Article by Marios Chalaris. Marios Chalaris is a delegate of the European Union at the Y7 Summit 2025 in the Energy & Environment Track. He also serves as the Director of Community Building at Young European Leadership. His focus is on proactively shaping a sustainable future. He believes that young leaders possess both the opportunity and responsibility to address current Global Challenges and implement transformative changes toward a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges
The present global landscape is defined by the intersection of geopolitical tensions, environmental challenges, and increasing energy demands, necessitating a thorough analysis, careful consideration and strategic planning. Currently, fossil fuels account for 81.5% of global primary energy consumption, with coal consumption is projected to reach approximately 8.7 billion tons in 2024, highlighting our ongoing reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources. Concurrently, renewable energy sources are redefining the discourse, contributing 32% of global electricity generation in 2024. These data underscore the urgency for immediate action and the potential for substantive change.
In general, our energy security is uncertain, critical minerals are being fought over, and ecosystems are teetering on the edge. Our oceans are drowning in microplastics, and our dependence on fossil fuels is creating a climate crisis that’s no longer something we can ignore. But instead of letting these issues overwhelm us, I see them as a massive opportunity. The decisions we make now can influence whether we step into a sustainable future or stay stuck in the same old patterns.
These challenges may seem daunting, but I am convinced that, with the right policies, and the way we will present them, we can turn the tide. The EU is taking bold steps, and I’m proud to be representing these efforts at the Y7 Summit.
Fusion Energy: A Transformative Potential
Fusion energy, the process that powers the Sun and stars, presents a promising avenue for sustainable energy production. in contrast to traditional nuclear fission, fusion is clean, safe, and virtually limitless, capable of revolutionizing global energy production. Fusion Energy has the potential to yield four times more energy than fission, utilizing abundant resources like seawater, and generating no long-term radioactive waste. I advocate for robust research initiatives, international cooperation, and the development of streamlined regulatory frameworks to accelerate fusion’s viability by 2050. Strategic Investment in the development of future scientists and engineers is crucial to overcoming existing obstacle and unlock fusion energy as the cornerstone of a sustainable energy future.
Fusion is not just science fiction—it’s the future! And I truly believe it can be the clean energy source that powers our world in the coming decades. It has the potential to be a true game-changer in tackling the world’s energy and climate challenges.
Energy Security and Advanced Battery Technology
Securing the stability of energy resources is of utmost importance. Priority must be given to the development of reliable storage technologies, with a particular focus on next-generation solid-state batteries. These advanced batteries currently under consideration demonstrate enhanced safety, durability, and efficiency compared to current lithium-ion technologies, which is essential for ensuring a stable renewable energy supply. With global renewable electricity generation anticipated to reach 32% in 2025, batteries are a critical technology to ensuring stable and continuous energy access and facilitating the transition to a Green economy. Furthermore, atomic batteries represent exceptionally durable energy solutions, ideal for applications in medical devices and space exploration, highlighting the diverse potential of advancements in energy storage.
Critical Minerals: Geopolitical and Environmental Considerations
The transition to clean energy has significantly increased the demand for essential minerals, including lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. In 2023, there was a significant increase in lithium consumption, rising by 30%. This surge is largely attributed to advancements in battery technology, which currently represents 70% of the total global usage of cobalt. Forecasts suggest a 50% rise in copper demand and a twofold increase in nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements by the year 2040, aligned with the Net Zero Emissions scenario. In light of these challenges, I advocate for the establishment of ambitious recycling targets and the implementation of sustainable mining practices. Establishing effective frameworks for the recovery of essential minerals from current resources minimizes environmental repercussions and mitigates geopolitical conflicts, thereby guaranteeing secure, ethical, and sustainable supply chains.
The rising demand for critical minerals necessitates strategic policy action centered on sustainable mining practices and advanced recycling systems. By establishing mechanisms to recover and reuse these vital resources, we can significantly reduce environmental degradation and curb the need for new extraction. Setting ambitious recycling targets ensures that a growing share of mineral demand is met through secondary sources rather than continuous exploitation. This approach not only strengthens supply chain resilience and energy security but also actively promotes the circular economy—minimizing waste, maximizing resource efficiency, and reinforcing the sustainability of the green transition. In doing so, we can ensure that our shift to low-carbon technologies is both ethical and environmentally responsible.
Oceans and Clean Water: Protecting Vital Resources
The health of our oceans is crucial for maintaining planetary well-being, supporting biodiversity, and regulating climate. However, they are currently under significant threat from plastic pollution. At present, it is estimated that between 75 and 199 million tonnes of plastic are contaminating our oceans, with an additional influx of 8 to 10 million metric tonnes each year. The average concentration of microplastics in seawater worldwide is 2.76 items per cubic meter, which poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. It is concerning that a significant percentage of fish currently contain microplastics, which poses a direct risk to human food sources. In addressing this pressing issue, I propose the implementation of more robust international regulations to combat plastic pollution, the promotion of sustainable fishing methodologies, and the allocation of resources toward innovative ocean cleanup technologies. Ensuring the health of our oceans is essential, as it influences both environmental stability and the livelihoods and economies that rely on marine ecosystems.
Green Finance: Fueling a sustainable Development
To achieve these ambitious goals, requires to implement strong financial mechanisms that support environmental sustainability, such as green bonds, climate funds, and strategies for carbon pricing. These financial instruments have the potential to mobilize substantial investments in renewable energy projects, sustainable infrastructure, and critical technologies. It is essential to ensure that green finance is both accessible and equitable for all stakeholders. A just transition is necessary to support communities reliant on fossil fuels, guaranteeing that all stakeholders benefit from the movement towards sustainability.
Circular Economy: Rethinking the Way We Live
Implementing principles of a circular economy, characterized by the design of products for durability, reuse, and recycling, has the potential to substantially decrease waste and minimize resource extraction. Implementing these practices throughout manufacturing and consumption sectors promotes sustainability and enhances economic resilience, which are crucial for ensuring long-term environmental health.
Securing a Sustainable Future
The initiatives outlined-fusion energy development, advanced battery technologies, critical mineral recycling, ocean protection, inclusive green finance, and circular economy principles—form a strategic framework for implementation. Through the implementation of strategic, decisive and timely action now, we can secure a future characterized by clean energy, thriving ecosystems, and sustainable development. Immediate Action is essential. We must act without delay. By combining the ambition of youth with evidence-based strategies, we can guide the G7 and the global community toward a sustainable future.
