Chad explores 'green coal' as a low-cost, low-emission energy alternative amid deforestation and fuel poverty
Original framing: “'Green coal' offers Chad a cleaner and cheaper alternative to coal and wood” — Africa News
The 'green coal' narrative plays the role of a trickster by promising a quick fix to complex problems. Like the mythic figure Coyote, it offers a clever but potentially misleading solution that distracts from the deeper structural issues. This framing, while well-intentioned, risks reinforcing the illusion of a singular technological salvation.
The 'green coal' narrative in Chad reflects a broader pattern of technological optimism in post-colonial development, where quick fixes are presented as solutions to complex, systemic issues.
This framing obscures the historical and structural roots of deforestation and fuel poverty, including colonial land degradation and the marginalization of Indigenous and pastoralist communities. A more holistic approach would integrate agroforestry, decentralized renewables, and participatory governance to create sustainable and equitable energy systems. By engaging local knowledge and addressing power imbalances, Chad can move toward a future where energy solutions are rooted in ecological integrity and social justice.