The 'energy transition' as imperial rhetoric and the denialism of the Capitalocene. An analysis and reflection based on the European Green Deal

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the severity of the climate crisis, this paper critically analyses the discourse surrounding the 'energy transition' as a supposedly realistic and progressive alternative to the denial of the need for action on climate change espoused by some in the global economic and political power bloc. The policies of the European Green Deal are analysed as a paradigmatic example of the 'transition' and 'decarbonisation' agenda. However, considering its objectives and effects, this 'energy transition' approach does not address the root causes of the climate crisis; rather, it aims to turn the crisis into a new vector of economic and geopolitical competitiveness, thereby deepening the historical and structural asymmetries of the system. We advocate broadening the analysis to encompass not only the energy matrix, but also the power structure and the geosociometabolic regime of energy appropriation and disposal.