Topic: Encouraging Alternative Energy
Country: Portugal
Delegate Name: Hope Rozeveld
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Portugal position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
As the population of the world increases, so do carbon emissions. Portugal certainly understands this, and has been working at finding alternative energy sources within the country for over a decade. In 2014, 63% of energy used in Portugal was supplied by renewable sources.
One way that Portugal has been able to do this is through the establishment of a new energy policy created in 2001. The programme consists of many different measures that all work towards increasing the efficiency and competitiveness of the Portuguese economy. Over the first 7 years, natural gas was introduced and the energy market was opened up to competition, instead of being controlled by the state. The introduction of natural gas has led to less dependency on oil and coal, better balancing energy sources. More recently, focus has shifted to the use of renewable energy. By encouraging the use of renewable energy, Portugal has certainly seen carbon dioxide emissions go down which has served to better protect the environment in the country. Portugal certainly would suggest this approach at conference as it has worked out well for the country, and it is more progressive so countries will not be immediately forced into anything. Additionally, it leaves room for citizens to have plenty of freedom when it comes to choosing their desired energy source. Portugal firmly believes that government must always play a role in state matters. Portugal is willing to work with anyone who is open to such things, but will also listen to other potential ideas.
