Page 31 - Energize April 2021

VIEWS AND OPINION

Running out of time to sustain the planet

by Zirk Botha

Economic development consultant in renewable energies and world record breaking ocean rower, Zirk Botha,
has just completed a 72-day solo row from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro, sponsored by juwi Renewable
Energies, to promote sustainable development and the use of renewable energy. All the electronic equipment
on his boat, Ratel, was powered entirely by solar PV. He shares the perspective he gained on his journey
about the planet and our role in its future.

y Row2Rio experience taught me that a big project requires to renewable energy is in direct alignment with the UN Sustainable
time. Time to research, time to plan, time to prepare and Development goals. It is considerably cheaper than any other form of
Mfinally time to execute. energy, with a tariff that is reducing year on year and currently stands
That is in total contradiction in the world that we live in, where at half of fossil fuel and even less when compared to nuclear. It is also
instant gratification and prioritising short-term goals over long-term a lot quicker to establish a renewable energy facility, whether it is on
goals has become the norm. Yet, we still believe that there is time, lots a domestic or utility scale. Renewable energy does not impact on the
of time tomorrow and next week, next month and next year. environment, most notably it does not create pollution which causes
It is the belief that we have time and that short-term priorities must lung diseases for residents in the area as do coal fired facilities, nor
take preference that has caused the planet to be in the critical state does it have the capacity to cause the devastation associated with a
that it is in. During my 72 days at sea, I had no access to news, but I nuclear malfunction.
could observe the status of the marine environment. The challenge is that there are no quick fixes, and unless a medium-
The lack of sea life even in areas, known to have had healthy and long-term plan is put into place, all the efforts of politicians to try
populations, was shocking. Over my entire 7200km journey I only saw and preserve jobs at coal-fired plants will be to no avail.
three marlin, two small pods of dolphins, a sunfish and two dorados. Hard choices by strong leaders are needed to secure our future.
Previously ocean rowers would have dorados and schools of fish Renewable energy made up 28% of the global total last year, up 2%
using their boats for shelter for many weeks, but I experienced none on the previous year. There is a steady shift in investment appetite
of that. It is no surprise that many aquatic animals are featured on the away from fossil fuels and this percentage will only increase. South
WWF endangered species list. Countries should not be allowed to Africa needs to follow the global trend.
fish out the oceans across the globe; this often includes large fleets of The belief that we have time is wrong. Unless we find ways
foreign ships exploiting fish stocks far from their own coastal waters. to protect the planet and create alternative means of growing
The tug that politicians face between people, profit and planet is the resources we need to survive, the human race will achieve a
a real one. With poverty escalating globally and a massive demand critical point of decline in the next ten years. Ten percent of the
for jobs in a poor economy the pressure is on to preserve jobs, but World population is surviving on $1,90 (R28,50) per day and 40%
at what cost? Politicians globally should be better educated and of the World population is currently surviving on an income of $5,50
informed about sustainable development in order to be able to make (R82,00) per day. Adding any further disasters like Covid 19, will push
responsible decisions. populations across the brink. We no longer have the luxury of time. We
The UN Sustainable Development Goals is a well thought through need to act now.
policy, factoring in the need to fight poverty and provide poor people The track record of international political leaders, sadly, is poor
with basic resources including access to electricity and technology. and we cannot rely on them to make responsible decisions. It is up
This document should be a primary reference for all politicians and to us to force them to do so. We need to make our voices heard –
economists, because it strikes a balance between looking after and any way that you can. I chose Row2rio2020 to create awareness
restoring our planet, while looking after the needs of humans. around Sustainable Development, please add your voice to mine, and
As humans we are either active or reactive. Active means you demand responsible change. n
are in control, reactive means you are being controlled by others
and circumstances. My core purpose in completing the row was Zirk Botha arriving in Cabo Frio outside
to highlight the need for sustainable development planning, and Rio de Janeiro after 72 days at sea.
especially the use of renewable energy as part of the solution for a Image Credit: Gonzalo Arselli
healthier planet. Achieving sustainable development goals requires
planning and being active. There is no instant gratification.
We, as the human race, no longer have the luxury of time when it
comes to sustainable development, simply because we have allowed
greed and instant gratification to become the big drivers in decision
making. Turning the tide against the destruction of the planet requires
sustained action that starts today.
One of the key actions around sustainable development is ending
the use of fossil fuels and choosing renewable energy. Converting

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