of global significance like the energy transition.
Everybody wants access to affordable energy. Everybody wants reliable supply of energy. And everybody wants sustainable energy sources.
Oftentimes, or at least in the present moment, there are some trade-offs between energy affordability, reliability, and sustainability. How we balance is often a matter of judgement based on context and perspective.
If you are amongst the 800 million people still without access to modern electricity, then chances are energy affordability and reliability may take precedence.
But if you are part of the top 10% of the wealthiest individuals in the world that are responsible for half of the global CO2 emissions, then perhaps energy sustainability might be higher on the agenda.
As we progress with the energy transition, it is important to not lose sight of the bigger picture and the importance of balancing the different needs.
The world will likely require a democratised transition narrative instead of a “one-narrative-fits-all” transition approach.
After all, while we may all be facing the same storm, not all of us are in the same boat.
Congrats!