Energy and Ethics: A Race We should Win
Gregory-Telemachos Stamkopoulos （ Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Social Theology and Christian Culture ）
Katerina Tsita （ Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Economics ）
Spyros Kiartzis （ HELLENiQ ENERGY Group, 8A, Chimarras Str., 151 25 Marousi, Greece ）
https://doi.org/10.37155/2972-4813-gep0401-1Abstract
The global paradigm shift towards sustainable energy solutions has led to an unprecedented emphasis on renewable energy sources. This paper delves into the transformative potential of renewable energy as not just a technological advancement but a beacon for ethical progress. We explore the multifaceted dimensions of renewable energy, from its ability to mitigate climate crisis and its role in promoting energy equity and security to its potential to reshape geopolitical landscapes. The ethical considerations underpinning these shifts are paramount; transitioning to renewables questions our responsibility to future generations, challenges current power structures, and demands reconsidering resource distribution. In a world grappling with environmental degradation and socio-economic disparities, renewable energy emerges not merely as an alternative power source but as a game changer that intertwines technological potential with ethical imperatives. This paper highlights the urgency of embracing renewable energy for its environmental merits and the profound ethical transformation it promises for the future.
Keywords
Renewable energy; Global warming; Ethical implicationsFull Text
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[5]S. Kiartzis, K. Tsita, and E. Paschalidou, Energy in Transition: Investing in Green Energy and Circular Economy to Enhance Energy Security. Springer International Publishing, 2021, pp. 225–245.
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[7]J. Chryssavgis and N. Asproulis, Priests of Creation: John Zizioulas on Discerning an Ecological Ethos. Bloomsbury Academic, 2021.
[8]S. Kiartzis, The Change to Change Environment and Culture: Victories, Defeats and Compromises. Ecumenical Patriarchate, 2022, pp. 20–24.
[9]E. A. Nanaki and G. Xydis, Exergetic Aspects of Renewable Energy Systems: Insights to transportation and energy sector for intelligent communities. Taylor and Francis Group, 7 2019.
[10]L. Niamir, E. Verdolini, and G. F. Nemet, “Social innovation enablers to unlock a low energy demand future,” Environmental Research Letters, vol. 19, no. 2, p. 024033, feb 2024.
[11]M. Tavanti, “Ethos of sustainability leadership,” in Developing Sustainability in Organizations: A Values-Based Approach. Springer, 2023, pp. 119–142.
[12]Y. Ghorbani, S. E. Zhang, G. T. Nwaila, J. E. Bourdeau, and D. H. Rose, “Embracing a diverse approach to a globally inclusive green energy transition: Moving beyond decarbonisation and recognising realistic carbon reduction strategies,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 434, p. 140414, 2024.
[13]O. P. Igbinenikaro, O. O. Adekoya, and E. A. Etukudoh, “Conceptualizing sustainable offshore operations: integration of renewable energy systems,” International Journal of Frontiers in Science and Technology Research, vol. 6, no. 02, pp. 031–043, 2024.
[14]P. Johnstone and J. Schot, “Shocks, institutional change, and sustain- ability transitions,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 120, no. 47, p. e2206226120, 2023.
[15]M. Bolinger, J. Seel, and D. Robson, “Utility-scale solar. empirical trends in project technology, cost, performance, and ppa pricing in the United States-2019 edition,” 2023. [Online]. Available: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5rc3j8cj
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[18]S. Hormio, “Collective responsibility for climate change,” WIREs Climate Change, vol. 14, no. 4, p. e830, 2023.
[19]C. Popescu, S. A. Apostu, I. G. Ra˘dulescu, J. D. Mures, an, and A. G. Brezoi, “Energizing the now: Navigating the critical landscape of today’s energy challenges—an in-depth review,” Energies, vol. 17, no. 3, 2024.
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[24]K. Bouzar, “No peace, no sustainable development a vicious cycle that we can break,” UN Chronicle, vol. 52, pp. 13–16, 03 2016.
[25]R. J. Heffron and L. De Fontenelle, “Implementing energy justice through a new social contract,” Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law, vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 141–155, 2023.
[26]G. Jiglau, M. Hesselman, A. Dobbins, K. Grossmann, R. Guyet, S. Tirado Herrero, and A. Varo, “Energy and the social contract: From “energy consumers” to “people with a right to energy”,” Sustainable Development, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 1321–1336, 2024.
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[30]P. J. Nickel, “Disruptive innovation and moral uncertainty,” NanoEthics, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 259–269, 2020.
[31]A. Samuel, Sufficiency economy: Enough, For Everyone, Forever. Simplicity Institute Publishing, 8 2015.
[32]L. Fraccascia, V. Yazdanpanah, G. van Capelleveen, and D. M. Yazan, “Energy-based industrial symbiosis: a literature review for circular energy transition,” Environment, Development and Sustainability, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 4791–4825, 2021.
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[34]B. Marchi, S. Zanoni, and L. Zavanella, “Symbiosis between industrial systems, utilities and public service facilities for boosting energy and resource efficiency,” Energy procedia, vol. 128, pp. 544–550, 9 2017.
[35]M. Hayes and T. von Bu¨low, “New drivers of the renewable energy transition: The critical importance of supporting and accelerating sustainable energy innovation,” October 2018. [Online]. Available: https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2018/10/ new-drivers-of-the-renewable-energy-transtion-part3.pdf
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[37]J. Pinkse, P. Demirel, and A. Marino, “Unlocking innovation for net zero: constraints, enablers, and firm-level transition strategies,” Industry and Innovation, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 16–41, 2024.
[38]B. Gates, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://books.google.gr/books?id= pHK0DwAAQBAJ
[39]T. Hoppe and G. de Vries, “Social innovation and the energy transition,”
Sustainability, vol. 11, no. 141, 2019.
[40]C. Digmayer and G. P. Pogue, “Using community values and governance preferences to facilitate transitions toward sustainable energies,” IEEE Transactions on Technology and Society, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 314–324, 2023.
[41]M. Blohm, “An enabling framework to support the sustainable energy transition at the national level,” Sustainability, vol. 13(7), no. 3834, 2021.
[42]J. Chryssavgis and N. Asproulis, Priests of Creation: John Zizioulas on Discerning an Ecological Ethos. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://books.google.gr/books?id=32ovEAAAQBAJ
[43]G. Di Bernardo, The Epistemological Foundation of Sociology, 2021.
[44]J. Chryssavgis, Creation as Sacrament: Reflections on Ecology and Spirituality. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://books.google.gr/books?id=OLSXDwAAQBAJ
[45]A. of Stavronikita Vasileios, Ecology and Monasticism, ser. Mount Athos. Alexander Press, 1996. [Online]. Available: https://books.google.gr/books?id= 9abtgAACAAJ
[46]E. P. Bartholomew, Encountering the Mystery: Understanding Orthodox Christianity Today. Doubleday, 2008. [Online]. Available: https://books.google.gr/books?id=Gs9vDwAAQBAJ
Copyright © 2026 Gregory-Telemachos Stamkopoulos, Katerina Tsita, Spyros Kiartzis
Publishing time:2026-03-23
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License