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Protests in Berlin against the fossil gas industry, while activists call for a transition to clean energy via the No Fracking Brazil campaign.
In 2023, the intense dispute over the fossil gas industry has been intensifying globally, with mining playing a central role. The liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is undergoing significant changes, pushing for the expansion of fracking in several regions. The fracking technique, used to extract fossil gas, raises heated debates and is under the watchful eye of environmental activists. They point out that fracking can entail considerable environmental risks, while also questioning the sustainability model of associated mining.
As recently as October 2023, Berlin became the epicenter of protests against LNG exploration. Local and international activists have come together, vigorously protesting against the industry’s continued reliance on fracking. Resistance movements are demanding a drastic transition to cleaner energy sources, highlighting the dangers of current extractive practices. At the same time, mining is still crucial to the industry, directly influencing investment decisions.
The presence of mining leaders at fossil gas conferences signals the importance of a collaborative approach to future developments, with a focus on automation and efficiency. It is clear that the mining sector wants to be seen as an ally in the search for more sustainable energy solutions. The extractive industry continues to play a vital role in shaping the future direction of fossil gas, especially in the face of pressures to reduce the carbon footprint.
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At the same time, professionals in the field have been working tirelessly to find innovative solutions that balance energy demand with environmentally friendly practices. The integration of advanced technologies and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies into mining could be the game changer needed to enable a greener infrastructure. By 2025, mining is expected to be at the forefront of global energy transition initiatives, empowering the sector to reduce emissions and improve its operational efficiency.
Global Impact and Future Projections
Recent events indicate that mining needs to prioritize sustainability while continuing to support the fossil gas industry. Current trends show that related industries are constantly evolving, with critical minerals mining becoming part of energy diversification strategies. Experts predict that in the next two years these sectors will need to integrate ESG practices even more deeply to meet new international and regional requirements.
The source of data and recent developments includes participations and reports from international conferences such as the 'Future of Sustainable Energy' meeting in Berlin 2023 as well as analyses by the Institute for Clean Energy Studies. These documents highlight the complexity of aligning automation with the energy transition within traditionally resistant sectors such as mining.
Fossil Gas Industry Meeting at the World LNG Summit
Leaders from major corporations such as Shell, ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies are gathered for the World LNG Summit, which takes place at the prestigious Hotel Adlon in Berlin until December 12. This important networking event is a key opportunity for the fossil gas industry to discuss new projects and seal new agreements, with a special focus on exploration of liquefied natural gas (LNG). While celebrating their achievements, activists from several nations and civil society organizations organized the Counter-Gas Summit, taking place at the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, also in Berlin. This event aims not only to stop the advance of LNG, but also to alert the global public to the devastating effects of these economic practices on the environment and society.
Gas Counter-Summit and Global Mobilization
With the participation of different representatives, the ARAYARA Institute is at the heart of the global protest called 'Stop the Gas Lobby – FRACK OFF!', driven by the Stop Gas Summit. 'Participating in international mobilizations is crucial for ARAYARA to reinforce its dedication to combat the expansion of the fossil gas industry and to quickly promote the transition to a future based on renewable energies', emphasized Nicole de Oliveira Figueiredo, executive director of ARAYARA. According to environmental organizations, the executive conclave is held under the guise of extolling innovations, using greenwashing practices to hide the social and environmental impacts harmful effects of their operations. However, the agreements reached at these meetings disregard urgent climate concerns, deepening the world's dependence on non-renewable fuels.
Fossil Gas Advance and Protests in Brazil
As protests rage in Berlin, a paradoxical situation persists in Brazil. Despite its huge potential for renewable energy, the country continues to make progress in fossil gas infrastructure. Research conducted by ARAYARA revealed the existence of 29 LNG terminals at different stages of development, with seven operating and another eight in the environmental licensing phase. Alarmingly, almost a third of these terminals are located in the Legal Amazon, a region already highly affected by socio-environmental impacts. Environmental engineer Alisson Capelli warns that the expansion of LNG in the Amazon puts sensitive ecosystems at risk and local communities, citing, for example, Barcarena, in Pará. A new gas fired power plant is under construction there, with an expected capacity of up to 2,6 GW, in a location already marked by constant environmental disasters.
Global Impacts and Challenges of LNG and Fracking
Since the 2000s, Barcarena has faced several environmental problems, including chemical leaks and water contamination, in addition to the tragic sinking of a ship full of cattle, which gave it the nickname 'Chernobyl of the Amazon'. The expansion of LNG and fracking is not limited to Brazil and is a global concern. Information from the Investing in Climate Chaos platform shows that more than 7000 institutional investors own a total of 4,3 trillion dollars in shares and bonds of companies in the fossil fuel sector, according to data up to May 2024. For Nicole de Oliveira Figueiredo, the fight against the gas industry is more than economic; it is a 'matter of survival' for communities and our planet. ' While industry leaders seek to maximize their profits, activists stand firm in their fight for a more just and renewable future. As COP30 approaches, Brazil faces the choice between continuing with these fuels or leading the way transition to clean energy', she concluded.
No Fracking Brazil Campaign and Legislative Achievements
Since 2016, the ARAYARA Institute, together with the Non-Fracking Brazil Coalition for Climate, Water and Life (COESUS), has been leading the 'No Fracking Brazil' campaign, which aims to mobilize civil society, legislators and authorities to ban this harmful practice in the country. Among its achievements is the institution of Brazil's first anti-fracking legislation, approved in Paraná in July 2019, followed by the approval of bill No. 145/2019, which prohibits shale gas exploration in Santa Catarina. Recently, on December 2, the Federal Court decreed the suspension of the use of fracking for extraction in the Recôncavo Baiano region, marking yet another significant advance in environmental protection and the fight against this practice in Brazil.
Source: ARAYARA Press
