The core theory posits that global energy consumption trajectories and environmental outcomes (specifically greenhouse gas emissions and human mortality) are determined by the generation mix composition between non-renewable fossil fuels, which exhibit high externalities via combustion-derived pollution and resource extraction impacts, versus renewable sources characterized by lower lifecycle death rates and reduced carbon footprints. Sustainable development goals require a structural transition in energy allocation to prioritize renewables over non-renewables due to their superior safety profiles regarding accidents and atmospheric toxicity, thereby decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation caused by fossil fuel dependency.
The core theory posits that global energy consumption trajectories and environmental outcomes (specifically greenhouse gas emissions and human mortality) are determined by the generation mix composit…