This Monday, July 3, the Galapagos Islands will host the Summit on Sustainable and Inclusive Decarbonization, an event that will bring together researchers and leaders from around the world. The meeting is promoted by the Ecuadorian-British Chamber, the University of Edinburgh (Scotland) and the University of San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), as part of the Galapagos Living Lab for Energy Innovation initiative, in the context of COP 26. Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal of the University of Edinburgh reviews the issues on which will also discuss the urgency of the energy transition on the iconic islands.

Galapagos will host an event on sustainability on the islands and their energy transition. What are the objectives of the appointment?

The University of Edinburgh is very proud to be part of this collaboration, together with the University of San Francisco and the Ecuadorian-British Chamber of Commerce, in considering the needs, opportunities and challenges for the energy transition in the islands. It is important to note that the cooperation between these entities began several years ago. Our teams worked on projects and proposals. This event is a way of communicating the results of this joint work.

Why was Galapagos chosen?

There are two reasons. The two universities are committed to solving global problems such as climate change and within that, in the Galapagos, they are looking for solutions in the minds of both ordinary people and tourists. Another reason is that the ecosystem is in danger and it is urgent to find solutions to protect endemic species. There is a global commitment to these iconic islands.

Is it also related to the fact that Charles Darwin studied at the University of Edinburgh?

There is a historical connection. Charles Darwin studied at two British universities, first in Edinburgh, where he studied medicine and developed an interest in biology, and then moved to Cambridge, where he studied theology. However, he did not continue his theological studies, but deepened the subject of biology.

What needs to change in the Galapagos and what are the current threats?

We believe that appreciation of the fragility of the Galapagos must be increased. Tourism is good for economic development, but care should be taken not to affect the islands and their fragility.

But you are also thinking about the issue of energy transition, why and what would it consist of?

The energy transition is necessary not only for the Galapagos, but for the entire world. Considering the fragility of the islands, the use of fossil fuels in particular is much more harmful to the species. That is why the transition is urgent. The transition of vehicles to electric, to ships that are also electric, especially for short distances, was considered. Think about new technologies and make sure that the needs of local people do not compete with the needs of tourism. Many times tourists who have a high economic level have expectations regarding services: hotel, food. At the same time, there is a disparity in what the general population can access.

Can you start implementing projects after this summit? When could it be?

Academic research is always seen as the creation of new knowledge. In this appointment, academics will be interested in understanding what happens to species, how they may be affected by interventions. Whether they are in danger or not, that will be one of the aspects of interest. Long-term sustainability, which will require cooperation between entities, will also be discussed. You have to be patient, especially when talking about these complex topics. Now we present institutions that will exist in time and that can fulfill obligations in the future.

You said that it is necessary to make an energy transition in the whole world, what are the reasons?

There is evidence all over the world that with fossil fuels, we generate sea level rise, damage the marine ecosystem, and cause various damages to the environment. We have to think not only about the short-term benefits, but about our children and the consequences of this damage we are causing.

As Ecuador, we are currently at a debate or crossroads on Yasuní. A referendum will be held to tell the public whether or not they agree with the continued exploitation of crude oil, but there is no obvious way to compensate for the loss of economic resources. How do you analyze this situation?

This is not a problem only in Ecuador, but in several countries. For example, Saudi Arabia has been dependent on oil for years and got rich on crude oil, but now it has to look for other alternatives to generate resources. Think, for example, of tourism and alternative forms of energy. It is true that oil has been important to Ecuador’s economic development, but there is a responsibility to try to find a transitional period. However, it cannot happen overnight, but it will have to happen. Eventually, we won’t be able to continue using fossil fuels. What should be asked of the population is whether now is the time to start the transition or whether the process needs more time.