Emergy dynamics of energy in Latin America, challenges for strategic territorial planning
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26512/patryter.v9i17.54646Keywords:
emergy; uses of the territory; spatial inequalities; energy poverty map; cartography of energy uses.Abstract
This article analyzes the energy dynamics of Latin America from an interdisciplinary perspective. It applies the emergy methodology, combined with geographical analysis, to assess energy production, consumption, imports, and exports. The results show that emergy metrics reveal disparities not visible in conventional analyses, indicating challenges both in the efficient management of resources and in addressing territorial inequalities. This study emphasizes that, although many countries present production surpluses, the internal appropriation of high-quality energy is limited, reinforcing energy poverty among parts of the population. It also highlights that the energy transition over the past decade has been slow, with a strong dependence on non-renewable sources, as evidenced by the water crisis in Brazil. The study concludes that energy autonomy policies, based on local potential and the adoption of emergy as a strategic metric, are essential to achieving greater equity and regional sovereignty.
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